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AGENDA
Planning & Environment
Committee Meeting
Tuesday, 8 August 2023
commencing at 9:30 AM
Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin
Committee: Crs Tom Wegener (Chair), Karen Finzel, Clare Stewart, Brian Stockwell
“Noosa Shire – different by nature”
Page 1 of 348
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Full text of sections 2 to 106 (of 350)
Section 2
PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING 8 AUGUST 2023
1. ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES
2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
3. PRESENTATIONS
4. DEPUTATIONS
5. REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMITTEE
EASTERN BEACHES FORESHORE RESERVES MANAGEMENT PLAN -
5.1.
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION OVERVIEW AND PROPOSED CHANGES
MCU22/0039 – APPLICATION FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE -
5.2. RELOCATABLE HOME PARK (COMMUNITY AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING - 32
DWELLINGS) AT 55 AND 70 CARPENTERS RD, COOROY
5.3. THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS POLICY REVIEW
6. REPORTS FOR NOTING BY THE COMMITTEE
6.1. PLANNING APPLICATIONS DECIDED BY DELEGATED AUTHORITY JUNE 2023
7. CLOSED SESSION
8. MEETING CLOSURE
Page 2 of 348
Section 3
PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING 8 AUGUST 2023
5.1 EASTERN BEACHES FORESHORE RESERVES MANAGEMENT PLAN - COMMUNITY
CONSULTATION OVERVIEW AND PROPOSED CHANGES
Author Environment Officer Coastal Management, Melissa Coyle
Strategy and Environment and Sustainable Development Department
Index ECM/Subject/Environmental Management 21.51
Attachments 1. Attachment 1 EBFRMP 2023 Draft Final
2. Attachment 2 EBFRMP 2023 Draft - tracked changes
3. Attachment 3 EBFRMP Engagement Analysis Articulous
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report summarises community input received during the public consultation period for the draft
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Management Plan, Council's proposed response, and a revised Eastern
Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan for Council approval.
RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Environment Officer – Coastal Management to the Planning &
Environment Committee meeting dated 8 August 2023 regarding the Eastern Beaches Foreshore
Reserves Management Plan and community consultation and:
A. Note the community input received during the public consultation period for the draft Eastern
Beaches Foreshore Management Plan and Council's proposed response;
B. Approve the revised Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan for implementation
- provided at Attachment 1; and
C. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to make minor changes or amendments to the document
prior to publishing on Council's website.
REPORT
Background – Noosa’s Vision, Principles and Values
Council's revised Corporate Plan 2023-2028 notes that historically, Noosa has chosen a different
path to other councils and continues to build upon this successful legacy and reap the benefits, with
large tracts of retained vegetation, the healthiest waterways in the region, and an engaged and active
community. These great strengths also form the basis of Noosa’s economy, creating a point of
difference, recognised brand and green credentials, encouraging people from all over the world to
visit and enjoy Noosa’s natural environment.
The Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves exemplify this statement and are an iconic part of
Noosa’s coastal landscape and are central to Noosa’s coastal neighbourhoods - most of our seaside
residents and communities live alongside them. They are central to the Noosa resident and visitor
experience, with many people walking through the reserves to access Noosa’s beaches, enjoying
the beautiful views the area has to offer. Community Bushland Care volunteers are very active
across the Eastern Beaches, with seven groups working at multiple sites in and next to the reserves.
The Community's approach to their environment – being connected, engaged and inspired by our
unique environment - was brought to the fore during community consultation for the Noosa Coastal
Hazards Adaptation Plan (CHAP) 2021. “There is a strong preference for nature-based solutions
Page 3 of 348
Section 4
PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING 8 AUGUST 2023
that fit with the look and feel of Noosa, and that minimise impacts to natural environments,” and,
“natural and scenic amenity assets are considered to have the highest intrinsic value to the
community” (CHAP, 2021:18).
Community consultation
The public consultation period for the draft Eastern Beaches Foreshore Management Plan was held
from 20 February 2023 to 20 March 2023 and was extended to 31 March 2023. The following
promotional activities were undertaken to notify the public of the consultation period:
• The draft plan was made available on the Your Say webpage.
• Notification of the public consultation period was emailed to stakeholders.
• The consultation was advertised on social and traditional media.
• A notice was included in the January rates notice to residents.
Council ran an online survey (204 respondents), 13 pop up events (485 people engaged), 3 public
roundtable workshops (28 participants), 2 dedicated roundtables with the Eastern Beaches
Protection Association (eight participants) and received 92 written submissions.
The January 2023 rates notice insert included information about the consultation process. This was
not delivered to people who receive rates notices electronically. Consequently, Council officers
emailed the insert to people who receive rates notices electronically in mid-March and extended the
consultation to end March to allow more time for people to provide feedback.
Independent engagement consultants analysed data from the community roundtables, online
survey, and popup events. The data was broken down into plan themes and considered as part of
the plan’s review. This engagement analysis is attached to this Council Report as Attachment 3.
Community input and proposed Council responses
The input comments were varied, demonstrating the broad range of community groups and individual
respondents. Areas of interest included:
• A desire to change the scope, focus and objectives of the plan - some community members
felt all programs, activities, and planning for the Eastern Beaches should be in one document.
• A desire for consultation earlier in the process of drafting the plan.
• Misdirected priorities, over-emphasis/exaggeration of the issue of encroachments.
• A desire for action on encroachments versus others who felt there should be less focus on
encroachments.
• Actions tied to objectives, better measures of outcomes, and increased monitoring.
• The need for more on ground works and greater efforts to control weeds.
There were also several comments regarding other locations such as Main Beach, Noosa River and
Noosa North Shore, open space parks, national parks and private land and other matters relating to
Noosa’s CHAP, Noosa's Planning Scheme and the Open Space Strategy. Community input and
officer observations about these other issues will be forwarded to the relevant sections of Council
for consideration.
Community input and subsequent plan review resulted in the following key improvements:
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Section 5
PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING 8 AUGUST 2023
• The scope of the plan has been better described and renamed as the Eastern Beaches
Foreshore Reserves Management Plan to better reflect the area the plan addresses.
• Interaction with other programs and activities in and near the Eastern Beaches Foreshore
Reserves are better described.
• Statements about the reserves’ environmental values and climate change are better
referenced.
• Condition mapping, restoration targets, ecological restoration plans and on ground works are
better described.
• Objectives in each theme section have been better linked to management outcomes in each
theme. Each action has been allocated a time frame, and a measures table included with
each theme to help with monitoring progress and success.
• Encroachments are now dealt with specifically under a separate Encroachments Policy and
Procedure which applies to all Council-managed land across the Shire.
• The themes have been reordered.
Summary of issues raised and proposed responses
COMMUNITY INPUT COUNCIL RESPONSE
Consultation process
Consultation inadequate, Please see consultation description above.
consultation time too short, not
adequately promoted.
Scope
The scope is flawed and does not The plan has been updated to better describe
focus on or fund priority issues – coastal creek erosion, stormwater and
e.g. stormwater and treated wastewater projects and funding, and how they
sewage. All actions to do with the interact with the plan and are being acted upon.
Eastern Beaches should be in one
plan.
The environmental values of the Objectives reviewed to include future
foreshore and importance of future generations and environmental values, these are
generation stewardship should be an important focus.
prioritised.
Management objectives, actions, KPIs
Objectives should be linked to Actions have been linked to objectives, linking
actions, priority actions should be outcomes and a measures table in each theme
identified, and actionable, section.
measurable, and timely KPIs are
needed.
Climate change
A healthy, biodiverse habitat Using natural processes and managing the
increases chances of climate foreshore reserves as natural areas is the
change adaptation. This needs to primary climate change adaptation response
be recognised identified in the CHAP. Improving structural and
species diversity has been better described.
The main source of erosion to Coastal creek and stormwater projects are now
Burgess Creek is wastewater. This better described in the plan.
should be emphasised.
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Section 6
PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING 8 AUGUST 2023
More coastal and erosion The Coastal Monitoring Plan is now better
monitoring is needed and this described in the plan. Coastal monitoring data
needs to be made publicly will be published on Council's website when
available. available.
There is no climate catastrophe on Climate change impacts have been better
the Eastern Beaches. The dunes referenced. Past and current dune condition is
are stable and healthy. also better described.
The coastal hazard area and The erosion-prone area mapping methodology
potential coastal erosion risks are was set by the State Government and will be
overstated in the CHAP. updated periodically as new information
becomes available.
Ecology
Ecological problems and Environmental values and impacts have been
environmental values are referenced with further information provided on
overstated and inaccurate. source data. A new data collection and
monitoring section has been added.
Budget to implement Ecological Condition mapping, restoration targets,
Restoration Plans is welcome - ecological restoration plans and on ground works
focus needs to be on the ground have been better described. Budget has been
restoration. provided in the 2023/24 budget to support
implementation of the plan.
Include fire management and risk Fire risk mitigation is included in the rehabilitation
to life and property mitigation program and works and made explicit in the
measures in rehabilitation of plan.
cleared areas.
Social Values
The importance of significant The critical social values described here are
recreational, social, and visual recognised in the objectives of the draft plan and
values should be explicitly Section 8. The importance of public access and
recognised in the plan. recreation is discussed in Section 12.
Kabi Kabi should be consulted with Council continues to build relationships and
and heavily involved in the plan. collaborative partnerships with Kabi Kabi, and
welcomes Kabi Kabi involvement in the ongoing
implementation of the plan.
Partnerships
The reference to the Community As part of the plan implementation, Council will
Bushland Care Program is review existing partnerships in conjunction with
inadequate. A new collaborative community partners to determine if these are
partnership with Bushcare is meeting community expectations and need to be
required. reframed.
Community education
An ongoing, resourced, education The plan aims to reduce neighbour and visitor-
and awareness campaign is related impacts observed in Bushland
needed to improve understanding Operational Assessment condition mapping.
of the importance of protecting Community education is planned as part of the
dunes. plan's implementation.
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Section 7
PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING 8 AUGUST 2023
Encroachments
Encroachments are a Shire-wide A Shire-wide Encroachments Policy and
issue and separate to the plan for Procedures have been developed and approved
the Eastern Beaches. by Council to provide consistency and clarity for
managing private encroachments into public
reserve areas. Budget has been allocated in the
2023/24 budget to support an additional staff
member and progress onground bushland
recovery work on a shire-wide basis for Council's
bushland areas.
Concern about factual basis of The language regarding encroachments and
concern about encroachments, impacts has been assessed and reviewed.
and inflammatory language.
Bushland Operational Assessment mapping and
data from on ground audits informs Council’s
approach to prioritising and managing
It would be helpful to have some
encroachments.
information about what foreshore
neighbours could do to maintain A � a Good Bushland Neighbour’ education
and improve the health of the program is central to implementation of the
reserves. Encroachments Policy.
Public access and recreation
Management of the reserves as a Recreation, public access and beach access are
natural area is not appropriate. The very important throughout the draft plan, and are
reserves should be managed for highlighted in the second objective and Section
recreation. 12, Public access and recreation.
Universal access for those with Universal access is a priority in the design
disabilities or mobility issues is standards and beach access review projects.
important. Event-based universal access is being explored.
There is a need to improve beach This is included in the beach access review and
access and surf viewing points, design standards project.
while protecting the dunes from
access impacts.
Incidents and disaster management
Bushfire and other urban risks are Fire risk mitigation measures are now explicitly
not managed in the plan. stated in the plan. Community education about
fire risk mitigation is included as an action in the
plan. A fire management program is underway
and funded within the Natural Areas team.
Coastal creeks and stormwater
The plan does not recognise, The plan now better describes its position and
manage, or fund remediation of role in managing the Eastern Beaches Foreshore
current erosion and pollution of Reserves alongside other plans, programs, and
erosion prone areas caused by activities and how they interact. This includes
wastewater. Erosion at creek coastal erosion (CHAP) implementation projects,
mouths is enabling ingress from Burgess Creek integrated catchment
the sea and further erosion. management plan and the high risk erosion
Burgess Creek needs more planning and design project.
detailed management.
Urban areas have been The plan does not deal with private land. This
progressive hardened with some community feedback has been provided to
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Section 8
PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING 8 AUGUST 2023
90% hard surface areas, larger Council's Strategic Planning branch for
roof areas, paving on private land, consideration as part of future development
roads etc all contributing to run off requirements. Other retrofitting options for
and erosion risk. improved stormwater management has been
discussed and referred to Council's Infrastructure
Branch for further consideration as part of capital
works planning.
Better access to Unitywater data, Council coordinates a Shire-wide water quality
external, transparent, independent monitoring program and has a data sharing
water quality testing and public agreement with Unitywater for water quality data
availability of test results and that they gather and monitor under their
assessments. Environmental Authority obligations to the
Department of Environment and Science for the
Burgess Creek wastewater treatment plant.
Council is also planning the development of a
public dashboard for displaying water quality
data for the Burgess Creek and other
subcatchments within the Shire.
All coastal creeks should be Environment Services have been working with
resourced to restore riparian areas Unitywater, Council Infrastructure Services, and
and improve water quality. community members to restore bushland and
improve water quality in and along the coastal
creeks, accommodating erosion issues where
required.
Foreshore tenure and gazettal
The purpose of the foreshore must Recreation and public access is strongly
remain as recreation. Foreshores recognised as very important throughout the
should be managed to include draft plan, in the second objective and Section
barbeque areas, toilets, viewing 12 Public access and recreation.
platforms and quiet seating areas.
Concern that Council intends to The intent of the plan is not to ‘lock up’ reserves
pursue national park status for the or change the way they are being used by the
reserves and losing public access public for recreation. Council is not pursuing
to beach or foreshore reserves. national park status for the beach reserves.
Dogs
Generally support beach dog Council will to explore the review of dog exercise
walking, but need to reduce its areas, community education and information
social and environmental impacts. about dogs on beaches and dog-related
enforcement and develop clearer, more
prominent, and more attractive signage and
Need to provide clear, concise, information about dogs, including for short-term
enforceable information on dog on- accommodation visitors.
leash and dog free beach areas.
Link to Corporate Plan
Objective 1.3 within the Environment theme of the Corporate Plan: Fund and deliver Coastal
Foreshore and Coastal Hazard Management Plans to protect and enhance coastal and foreshore
areas.
Signature projects include: Implementation of Coastal and Foreshore Management Plans.
Page 8 of 348
Section 9
PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING 8 AUGUST 2023
Previous Council Consideration
Ordinary Meeting Minutes, 17 November 2022, Item 3, page 20
That Council note the report by the Environment Officer Coastal Management to the General
Committee Meeting dated 14 November 2022 and
A. Approve the release of the Draft Eastern Beaches Foreshore Management Plan (provided at
Attachment 1) for public consultation in February 2023 with the following amendments:
1. Modify Action 11.1 to read “Develop and resource a Council-managed land encroachment
policy for Council managed natural areas that includes:
• educative compliance as a first measure to address and remove historic encroachments; and
• a zero tolerance and timely enforcement approach to any new encroachments.”
2. Add an action 11.2 to read “Commence a Natural Area, Foreshore and Waterway Ranger
Program with staff that have roles as natural resource managers, education and compliance
officers.”
3. Add an action 11.3 to read: “Institute a broader awareness campaign to encourage good
custodianship of the bushland reserves and beaches including information and signage.”
B. That the resourcing of the Ranger Program be referred to Budget Review 2 for the
commencement of an additional officer at the earliest possible opportunity; and
C. Note the Community Consultation and Engagement Plan (provided at Attachment 2) for the
consultation process.
D. That the CEO be requested to bring forward the Encroachment Policy for all areas of the shire
to the January round of meetings.
Finance
Transitioning from community-managed Coastal Connect to Council-managed reserves
In previous years, Council bush rehabilitation contractor funds were restricted to 3 labour days per
Eastern Beaches foreshore reserve to support bushcare activities. The majority of contractor
ecological restoration in the Eastern Beaches foreshore reserves were delivered by an annual
$75,000 multi-year grant from Council’s Environment Levy to the Coastal Connect project (led by
Bushcare volunteers). This imposed a significant workload on the volunteers. Under the 2023/24
budget, Council has supported the transiting of this restoration work back to Council as core business
rather than it being delivered through the Coastal Connect project.
The 2023/24 budget provides for:
• Ongoing resources for ecological restoration of Eastern Beaches bushland reserves,
including dedicated staff resources to manage increased restoration.
• Transfer of ecological restoration planning, contract management and administration from
volunteers to Council staff.
Risk & Opportunities
Community input during the development of the Environment Strategy 2019 and Noosa CHAP 2021,
and results from the Noosa Liveability Study 2022 strongly support maintaining natural processes
and using nature-based solutions to address climate change risks and conserve and manage natural
areas and natural values. Improving the ecosystem health and resilience of Noosa’s coastal
environments is identified as a management priority in the Noosa Environment Strategy 2019 and
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Management Plan 2021 – 2026.
Page 9 of 348
Section 10
PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING 8 AUGUST 2023
Better management of the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves aligns with Noosa's sustainability
principles, including the protection and enhancement of Noosa's environment, working with
community partners, and increasing community benefit.
Council will not be able to meet these community expectations or strategic outcomes without the
approval and implementation of the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan, now
funded through the 23/24 budget.
Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Community input was sought during the main consultation period for the draft Eastern Beaches
Foreshore Management Plan, held from 20 February 2023 to 31 March 2023. Consultation activities,
engagement numbers, community input and Council's proposed response is reported here and in
the attached independent analysis of community feedback (Attachment 2).
Internal Consultation
Extensive informal and formal discussion about the foreshore reserves and Eastern Beaches
Foreshore Management Plan occurred over several months in 2022 with Council departments. A
three-week formal internal consultation process in August 2022 was completed to coordinate and
record feedback from staff.
Departments consulted:
Office of the CEO, Mayor & Community Services Corporate Services
Councillors
X Mayor & Councillors Director Director
Chief Executive Officer X Community Development X Financial Services
Executive Officers Sport & Active Lifestyles Fleet
X Community Engagement Arts & Culture Revenue Services
People & Culture Community Connection ICT
X Governance Customer Experience Commercial Property
Strategy & Environment & Development & Regulation Infrastructure Services
Sustainable Development
X Director Director Director
X Strategic Land Use Planning Development Assessment X Infrastructure Planning,
Design and Delivery
Economic Development & X Local Laws X Civil and Asset operations
Destination Management
X Environmental Services X Environmental Health X Asset Management
Innovation & Digital Hub Building & Plumbing Building & Facilities
X Property / Permits X Disaster Management
Waste
Page 10 of 348
Section 11
Attachment 1
Eastern Beaches
Foreshore Reserves
Management Plan
2023
August 2023 Draft for Council
adoption post consultation
noosa.qld.gov.au
Page 11 of 348
Section 12
Acknowledgements
Noosa Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters of the
Noosa area, the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) people, and pays respect to their Elders, past, present,
and emerging.
Noosa Council expresses its gratitude for the contribution of the community members, groups and
organisations who participated in consultation and contributed to the development of the Eastern
Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan.
© Noosa Council 2023
www.noosa.qld.gov.au
General Enquiries:
By telephone: (07) 5329 6500
By email: [email protected]
Fax: (07) 5329 6501
Street Address: 9 Pelican Street, TEWANTIN
Postal address: PO Box 141, TEWANTIN QLD 4565
Disclaimer
Information contained in this document is based on available information at the time of writing. All figures and
diagrams are indicative only and should be referred to as such. While the Noosa Council has exercised
reasonable care in preparing this document it does not warrant or represent that it is accurate or complete.
Council or its officers accept no responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from
acting in reliance upon any material contained in this document.
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023 Page 1
Page 12 of 348
Section 13
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary ............................................................................................................. 3
2. About the plan...................................................................................................................... 5
3. Management objectives..................................................................................................... 13
4. Strategy and policy links ................................................................................................... 14
5. Linked projects and programs .......................................................................................... 15
6. Consultation ....................................................................................................................... 16
7. Partnerships ....................................................................................................................... 21
8. Climate change .................................................................................................................. 24
9. Ecology............................................................................................................................... 30
10. Social values ...................................................................................................................... 41
11. Public access and recreation ............................................................................................ 45
12. Coastal creeks and stormwater ........................................................................................ 52
13. Community education ....................................................................................................... 57
14. Incidents and disaster management ................................................................................ 60
15. Encroachments .................................................................................................................. 65
16. Data collection and monitoring......................................................................................... 68
17. Management Actions ......................................................................................................... 72
18. Appendices ........................................................................................................................ 79
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023 Page 2
Page 13 of 348
Section 14
1. Executive Summary
Noosa’s natural amenity is one of the greatest contributors to its liveability, and the Eastern
Beaches Foreshore Reserves are an iconic part of Noosa’s coastal landscapes. These foreshore
reserves are also central to Noosa’s coastal neighbourhoods - most of our seaside residents and
communities live alongside them. They are central to the Noosa resident and visitor experience,
with many people walking through the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves to access Noosa’s
beaches, enjoying the beautiful views the area has to offer.
Noosa’s dune foreshores are significant environmental places too – the ecosystems are unique to
open coastal environments, and they provide a critical link between the ocean and westward
natural areas. Some species, such as the Endangered loggerhead turtle and Vulnerable green
turtle 1, rely on healthy dunes and beaches to reproduce. As climate change continues, the
buffering functions of Noosa’s naturally vegetated foreshores and dunes will play a critical role in
our community’s resilience during storm events.
The specialness of Noosa’s Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves is well recognised by Noosa
people, past and present. For millennia Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) people have lived and worked on
the Eastern Beaches, caring for Country through spiritual and environmental stewardship and
practices. Noosa Shire was designated as a Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2007. This designation highlights
how important environmental and cultural protection is globally, and how it contributes to Noosa’s
livability and success. More locally, when the Noosa community was asked what people valued
most about the Noosa Shire, 77% of the 1655 respondents to the Noosa Shire Liveability Survey
2021 rated ‘Elements of the natural environment (natural features, views, vegetation, topography,
water, wildlife)’ as most important 2.
The Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan provides a clear plan for the
management of the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves for ecosystem health, coastal
resilience, recreation and public access. The plan is in response to the implementation action in
the Noosa Environment Strategy 2019 to implement an Eastern Beaches coastal rehabilitation
program to improve the condition, species diversity and stability of dune ecosystems and enhance
resilience to climate change. The plan also responds to the Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation
Plan preferred management approach to “pursue dune management and revegetation in high risk
erosion areas as a critical and immediate priority for Council and the community in helping to build
coastal resilience and management of erosion risk.
1 Recovery Plan for Marine Turtles in Australia, Commonwealth of Australia 2017’.
2 Noosa Shire Liveability Survey, Noosa Council 2021
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023 Page 3
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Section 15
Figure 1: Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves and near-coastal Bushland Reserves
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023 Page 4
Page 15 of 348
Section 16
2. About the plan
Scope
The Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan covers the the coastal Eastern
Beaches Foreshore Reserves and near–coastal bushland reserves listed below (shown in Figure
1):
• Burgess Creek Bushland Reserve
• Castaways Beach Foreshore Reserve
• Marcus Beach Foreshore Reserve
• Peregian Beach Foreshore Reserve North (including Osprey Park)
• Peregian Beach Foreshore Reserve South
• Peregian Creek Reserve
• Sunrise Beach Foreshore Reserve
• Sunshine Beach Foreshore Reserve
The plan has strong interlinkages with a range of other programs and projects relating to the
eastern beaches, including;
• Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan – Implementation
• Coastal Monitoring Plan
• Burgess Creek monitoring
• Burgess Creek Integrated Catchment Management Plan
• Noosa Eastern Beaches Creeks - High Risk Erosion Prioritisation and Planning
• Integrated Water Quality Monitoring Program
• Bushfire risk management
• Shire-wide Encroachments Policy
For more information, please see Section 6: Linked projects and programs, and Appendix One:
Linked projects and programs and Council’s foreshore and coastal creeks webpage for on-going
and updated information.
Purpose
The purpose of the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan (EBFRMP) is to
describe the social and environmental values of the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves and
identify management issues and actions to maintain and enhance these values in the future. The
plan is to provide overarching guidance for management decisions and actions.
The development and subsequent implementation of the EBFRMP is in response to clear
community desire for nature-based coastal hazards and climate change risk mitigation activities,
demonstrated by public consultation for the Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan 2021. Many
in the community consider that a nature-based approach will best keep the natural look and feel
and safeguard the natural environment, while mitigating coastal hazard impacts. Building the
health and natural stability of the natural foreshores and vegetated dunes, and maintaining natural
coastal processes of erosion and accretion, are central to this approach.
Reserve Management Plans are prepared by Noosa Council and other local governments for
significant bushland reserves or groups of reserves that typically have a wide range of
environmental, social, cultural and recreational values and management considerations. In the
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves this framework allows for considered and in-depth
management of these values to help achieve a range of balanced outcomes. In particular, the
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023 Page 5
Page 16 of 348
Section 17
EBRFMP seeks to strike a balance that incorporates the broad range of community values and
benefits derived from our coastal bushland, including amenity, public access and recreation.
Structure
The Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Objectives listed in Section 3 set the broad.
overarching direction of the foreshore management plan. The plan is broken into ten broad
themes, including:
• Partnerships
• Climate change
• Ecology
• Social values
• Public access and recreation
• Coastal creeks and stormwater
• Community education
• Incidents and disaster management
• Encroachments
• Data collection and monitoring
Management Objectives, outcomes, management actions and measures are layered as follows:
•Management Objectives
•Overarching objectives - what we are working to achieve
•Theme objective
•Objective most directly to linked each theme
•Outcomes
•Links the Theme Objective to Theme Actions, details outcomes that will contribute to achieving the objective
•Management Actions
•What we will do to achieve Theme Objectives and Outcomes
•Measures
•Targets and monitoring to measure progress towards achieving the Theme Objective and Outcomes
The Management Actions for each theme are in that theme section and also collated in a table in
Section 17: Management Actions.
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023 Page 6
Page 17 of 348
Section 18
Sunshine Beach Foreshore Reserve
Seaview Terrace, Sunshine Beach
14.4 hectares
Values
Twelve beach accesses
Three coastal creeks.
High levels of community participation
Active Community Bushland Care group
Flagged, patrolled swimming area
Sunshine Beach Surf Club
Pedestrian access to Noosa National Park
Immediately south of, and connecting Noosa
National Park to coastal foreshore
Of Concern Biodiversity Status Regional
Ecosystem (12.2.15)
High Value Regrowth (12.2.14)
High Ecological Value wetlands
Endangered or vulnerable wildlife
Special animals
Core koala habitat area
Essential habitat
Watercourse vegetation
Very High conservation significance riverine
wetlands
Management considerations
Landscape connectivity loss
High internal fragmentation – beach
accesses, clearing
Significant environmental weed infestations
Steep slopes and vegetation clearing
Three coastal creeks
Significant changes to hydrology and
nutrient profiles – stormwater, roof water
Figure 2: Sunshine Beach Foreshore Reserve
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Section 19
Sunrise Beach Foreshore Reserve
David Low Way, Sunrise Beach
10.4 hectares
Values
Three beach accesses
One coastal creek
High levels of community participation
Active Community Bushland Care group
Strategic and in situ conservation values
High value regrowth
High value riparian wetlands
Loggerhead and green sea turtles
High Value Regrowth (Endangered/Of
concern)
Very High Aquatic conservation significance
Core Habitat for Priority Taxa
Remnant forms part of a Bioregional
Corridor
State Biodiversity Significance
Management Considerations
Significant environmental weed infestations
High internal fragmentation – beach
accesses, clearing
Fire management
Steep slopes and landslips
Concentrated roof and stormwater flows
One coastal creek
Significant changes to hydrology and
nutrient profiles – stormwater, roof water
Figure 3: Sunrise Beach Foreshore Reserve
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Section 20
Burgess Creek Bushland Reserve
David Low Way, Sunrise Beach
10.9 hectares
Values
High conservation values
High levels of community participation
Active Community Bushland Care group
Significant species and habitat
Freshwater wetlands and Burgess Creek
Connecting Noosa National Park to coast
Regional and local pedestrian and cycle
connectivity
High Ecological Value wetlands
Threatened and special wildlife
Very High Aquatic conservation significance
State Significance Bioregional Corridor
State Biodiversity Significance
Management Considerations
High internal fragmentation – paths,
infrastructure, clearing
Water and sewerage infrastructure
Burgess Creek
Significant changes to hydrology and
nutrient profiles – Sewerage Treatment
Plant and stormwater discharge
Erosion and creek mouth movement
Significant environmental weed infestations
Fire management
Deed of Management Agreement with Qld
Department of Resources
Castaways Beach Foreshore Reserve
David Low Way, Castaways Beach
31.66 hectares
Values
6 beach accesses
One coastal creek
High levels of community participation
Active Community Bushland Care group
High strategic, in situ conservation values
Significant species and habitat
Freshwater wetlands
Loggerhead and green sea turtles
High Ecological Value wetlands
Threatened and special wildlife
State Biodiversity Significance
Very High Aquatic conservation significance
State Significance Bioregional Corridor
Management Considerations
High internal fragmentation – beach
accesses, clearing
Coastal creek
Figure 4: Burgess Creek Bushland Reserve and
Significant changes to hydrology and
Castaways Beach Foreshore Reserve nutrient profiles – stormwater, roof water
Significant environmental weed infestations
Fire management
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Section 21
Marcus Beach Foreshore Reserve
and Peregian Creek Bushland
Reserve
Peregian Esplanade, Peregian Beach
14.7 hectares
Values
5 beach accesses
Coastal creeks
High levels of community participation
Active Community Bushland Care group
High strategic and in situ conservation
values
Significant species and habitat
Loggerhead and green sea turtles
State Habitat for Endangered, Vulnerable
and Near Threatened (EVNT) taxa
Very High Aquatic conservation significance
Core Habitat for Priority Taxa
State Biodiversity Significance
State Significance Bioregional Corridor
Connecting Noosa National Park to coastal
foreshore
Management considerations
High internal fragmentation – beach
accesses, clearing
Landscape connectivity issues
Significant changes to hydrology and
nutrient profiles – stormwater, roof water
Significant environmental weed infestations
Marcus Creek mouth movement
Fire management
Figure 5: Marcus Beach Foreshore Reserve and
Peregian Creek Bushland Reserve
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Section 22
Peregian Beach North Foreshore
Reserve (including Osprey Park)
Peregian Esplanade, Peregian Beach
31.24 hectares
Values
10 beach accesses
Coastal creek
High levels of community participation
Active Community Bushland Care group
High strategic and in situ conservation
values
Significant species and habitat
Loggerhead and green sea turtles
State Habitat for EVNT taxa
Very High Aquatic conservation significance
Core Habitat for Priority Taxa
State Biodiversity Significance
State Significance Bioregional Corridor
Management considerations
High internal fragmentation – beach
accesses, clearing
Landscape connectivity issues
Coastal creek
Significant changes to hydrology and
nutrient profiles – stormwater, roof water
Significant environmental weed infestations
Fire management
Figure 6: Peregian Beach North Foreshore Reserve
and Osprey Park
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Section 23
Peregian Beach Foreshore Reserve
South
Lorikeet Drive, Peregian Beach
19.8 hectares
Values
8 beach accesses
High levels of community participation
Active Community Bushland Care group
High strategic and in situ conservation
values
Significant species and habitat
Nesting sea turtles
Connecting Noosa National Park (Coolum
section) to coastal foreshore
Threatened and special wildlife
State Habitat for EVNT taxa
Very High Aquatic conservation significance
Part of a State Significance Bioregional
Corridor
State Biodiversity Significance
Management Considerations
High internal fragmentation
Connecting Noosa National Park (Coolum
section) to coastal foreshore
Nesting sea turtles
Significant changes to hydrology and
nutrient profiles – stormwater, roof water
Significant environmental weed infestations
Fire management
Water infrastructure
Figure 7: Peregian Beach South Foreshore Reserve
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Section 24
3. Management objectives
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Objectives
1. Contribute to Noosa’s liveability and scenic amenity by managing the coastal landscapes
native vegetation and public access in the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves.
2. Maintain adaptive, long-term, inclusive, safe and sustainable public recreational access to
beaches, foreshores, waters, and foreshore bushland.
3. Contribute to improved community climate change resilience and stability of coastal
landforms for current and future generations, using nature-based methods, protecting and
improving native vegetation and managing, and enhancing public access.
4. Contribute towards improved water quality and social and environmental values in the Coral
Sea, Laguna Bay, Noosa River, lakes, and coastal creeks.
5. Identify and protect Kabi Kabi and non-indigenous cultural heritage sites and values in the
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves.
6. Increase understanding of the social and environmental values of foreshores.
7. Develop and foster partnerships to collaboratively manage Noosa’s foreshores to achieve
environmental and community benefit outcomes.
8. Protect and improve the biodiversity values of the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves
network, using best practice management techniques.
9. Manage hazardous vegetation, bushfire, flooding, coastal erosion and pest species within
the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves according to State Government and Council’s
policies, plans, risk appetite and legislative requirements.
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Section 25
4. Strategy and policy links
The EBFRMP sits under the Noosa Environment Strategy 2019 and Noosa Bushland Reserves
Strategic Management Plan 2021– 2026 and the Noosa Coastal Hazard Adaptation Plan 2021. It
complements and supports a large range of local, regional, state, national and international plans,
strategies, charters, agreements, and statutory obligations.
Figure 8; Strategy and policy links
Appendix One: Strategy and Policy Links identifies further relevant legislation and policy links to
this plan and provides a summary of the various strategies and implementation actions set out in
the Environment Strategy and the Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan and their status as it relates to
the EBFRMP.
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Section 26
5. Linked projects and programs
The EBFRMP deals with aspects of Noosa’s coast that are both primarily within the Eastern
Beaches Foreshores Reserves and that relate largely to bushland management. Several other
Council managed programs, projects and activities occur in and near the Eastern Beaches
Foreshore Reserves have strong interlinkages with this plan.
Figure 9: Linked projects and programs
Appendix Two: Linked projects and programs details these programs, projects, and activities as
they relate to the EBFRMP.
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Section 27
6. Consultation
Consultation with Noosa’s community is critical to the development and implementation of the
EBFRMP. Targeted and broader community consultation has informed the management priorities
and specific actions and helped ensure a balanced approach that considers a broader range of
community and environmental values for the foreshore reserves, including recreation and public
access and coastal buffering functions.
Previous engagement with Noosa’s community
Community consultation results from recently completed Noosa Council plans and surveys have
also supported the development and will continue to inform the implementation of the EBFRMP.
Community input during the development of the Environment Strategy 2019 and Noosa Coastal
Hazards Adaptation Plan 2021 and results from the Noosa Liveability Study 2021 strongly support
maintaining natural processes and using nature-based solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate
change and conserve and manage natural areas and natural values. This includes protection and
active on-ground management of local beaches, dunes, habitats and coastal creeks to help build
coastal resilience and improve ecosystem health and adopting measures to avoid or minimise
threats to these values.
Community stakeholders
Community stakeholders relevant to the development of this plan include:
• Bushland Care and other volunteers involved in the EBFRs
• Environment and Natural Resource Management organisations
• Neighbourhood residents and home owners
• Noosa residents
• Sunshine Coast and neighbouring Local Government Area residents
• Individuals and community organisations with interests in and near the EBFRs
• Businesses with interests in and near the EBFRs.
The EBFRs are recognised as having regional community importance. Coastal and hinterland
communities in the region were invited to participate and offered local opportunities to contribute.
Individuals and organisations living in neighbouring Local Government Areas were invited to
participate. Input from further afield was accepted and considered.
Noosa Council provided a range of casual and formal consultation opportunities, including surveys,
written feedback and verbal feedback via pop-ups at community events and street meets, and
workshops at community round table meetings.
Public consultation
The public consultation period for the Draft Eastern Beaches Foreshore Management Plan was
held from 20 February 2023 to 20 March 2023 and was extended to 31 March 2023.
• Have your Say webpage, complete plan available
• Notification emailed to stakeholders
• Advertised on social and traditional media
• Notice included in March rates notice
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Section 28
A flyer insert was provided as part of the January 2023 rates notice to advise ratepayers of the
upcoming consultation. Council emailed out information to people who received rates notices
electronically.
Online survey
• 204 online responders
Community Roundtables
• Face-to-face roundtables - March 7 & March 28
• Online roundtable - March 13
• Face-to-face roundtable - March 28 & April 5 (Eastern Beaches Protection Association)
• Approximately 36 people engaged
Pop-up events
• 13 pop-up events at beach accesses, markets and public facilities
• Approximately 485 people engaged
• Overview of plan and consultation opportunities provided and feedback sought
Written submissions
• 92 submissions received
Survey results
Online survey
• 75.7% of respondents identified as living in the Eastern Beaches area.
• 38.7% respondents identified as members of a community organisation
Results
80.9% of respondents expressed overall support for an EBFRMP, including respondents who
raised suggestions or concerns, but were still supportive of having a plan.
Other responses shared by those who support an EBFR plan included:
• “vitally important and as stated we would 100% support greater resources are applied to
help manage these plans.”
• “long overdue but hopefully will mitigate any future disasters and the long term impact on
the natural environment.”
• “I like the actions and agree things change and need to be addressed. However, I am wary
when it gets wrapped up in the term climate change where time and energy are wasted on
things that cannot be controlled and may not even be happening or the reason for it.”
When asked how well the draft plan identified the environmental values important to them, 62.5%
of respondents chose ’Well’ or ‘Very well’. 13.8% did not think the draft plan identified the
environmental values that were important to them.
When respondents were asked if there was anything missing or overlooked in the draft principles
or in each theme, they provided free text answers that informed the review of the principles and
themes. Across the 204 survey respondents, there were a total of 683 written responses across
the 10 action areas.
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Section 29
Action areas - total responses
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
1: Climate change 80
2: Ecology 80
3: Social values 75
4: Partnerships 58
Action area
5: Community Education 74
6: Encroachments 90
7: Public access and recreation 79
8: Incidents and disaster management 55
9: Coastal creeks and stormwater 65
10: Foreshore tenure and gazettal 27
Community round table
• All attendees were aged 41 or older.
• 53.8% were male and 38.5% were female.
• 52.1% identified as residents or homeowners in the Eastern Beaches Area
42.3% of community roundtable participants are part of a local group.
• Comet Park Bushcare Bushland Care
• Coolum & North Shore Coast Care
• Eastern Beaches Bushcare collaborative
• Eastern Beaches Protection Association
• Natural area contractors
• Noosa and District Landcare
• Noosa Biosphere
• Noosa Bush Beach and Creek Care
• Noosa Heads SLSC
• Noosa Integrated Catchment Association
• Noosa Parks Association
• Non-coastal bushcare groups
• Peregian Beach Community Association
• Peregian Family and Friends Association
• Sunshine Beach Surf Club
• Surfrider Foundation Australia
• Zero Emissions Noosa
Key findings
Stormwater and creeks
• 10.1% of survey responses mentioned stormwater or creek/s
• This was also raised in 4 of the 13 community pop-ups
Major themes included:
• Improve the channelling of stormwater runoff away from the foreshores, particularly
following heavy rain events
• Address water quality in Burgess Creek and work with Unity Water to upgrade filtration from
their treatment plant
• Place greater emphasis on the issue of erosion at the mouth of creek outlets to the beach
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Section 30
Funding
• 5.7% of survey responses regarding the action areas mentioned fund/funds/funding/budget
Major themes included:
• Concern regarding the capacity to fund all action areas proposed
• Clarity on Council approach to ensure appropriate funds can be allocated from the existing
budget
• Establishment of a funding model to resource long term management
Community partnership
• 11.4% of survey responses mentioned neighbour/s or resident/s
Major themes included:
• Leverage community knowledge and interest in caring for and maintaining the reserves
• Increase engagement and partnership with neighbours
Engagement process
• Across the engagement activities there were concerns raised about the consultation
process
Major themes included:
• A desire for greater collaboration with community and stakeholders prior to consultation
beginning
• Scope of the consultation, as respondents wished to discuss related plans and policies
such as the Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan 2021
• Opportunities for greater partnership and engagement from Council on the plan and how it
is delivered
Dogs
• 7.2% of the survey responses regarding the action areas mentioned dog/s
• Dogs were also raised in 9 of the 13 community pop-ups
Major themes included:
• Educate owners on the environmental impacts of dog waste
• Use both education and enforcement to ensure dogs are not present in dog-free beach
areas and only unleashed in designated leash-free areas
• Address damage caused by dogs to the dunes, vegetation and wildlife (particularly when
off-leash)
Weeds
• 6.7% of the survey responses mentioned weed/s or weeding
• This was also raised in 5 of the 13 community pop-ups
Major themes included:
• Focus not only on glory lily, but other pest species such as Singapore daisy and asparagus
fern
• Collaborate with residents on weed management and acknowledge local knowledge and
efforts in this space
• Ensure the removal of weeds is accompanied by an increase of native fauna and flora
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Section 31
Analysis and plan review
Independent engagement consultants analysed data from the community roundtables, online
survey, and the popups. All of the independent analysis and data from the community roundtables,
online survey, popups and submissions were considered during the plan review.
Report and Council consideration for release
This report and associated documents including a report of consultation is available on the Council
meetings section of Council’s website. The independent consultation analysis and reports, the draft
plan with track changes and the consultation review table are available on the Eastern Beaches
Foreshore Reserves Management Plan web page.
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Section 32
7. Partnerships
Noosa Council works with a wide range of partners and stakeholders to manage the EBFRs.
Council works with dedicated volunteers, and various government, education and community
organisations to protect and enhance the natural, cultural and social values of the EBFRs.
Objective
7. Develop and foster partnerships to collaboratively manage Noosa’s foreshores.
Outcomes
• Partnerships are mutually beneficial and supportive
• New memberships for existing partnerships are supported and encouraged
• New partnerships are supported and encouraged
Community Bushland Care Program
Community Bushland Care volunteers are very active across the Eastern Beaches, with seven
groups working at multiple sites in and next to the EBFRs. Eastern Beaches Bushland Care
Groups include Burgess Creek Bushland Care, Castaways Beach Bushland Care, Marcus Creek
Bushland Care, Noosa's Bush, Beach and Creek Care, South Peregian Beach Bushland Care,
North Peregian Bushland Care and Sunrise Beach Bushland Care. Some work twice a week,
others weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Some groups work on more than one site, and some
individuals work with multiple groups.
The Bushland Care groups weed and plant in various reserves, and some apply for grants,
administer large ecological restoration projects and contracts, run community events, fund and
implement community infrastructure and deliver community education projects. Other activities
include citizen science data collection, pandanus leaf stripping and community liaison. They are
supported by Community Bushland Care officers in Council’s Natural Areas Team.
Turtles
Turtle monitoring and response in Noosa is a combination of accredited community volunteers and
Council officers. A team of accredited volunteers from Coolum and North Shore Coast Care maps
and monitors sea turtle nests, protects them from foxes with mesh, relocates nests when they are
endangered by storms or tides and monitors turtle hatchings.
Coolum and North Shore Coast Care also advocate for better protection and management of turtle
nesting sites and conducts community education on how the community can help turtles. They
work closely with Queensland Turtle Care, Sunshine Coast Council, Department of Environment
and Science, and Council’s Natural Areas Team. The Natural Areas team also monitors North
Shore Beach for turtle activity during the laying and hatching season and responds to North Shore
turtle strandings.
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Section 33
Working with educational institutions
Noosa Council has a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of the Sunshine Coast,
primarily targeted towards collaborative research projects, and this can extend to paid internships
and other workplace learning opportunities. Similar arrangements and on-ground projects could be
developed with other institutions such as TAFEs, and secondary and primary schools. Current
projects include 4D beach mapping with the University of the Sunshine Coast as well as satellite-
derived bathymetry trials as part of Council’s Coastal Monitoring Plan. For more information,
please see Section 5: Linked projects and programs and Appendix One: Linked projects and
programs
Environmental and social research opportunities
Council hosts or participates in several research projects, including turtle monitoring with local
volunteer groups, wallum frog monitoring conducted by Mary River Catchment Coordinating
Committee, and algae monitoring.
Other partners in the management of the EBFRs include Noosa & District Landcare, Noosa
Integrated Catchment Association, Unitywater, Sunshine Coast Council and Queensland
Department of Environment and Science.
Coastal Connect
Coastal Connect is a revegetation and regeneration project run by three Bushland Care Group
coordinators along the Eastern Beaches, funding and managing bush regeneration contractor
labour days across the EBFR.
The Coastal Connect project is a successful collaborative project that has achieved strong
environmental outcomes. It requires significant volunteer time to develop projects, write and
administer grants, manage contractors and report on the grants.
According to the Coastal Connect coordinators, project highlights include:
“…observing how our foreshore plantings at Seaview Creek have helped the dunes resist
significant weather events.”
“…contractor teams enabling work to be undertaken in difficult to access or hard to reach spots
and use herbicides, where volunteers don't have the training nor expertise.”
“...creating a balance between visual amenity along public pathways and protecting/regenerating
ecologically important riparian areas.”
Further budget for future years to support the program of works initiated though this volunteer-run
Coastal Connect program could provide for an increase in the number of labour days contractors
are funded to undertake rehabilitation work along the Eastern Beaches.
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Section 34
EBFRMP Management activities
The following actions are identified for implementation:
Prioritisation:
• Immediate: < 1 year
• Medium:1 year – 3 years
• Long: 3 years – 5 years
• Continuing: Commenced and ongoing.
Action Responsibility Priority
8.1. In collaboration with existing and new partners, Environmental Immediate
develop one-off and alternate volunteer opportunities Services
for locals and visitors.
8.2. Identify gaps and potential partners, actively seek Environmental Immediate
and develop partnership opportunities, and be open to Services Continuing
new project and partner proposals that contribute to
management vision and objectives.
8.3. Identify, review and document partner projects and Environmental Medium
collaborations and make information accessible for Services
others to read about and learn from.
8.4. In collaboration with partners, publicise events and Environmental Medium
volunteer opportunities and host open days to Services
encourage new members and partnerships.
Measures
Measure Responsibility Timeframe
Partnership meets partners expectations >75%. Environmental Every 2 years
Assess via satisfaction surveys as part of the EBFRMP Services
review.
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Section 35
8. Climate change
Our foreshores are at the front line of climate change with expected climate change impacts such
as sea level rise and increased storm intensity and frequency already being felt. Naturally
vegetated foreshores play a vital role in sustaining our coasts and protecting foreshore
communities as sea levels rise and erosion areas expand landward.
Objective
3. Contribute to improved community climate change resilience and stability of coastal
landforms, using nature-based methods, protecting and improving native vegetation and
managing and enhancing public access.
Outcomes
• Preferred adaptation responses for the different localities described in the Noosa CHAP are
expressed in reserve management and community coastal infrastructure design, delivery
and maintenance.
• EBFRs are managed as natural areas as part of a nature-based approach to mitigating
climate change and coastal hazards risks.
• Coastal climate change considerations are incorporated into foreshore reserve planning
and management.
• Coastal climate change considerations are incorporated into disaster and emergency
preparation and response
• Erosion and vegetation damage associated with public beach accesses and uses is
reduced.
• The resilience of beach accesses to climate change and extreme weather is increased.
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan 2021
The Noosa CHAP identifies and maps Noosa’s potential coastal hazards risks, including sea level
rise, coastal erosion and storm tide inundation for three future timestamps: 2040, 2070 and 2100.
Virtually all the land in the EBFRs is identified as erosion prone, and the beach and some frontal
dunes and coastal creeks are identified as vulnerable to storm tide inundation during a major storm
event.
Community consultation for the Noosa CHAP strongly identified nature-based solutions as the
preferred response to climate change impacts. Many in the community consider that a nature-
based approach will best keep the natural look and feel and safeguard the natural environment,
while mitigating coastal hazard impacts. Building the health and natural stability of the natural
foreshores and vegetated dunes, and maintaining natural coastal processes of erosion and
accretion, are central to this approach.
The EBFRMP implements this aspect of the Noosa CHAP for the Eastern Beaches. The CHAP
implementation program lists and prioritises actions and tasks associated with the CHAP’s five-
year plan and adaptation pathway response for each locality. The EBFRMP has been identified as
an ‘Extreme’ priority addressing risks identified as ‘Very High’ through the CHAP process. Other
aspects of the Noosa CHAP are implemented under other plans and programs.
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Section 36
Coastal hazards monitoring
As part of its strategy to manage climate change impacts along the coastline, Council developed a
long-term Coastal Monitoring Plan in 2022 which sets out annual monitoring activities to:
1. Better inform coastal management measures;
2. Identify key areas requiring future management; and,
3. Provide data for future coastal hazard studies.
This work responds to a key message received from the community during the development of
localised data collection and monitoring of the coastal system should be prioritised to better
understand and model the impact of coastal hazards driven by climate change. This data will
inform future climate change mitigation actions and provide feedback on the outcomes of current
and future management.
The monitoring plan includes a range of data collection methods including remote sensing
techniques to capture shoreline position, beach levels, beach volume, seafloor levels, vegetation
extent and density, seafloor sediment volumes, and the movement of creek outlets. The data
collection methods include upper beach surveying, photogrammetry and LiDAR topography from
drones, fixed cameras, CoastSnap citizen science sites, water-based surveys using single beam
echo sounders, and satellite-derived bathymetry. The coastal monitoring program is scheduled to
be undertaken annually, before and after the storm season.
Current beach and dune condition
In the early seventies, a series of severe storms and cyclones caused severe erosion to many of
Queensland beaches. In Noosa significant dunal erosion occurred and extensive area of coffee
rock were exposed on the beaches. In many places dunal vegetation was lower and less dense.
Over the last 50 years, Noosa’s Eastern Beaches have benefited from relatively stable weather
conditions with only minor to moderate erosion events happening periodically, interspersed by
steady accretion as the beaches, dunes and vegetation have recovered. The dunes and beaches
are much wider, coffee rock is only occasionally exposed on the beaches, and dune vegetation is
much denser and covers a much bigger area now than after the 1970’s coastal erosion events.
From a risk management perspective, careful planning requires Council to consider the impacts of
future events like the early seventies events and put measures in place to minimise impacts.
Ensuring a healthy dune system is an important measure toward this as outlined in the CHAP.
Under future climate scenarios we may see the increased frequency and severity of major storm
events that trigger erosion.
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Section 37
Figure 10: Beach erosion after Tropical Cyclone Daisy, 1972
How do vegetated dunes buffer our coasts to climate change impacts?
Climate change may increase both the occurrence and intensity of severe weather events and
cause sea level rise, increasing storm tide inundation, permanent inundation and beach erosion.
An important ecosystem service that naturally vegetated foreshores provide is the buffering of
beaches and dunes to help slow coastal erosion impacts. 3
Healthy dune systems absorb wave and wind energy and can reduce flooding, wind, and storm
surge impacts. Dune vegetation helps hold dunes and foreshores together, making them more
resilient to wind and wave erosion 4. Dune vegetation slows the wind near the surface of the dune
and allows sand to drop out of the air. This reduces wind impacts on the dunes and nearby
settlements and recreational areas.
Healthy dune systems are self-regenerating and can rebuild more easily after severe weather
events, given enough time between storms and availability of suitable material for rebuilding.
Dunes in good condition means that there are sources of seeds and runners nearby to recolonise
disturbed areas after storm events. Vegetation and natural debris act as an entrapment point,
allowing the lodgment of sand and seeds that contribute to the rebuilding and revegetation of
frontal dunes after disturbance. 5
3 Morris et al. (2021). The Australian Nature-Based Methods for Reducing Risk from Coastal Hazards. Earth
Systems and Climate Change Hub Report No. 26. NESP Earth Systems and Climate Change Hub, Australia.
4 Clark GF, Fischer M, Hunter C (2021). Coasts: Coastal ecosystems and habitats. In: Australia State of the
environment 2021, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment,
Canberra, https://soe.dcceew.gov.au/coasts/environment/coastal-ecosystems-and-habitats6
5 De Battisti, D. (2021). The resilience of coastal ecosystems: A functional trait-based perspective. Journal of
Ecology. 109
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Section 38
Biodiverse, healthy vegetation on dunes means that the native vegetation remains more adaptable
and resilient to any changes. We don’t yet know which species are likely to be more adaptable to
changed climatic conditions, or more resistant to disease or new predators facilitated by climate
change. Having a wide range of native species mixed in with each other means that change
resilient species are more likely to be in place, and that the loss of some species is less likely to
significantly reduce vegetation cover and be more easily recovered by remaining species.
Sloping, healthy dunes help keep sand on our beaches. Waves run out on the natural slope,
reducing the amount of energy available to lift and carry sand away. Steep dune faces left after
storms soon slump, quickly returning the back of the beach to a more natural slope. Dunes are a
source of sediment for offshore bars that develop after storms that then act as a local source of
sediment to rebuild beaches and frontal dunes. 6
6 Lawlor, P., Jackson, D.W.T. (2022). A Nature-Based Solution for Coastal Foredune Restoration: The Case
Study of Maghery, County Donegal, Ireland. In: Misiune, I., Depellegrin, D., Egarter Vigl, L. (eds) Human-
Nature Interactions. Springer, Cham.
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EBFRMP Management actions
The following actions are identified for implementation:
Prioritisation:
• Immediate: < 1 year
• Medium:1 year – 3 years
• Long: 3 years – 5 years
• Continuing: Commenced and ongoing.
Action Responsibility Priority
9.1. Update and implement ecological restoration plans Environmental Immediate
for all EBFRs. Services Continuing
9.2. Provide general community information about the Climate Change Immediate
values of vegetated foreshores and natural processes for Environmental
community climate change resilience online, on-reserve Services
and nearby.
9.3. Experiment with accelerated assisted natural bush Environmental Immediate
regeneration, vegetation rehabilitation and dune Services Continuing
rebuilding, especially at the seaward edge of dunes and Bushcare groups
foreshores.
9.4. Develop design standards for beach accesses and Infrastructure Immediate
coastal community infrastructure components. Services Continuing
9.5. Allocate emergency contingent ecology funds and Environmental Medium
resources as part of annual budget process to more Services
readily deploy bush regeneration and recovery activities
after severe weather and disaster events.
9.6. Develop an overarching beach access plan and Environmental Medium
maintenance plan for beach accesses and coastal Services
community infrastructure components. Infrastructure
Services
9.7. Conduct a review of existing beach accesses, Environmental Long
viewing platforms, signage, fencing, seat and other Services
community coastal infrastructure, in line with Noosa’s Infrastructure
Design Principles. Services
Review elements include; classification, location, use,
construction and maintenance, environmental impacts
and defects, overuse and new or moved beach accesses
where needed.
Measures
Measure Responsibility Timeframe
Conduct a desktop review of the extent of EBFR Environmental Every two years
vegetation every two years, using remote sensing data Services
collected under the Coastal Monitoring Plan. Vegetation
Climate Change
% cover.
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Conduct an annual audit to ensure climate change Environmental Immediate
elements are incorporated into new or reviewed Services
Ongoing
management planning and works, aiming for 100%
compliance.
After-fire bush regeneration at Peregian Beach – a post-extreme weather event rapid
response opportunity
After the September 2019 fires at Peregian Beach, an area on the western side of David Low Way
and backing onto national park was badly affected by fire. In places most of the canopy trees were
destroyed, increasing sunlight, and making the area vulnerable to roadside weed grasses. The
Peregian Beach Bushland Care group requested Council allocate a small budget to employ a
contractor to treat the weed grasses. The budget was eventually allocated but the weed grasses
had established and expanded, and the originally proposed budget was no longer adequate.
A post-event rapid regeneration response budget will allow flexibility to respond to a range of
extreme weather impacts, including fire, that would be cost-effective and help prevent degradation.
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9. Ecology
Stretching 11.5 kilometres along Noosa’s Eastern Beaches foreshore, and covering about 122
hectares, the EBFRs have a range of on-site and strategic ecological values.
Objective
8. Protect and improve the biodiversity values of the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves
network, using best practice management techniques.
Outcomes
• The extent and condition of EBFR native vegetation is improved
• Internal connectivity and wildlife movement within the foreshore reserve strip is maintained
and enhanced.
• External connectivity between the foreshore reserves and nearby natural areas is identified,
protected and restored.
• Threatened species populations and habitats are protected and enhanced
• Climate change considerations are incorporated into ecological management activities.
Information on environmental values are derived from environmental reports from the Qld
Department of Environment and Science and Qld Department of Resources. The reports used for
this plan are available on the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserve Management Plan webpage.
Habitat
The EBFRs conserve ecosystems unique to open beach coasts. A range of land birds, shore birds,
reptiles, including sea turtles, and mammals rely on the interaction of land, beach and in-shore
ecosystems that occur in coastal dunes and foreshores.
Significant species
Several species scheduled as Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened (E, V, NT) under the
Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act (Cth) 1999 and/or Nature Conservation Act (QLD)
1992 occur or have suitable habitat in the EBFRs and may have species management and other
management documents that require consideration in the EBFR.
Scheduled species include:
Caretta caretta — loggerhead turtle (E ICUN, E EPBACA, E NCA)
Chelonia mydas – green turtle (E ICUN, V EPBACA, V NCA)
Litoria olongburensis - wallum sedge frog (V EPBCA)
Litoria freycineti – wallum rocket frog (V NCA)
Crinia tinnula - wallum froglet (V NCA)
Calyptorhynchus lathami - glossy black-cockatoo (V NCA)
Phasocolartus cinerus - koala (V SEQ bioregion NCA)
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The mapped ecosystems are recognised as having the following potential significant plant species
values:
12.2.5. Potential habitat for NCA listed plant species: Acacia attenuata, Acacia baueri subsp.
baueri, Boronia rivularis, Durringtonia paludosa, Glycine argyrea, Macarthuria complanata,
Maundia triglochinoides, Persicaria elatior, Phaius australis. This ecosystem is also known to
provide suitable habitat for koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus).
12.2.7. Habitat for threatened plant species including Phaius australis, P. bernaysii and near
threatened species including Durringtonia paludosa. This ecosystem is also known to provide
suitable habitat for koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus).
12.2.13. Habitat for threatened plant species including Allocasuarina emuina, Acacia attenuata, A.
baueri subsp. baueri, Prasophyllum wallum and near threatened species including Macarthuria
complanata.
12.2.15. Potential habitat for NCA listed plant species: Durringtonia paludosa, Eleocharis difformis,
Maundia triglochinoides, Thelypteris confluens.
Ecosystems
Most of Castaways Beach Foreshore Reserve, Marcus Beach Foreshore Reserve, Peregian
Beach Foreshore Reserve North, Peregian Beach Foreshore Reserve South and Peregian Creek
Bushland Reserve are mapped as remnant Regional Ecosystem (RE) 12.2.14.
About two thirds of Sunrise Beach Foreshore Reserve and Sunshine Beach Foreshore Reserve
are mapped as High Value Regrowth (HVR) 12.2.14.
Detailed regional ecosystem mapping of the EBFRs was undertaken in 2021-22, with significant
expansion of mapped high value regrowth and some expansion of mapped RE. In 2021 mapped
HVR and RE was 87.3 ha, in 2022 126.9 ha was mapped. Small areas of four new REs, 12.2.5
(HVR), 12.2.7 (RE), 12.2.13 (HVR), and 12.2.15 (RE) were mapped, probably due to more detailed
mapping than developing regrowth.
For further information to develop planting lists, rehabilitation targets and monitoring criteria, and
short RE descriptions please see Appendix Three: Regional Ecosystem short descriptions. For
long descriptions and technical information please see:
Regional Ecosystem Descriptions
https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/regional-ecosystems/
Regional Ecosystem Technical Descriptions
https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/re-technical-descriptions
Regional Ecosystem Benchmarks
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/biodiversity/benchmarks
Hydrology
Some of the ecosystems and plant and animal species in the EBFRs are groundwater dependant –
they depend on specific groundwater conditions including groundwater level, retention (e.g., due to
coffee rock or peat layers), pH, salinity, gradient pressure, and nutrient profile. Bores and other
extraction, drains, paths, earthworks and introduced materials can impact on the groundwater
profiles, as can climate change factors discussed below.
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Environmental values, environmental management and climate change
Like other natural areas, the biodiversity and other environmental values of naturally vegetated
foreshores are being impacted by climate change 7. But foreshores are particularly vulnerable to
many impacts, like increasing inundation, severe weather effects and sea level rise, due to their
location. The characteristics of many urban dune areas (e.g. long, narrow, closely surrounded by
development, crossed by tracks) may also increase the impacts of climate change.
Wetlands
Coastal freshwater wetlands are likely to be affected by saltwater intrusion and inundation, and
wetlands near frontal dunes are likely to be affected by more frequent periodic, tidal or permanent
inundation due to both rising sea levels and increasing severe weather 8. In many cases these
wetlands will try to move up the slope, to maintain suitable hydrology, and may be prevented by
tracks and other openings near ecosystem interfaces or by cleared, developed land around the
dunes. Ensuring healthy, biodiverse wetland ecosystems through active land management,
regeneration and weed control will build resilience to climate driven changes.
Severe weather
Severe weather events, such as storms, drought, floods and bushfire, are increasing as climate
change progresses and often cause disturbance in natural areas. Increasing disturbance increases
the likelihood of ecological degradation and simplification, with reduced ecological values, reduced
ecosystem services and the need for increased management. These impacts are exacerbated by
neighbour and visitor impacts and the impacts of foreshore reserve bushland patch characteristics,
such as small size, and long, narrow shape. Active management of these disturbances, including
maintaining ecosystem health to reduce vulnerability and maximise native species regeneration
resources (such as seeds, crowns and runners) and rapid response after and during disturbances,
will help reduce climate change impacts on naturally vegetated foreshores 9.
Connectivity
Many urban dune networks are narrow and closely surrounded by urban development, which can
prevent the safe movement of native animals through them and colonisation of native plants within
them. Landscape connectivity to bushland away from the coast is often entirely prevented or very
limited, and internal connectivity is often compromised by clearings, development, paths, and
fences.
Connectivity within a natural area, and to other natural areas, can be critical to allowing native
plants and animal species and individuals to adapt to climate change. Allowing the movement of
individual and populations of species allows them to move to the changing location of climatic
conditions (e.g., exposure, temperature, moisture) and environmental conditions (e.g., hydrology,
pH, salinity, ecosystem) they need to survive and maintain viable populations 10.
7, 10 Hoffmann, A.A., Rymer, P.D., Byrne, M., Ruthrof, K.X., Whinam, J., McGeoch, M., Bergstrom, D.M.,
Guerin, G.R., Sparrow, B., Joseph, L., Hill, S.J., Andrew, N.R., Camac, J., Bell, N., Riegler, M., Gardner, J.L.
and Williams, S.E. (2019), Impacts of recent climate change on terrestrial flora and fauna: Some emerging
Australian examples. Austral Ecology, 44: 3-27. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12674
8 White, E., and Kaplan, D.. 2017. Restore or retreat? Saltwater intrusion and water management in coastal
wetlands. Ecosystem Health and Sustainability 3( 1):e01258. doi: 10.1002/ehs2.1258
9 Lindenmayer, D. B., Steffen, W., Burbidge, A. A., Hughes, l., Kitching, R. L., Musgrave, W, Mark Stafford
Smith, M., Werner, P. A. 2010. Conservation strategies in response to rapid climate change: Australia as a
case study. Biological Conservation, 55(7), 1587-1593.
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Changing ecosystems and plant and animal distributions
Climate change can affect or change the ecosystems, ecosystem characteristics and the location
and distribution of plants and animals. Observed and likely regional ecosystem and other shifts due
to climate change should be acknowledged and incorporated when setting ecological restoration
targets, developing planting lists and conducting other ecological management activities 11, 12.
Sea turtles
Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) (E ICUN, E EPBCA, E NCA)
Chelonia mydas – green turtle (E ICUN, V EPBCA, V NCA)
Loggerhead and green turtles nest and hatch on the Queensland coast at Noosa. They are found
around the globe, travelling extensive distances between their inshore seagrass and seaweed
feeding sites and sandy beach breeding grounds each year. Hatchlings and young turtles drift in
the open ocean for years, eating small animals in and near patches of floating seaweed. They start
breeding between 10 and 30 years of age and can live up to 70-90 years. While they mostly live in
the ocean, some land-based threats can affect them, particularly during nesting and hatching
(November-February).
Threatened Fauna Road Map
With Noosa Council’s Threatened Fauna Road Map recently endorsed by Council, sea turtles
(Loggerhead and Green) have been identified as management priorities for the 2023/24 financial
year.
Existing sea turtle research and management actions include ongoing nest monitoring and
management, community awareness campaigns and marine debris clean-up initiatives. A Sea
Turtle Recovery Action Plan for the Noosa Shire will be developed for the commencement of the
2023 breeding season.
The Sea Turtle Action Recovery Plan will aim to maximum the outcomes of the various
conservation efforts currently being implemented by Community Conservation Groups and Council,
while also contributing to external local, state and commonwealth government sea turtle recovery
programs. This initiative aims to provide clear management approaches across the Eastern
Beaches and Noosa North Shore, to address the threating process impacting the survival of these
threatened and iconic species.
Coolum and North Shore Coast Care (CaNSCC) - Turtle Monitoring Group
Volunteers from Coolum and North Shore Coast Care’s Turtle Monitoring and Council officers
respond to reports of turtle nests on Noosa beaches, often reported by regular local beach walkers
who volunteer with CaNSCC as spotters for tracks on the beach in the early morning before they
are obscured by foot traffic or the tide.
Accredited and experienced volunteers map and record each nest, including species (from track
characteristics), date and weather and sand conditions. Each nest is assessed by the volunteers
for the likelihood of impacts such as flooding, crushing from traffic, exposure from erosion and
similar. If these impacts are considered likely, the nest will be moved by the volunteers to a safer
place, usually in the dunes nearby. The turtle nest is meshed with plastic mesh to protect them
from dogs and foxes – the mesh must be plastic as metal will interfere with the hatchlings natural
magnetic field navigation for later trans-ocean migration and return to their hatching region.
11 Harrison, P.A. (2021), Climate change and the suitability of local and non-local species for ecosystem
restoration. Ecol Manag Restor, 22: 75-91. https://doi.org/10.1111/emr.12520
12 McDonald T., Jonson J. and Dixon K. W. (2016). National standards for the practice of ecological
restoration in Australia. Restoration Ecology 24, S4–S32
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Volunteers monitor the nest and dig the nests to determine the number of eggs and rate of
hatching success after the hatchlings have emerged. Data collected is used to inform future turtle
conservation and management.
Turtle Monitoring volunteers also respond to reports of ill or dead turtles. Live turtles are
transported to treatment and care facilities. Dead turtles may be collected for necropsy, if fresh, at
an associated institution to determine the cause of death. Dead turtles are reported to Council and
the Department of Environment and Science.
Land based threats to turtles
Eroded foredunes: If the frontal dunes are too steep turtles are not able to climb them. They are
more likely to lay their eggs at the foot of the dunes, where they are more vulnerable to flooding,
getting washed away, or crushed by vehicles.
Foxes, wild dogs and domestic dogs: They sniff out the eggs, dig them up and eat them.
Hard plastic, soft plastic, inflated and burst balloons look like food to turtles: They can block
and fill turtle stomachs and intestines, causing starvation, illness, and death. Biodegradable plastic
and balloons still cause problems as they don’t break down quickly or reliably enough, and often
break down into microplastics.
Light: Baby turtles move towards the brightest light they can see, thinking it is the moon shining
over the ocean. They are easily confused by artificial lights on the land that penetrate through to
the beach, and may end up lost in the dunes, in drains or on roads. Nesting female turtles are
discouraged from laying on lighted beaches and may also be confused by light when returning to
the sea, although to a lesser degree than hatchlings.
Climate change: Higher sand temperatures during incubation means that less males are being
hatched. Sea level rise and increasing storm occurrence and intensity means that nests are more
likely to be flooded or washed away. Frontal dunes are more likely to be eroded and steep,
preventing turtle access and making it more likely nests are laid where they could be flooded or
crushed by traffic. Climate change mitigation measures like sea walls or beach nourishment can
also cause problems by preventing access, burying nests or changing the consistency of the sand.
Pandanus
Pandanus palms are an iconic local in both our natural areas and coastal open space. Pandanus
leafhopper (Jamella australiae) first arrived in South East Queensland from North Queensland on
transplanted pandanus trees for landscaping in the early 1990’s. There was a significant loss
(>75%) of pandanus as leaf hopper populations exploded in the absence of their native predators,
and community groups, scientists and land managers worked to discover both the cause and
effective treatment.
In 1996 and 1997, and after greenhouse and laboratory based experiments and observations,
scientists, land managers and community groups field trialled treating pandanus, by stripping dead
leaves off affected pandanus, and with several different insecticides, via stem injection and foliar
spray, at different concentrations and into pandanus of different sizes and condition. Dead leaf
stripping was found to help by reducing leaf hopper load and dead, decaying tissue, reducing
crown-rot. Stem injection was found to be generally effective but can cause stem injury and dead,
decaying stem tissue, with particularly significant impact on small pandanus, and is now only used
as a last resort. Foliar spray was found to be effective, but it was difficult to get good coverage of
larger pandanus. Both insecticide application methods unavoidably affect other insect populations.
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Several predator wasps from NQ were trialled in 1996 and 1997. This was successful, with wasp
populations of one species (Aphanomerus nr. pusillus) widely established, although populations
were observed to drop during cold winters and very wet weather, with a subsequent upsurge in
leafhopper numbers. Treatment was usually on an as needed, as reported basis.
Since 2016, specialist contractors, funded with a combination of community grant and Council
budget (later fully funded by Council) twice yearly inspect, and report on, all Noosa’s natural areas
pandanus for health, leaf hopper levels and wasp levels. Trees are treated at the annual inspection
if required, primarily with dead leaf stripping (often assisted by community groups) and wasp
reintroduction, with foliar spraying and stem injection reserved for advanced cases. Pandanus
numbers are supplemented by pandanus planting, using locally collected and raised seed.
Invasive species
The Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 identifies several priority pest species that directly apply to
foreshore reserves, including glory lily, asparagus fern, Singapore daisy and foxes. Many other
invasive species occurring in our foreshore reserves. Invasive plant species are a significant threat
to biodiversity, displacing native species, simplifying species and structure diversity, and reducing
habitat values. Foxes are a particular threat to coastal ground egg laying species, such as sea
turtles and the Eastern Ground Parrot.
Glory lily
Glory lily has been described as a significant weed that we don’t know how to effectively control it
in the field. It is a major threat to coastal ecological values and poses a particular impact on
erosion mitigation due to weak stems and absence during part of the year. Other invasive species
occur in the EBFRs, and are included in condition mapping, restoration planning and works.
Glory lily (Gloriosa superba) is recognised as a serious ecological weed in Queensland and
northern New South Wales, especially in dunes and other sandy coastal areas. Forming dense
thickets and with twining leaf tips that allows it to climb over existing vegetation, glory lily smothers
and dominates vegetation, replacing structurally and species diverse coastal vegetation with a
monoculture of an introduced plant 13.
Glory lily also poses significant risks to coastal landforms and climate change resilience. Glory lily
only grows above ground during the warmer months, leaving large areas of erosion-prone sand
dunes largely bare for over half of the year. During above ground months, fine, simple, above
ground stems and no fibrous or surface roots provide for little resistance to wind and water erosion
for fragile dunes.
Large, persistent tubers and fragile underground stems mean that glory lily is hard to control, with
no mechanical control found effective, and an effective and sustainable chemical control method
for naturalised populations has not been confirmed.
Recent Bushland Operational Assessment (BOA) condition mapping found that many areas in our
EBFRs are dominated by glory lily, with some areas found to have over 75% glory lily in the
understory. Ideally, BOA mapping in coastal areas should only be undertaken in summer and
autumn, when the glory lily is showing above ground.
Coastal fox control program
One of the primary threats to sea turtles are foxes and dogs digging up turtle nests and eating the
eggs. Council’s pests and land protection officers conduct fox control in the Coastal Fox Control
Program as part of Council’s sea turtle conservation efforts. The Coastal Fox Control Program is
13 Weeds Australia. (2019). Weed profile: Glory Lily, Gloriosa, Gloriosa Lily, Flame Lily, Rhodesian Flame
Lily, Climbing Lily, Gloriosa superba. L.https://weeds.org.au/profiles/glory-lily-gloriosa-gloriosa-lily-flame-lily-
rhodesian-flame-lily-climbing-lily/
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currently a joint project with Coolum and North Shore Coast Care, Sunshine Coast Council, and
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, and has been running since 2015. It is regarded as highly
successful, evidenced via a drop in observed fox predation on turtle nests and anecdotal evidence
of the return of native species such as bandicoots to some sections of the dunes.
Volunteers from Coolum and North Shore Coast Care and Council officers monitor fox predation
on turtle nests in Noosa and place additional dig prevention mesh on top of nests that are at
particular risk of fox predation. Many other coastal and near coastal native species benefit from fox
and feral animal control, including ground parrots, water mouse, small mammals and shorebirds.
Management frameworks
Bushland Operational Assessment (BOA)
The Bushland Operational Assessment (BOA) is used to gauge condition of bushland in natural
areas, based on the recovery resilience of the native vegetation, percentage of weeds, other
impacts. It is visually shown by easy to interpret colours on maps and backed up by condition
classes, weed percentages and management information in the attribute tables. All the weeds and
observable impacts in the area of interest, along with some in adjoining areas (like a source weed
in neighbouring parkland), are included in the map and attribute tables. The BOA is used to inform
the management and rehabilitation of the area.
BOA has been used by Noosa Council and other local government agencies to map condition and
plan works in Council-managed bushland since 2008. It is a long-standing and standard method
and approach.
Please see below for examples of a BOA map and attribute tables for Bushland Reserves outside
of the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves.
Figure 11: Example BOA and Management Consideration Map
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WEED1 WEED2C WEED3C RECRUITME STRUCTUR
OBJECTID BOACLASS WEED1 COV WEED2 OV WEED3 OV RESILIENCE N E NOTES INSP_DATE
Yard extension with clearing, fill pushed into mangroves.
Senna pendula var. Paspalum
Filled areas, with mowed lawns and gardens replacing
161 Poor glabrata - easter 5 - 25% mandiocanum - broad 5 - 25% Bromeliad sp. 5 - 25% Poor Poor Poor Mar 2017
casuarina fringing vegetation and natural slope down to
cassia leaf paspalum
mangroves.
Archontophoenix
Underscrubbed, some non local natives. Fill and concrete slabs
162 Moderate alexandrae - alex 5 - 25% Moderate Moderate Moderate Mar 2017
pushed into mangroves.
palm
Edge of melaleucca forest with little understory. Looks like
Paspalum
lots of work going on, but boundary into reserve very weedy
mandiocanum - 50 - Sphagneticola trilobata Archontophoenix
163 Moderate 5 - 25% 5 - 25% Moderate Moderate Moderate and there are lots of gaps in understory. Quite a bit of Mar 2017
broad leaf 75% - Singapore daisy alexandrae - alex palm
ornamental natives planting. Also annuals, cocas palm, corky
paspalum
passionfruit.
Baccharis
Casuarina forest with mangrove fern and sedge understory.
164 Very Good halimifolia - 5 - 25% Very Good Very Good Good Mar 2017
Scattered weed.
groundsel bush
Hedychium Ardisia crenata Ardisia
Yard extension with plantings and dunmping, Also bananas,
165 Moderate gardnerianum - 5 - 25% Agrostis sp. - bent grass 5 - 25% humilis Ardisia crispa - 5 - 25% Moderate Moderate Moderate Mar 2017
cassia, alexander palms.
kahili ginger coral berry
Spraying into edge and lots of garden rubbish dumping.
167 Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Several large parsonia vines, larger than my arm, cut and left Mar 2017
in trees.
Ardisia crenata
Senna pendula var.
169 Good Ardisia humilis 5 - 25% 5 - 25% Good Excellent Good Regrowth dense melaleuca forest, scattered significant weeds. Mar 2017
glabrata - easter cassia
Ardisia crispa -
Ardisia crenata With elements good. Lots of dumping, underscrubbing, vines
Ravenala
Ardisia humilis Archontophoenix being cut, planting and significant weeds. Also corky
170 Moderate 5 - 25% madagascariensis - 25 - 50% 5 - 25% Moderate Moderate Moderate Mar 2017
Ardisia crispa - alexandrae - alex palm passionfruit, lantana, cocas palm, camphor laurel, broad leaf
travelers palm
coral berry pepper, brazillian cherry, annuals, cassia.
Nephrolepis Ardisia crenata Ardisia
Senna pendula var. Fishbone fern treated, very little understory left. Also
173 Moderate cordifolia - 5 - 25% 25 - 50% humilis Ardisia crispa - 5 - 25% Moderate Moderate Good Mar 2017
glabrata - easter cassia camphor laure , cocas palm, camphor laure , lantana.
fishbone fern coral berry
Figure 12: Example BOA condition mapping attribute table
OBJECTID CONSIDER WEEDTYPE PRIORITY EXTENT NOTES INSP_DATE
Paddock fenced well across boundary and very near creek , electric fence, wheel
142 Yard Extension Urgent 250m2 barrow, horse trailer. Suspected source of horsepoo. Mar 2017
Weed Infestation - Tradescantia zebrina -
143 Strategic zebrina Urgent 80m2 Mar 2017
146 Yard Extension Urgent 100m2 Most veg cleared down to edge of mangroves , planting , filled, retaining wall. Mar 2017
Weed Source
148 Plant - Strategic Urgent Very weedy garden on road reserve. Mar 2017
149 Hard Rubbish Urgent Fill and concrete slabs pushed into mangroves. Mar 2017
Vegetation
151 Damage Urgent Enormous old parsonia vine cut, left in tree. Mar 2017
152 Garden Rubbish Urgent 100m2 Big piles all through bush behind this property. Mar 2017
Vegetation
153 Damage Urgent Several large parsonia vines, larger than my arm, cut and left in trees. Mar 2017
Figure 13: Example BOA management considerations attribute table
Ecological Rehabilitation Plans
The BOA maps and attribute tables are at the heart of the Ecological Rehabilitation Plans - the site
specific plans that inform and details works needed to improve the condition of the natural area.
They guide on ground and site-specific activities of Council, contractors, and community members
to achieve best -practice ecological restoration.
Information includes hydrological information, social and environmental values, surrounding land
management, current condition, current weed infestations, target regional ecosystems and
restoration targets and other management considerations.
The reserves are broken into management zones, each typically containing similar weeds, and
similar required work and amount of work. Works typically include weed control of all the weeds, in
a manner that protects and encourages native species germination. Breaks in internal connectivity
are identified in BOA mapping, and their remediation planned and implemented where possible.
Potential external linkages to other bushland are identified via desktop mapping and confirmed
during nearby condition mapping processes.
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Saving Noosa’s pandanus palms
Noosa lost more than 75% of our pandanus palms during the pandanus leaf hopper outbreak in the
1990’s, and perhaps another 10-15% of these palms have been lost in subsequent years, due to
later leafhopper infestations, natural senescence or succumbing to earlier damage, and broader
vegetation impacts such as fire and vegetation damage. Many of the battle-scarred survivors still
show missing limbs, reduced crowns, and reduced health, and most of the current healthy
pandanus in the dunes were planted later by community groups and Council. Natural pandanus
germination is significantly reduced by the reduced numbers of mature and healthy seed producing
adults, and by the degradation of the understory with weeds such as glory lily, asparagus fern and
Singapore daisy.
Prior to the pandanus leafhopper outbreak, Eastern Beaches natural pandanus populations were
likely affected by artillery training into the dunes during WW2, anecdotally reported sandmining,
and the impacts of residential and community land development. With these losses, and
subsequent protection and planting, it is estimated that Noosa’s pandanus population is currently
about half of that at European colonisation, with ongoing significantly reduced natural germination
rates 14
Preventing advanced leafhopper infestation and plant decline and expanding pandanus
populations is the community and Council’s current two-pronged approach to saving Noosa’s
pandanus. Twice yearly inspections and immediate treatment if needed means that treatment
occurs before significant plant decline, leafhopper numbers are kept low, and predator wasp
populations are maintained at an effective level. Planting local pandanus tube-stock and direct
seeding are contributing to population increases while we wait for the numbers of mature and
healthy seed producing pandanus to increase. Planned increased regeneration will help improve
natural germination as understory health is regained.
During the survey in November 2022, only seven wasp re-introductions were needed and only 12
plants needed leaf stripping. No insecticide treatment was needed 15. This shows the health of the
population is significantly improving, alongside reduced impact on native insects.
14 Ecosystem Management and Biosecurity Solutions. (2018). Pandanus Preservation Project Noosa:
Protecting an icon and coastal biodiversity with science, collaboration and action. Unpublished
15 Ecosystem Management and Biosecurity Solutions. (2023). Pandanus Dieback Surveys and Mitigation -
Noosa Shire Council November 2022. Unpublished
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023 Page 38
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Section 50
Figure 14: After leaf stripping - the aim is not to improve how the plant looks, but rather reduce rotting material, reduce
leafhopper load, and allow the release of trapped stagnant water, whilst leaving the as many leaves as possible as
habitat and resources.
EBFRMP Management actions
The following actions are identified for implementation:
Prioritisation:
• Immediate: < 1 year
• Medium:1 year – 3 years
• Long: 3 years – 5 years
• Continuing: Commenced and ongoing.
Action Responsibility Priority
10.1. Update bushland condition mapping for all Environmental Immediate
EBFRs - only conduct BOA condition mapping in Services Continuing
foreshore areas during summer when glory lily is
showing.
10.2. Update and implement ecological restoration Environmental Immediate
plans for all EBFRs. Services Continuing
Council:
10.3. Incorporate climate change considerations in Environmental Immediate
ecological management activities. Services Continuing
10.4. Minimise and actively rehabilitate cleared areas
Environmental Immediate
to reduce fragmentation and edge effect. Services Continuing
Infrastructure
Services
10.5. Target pandanus areas for regeneration to Environmental Immediate
improve understory health and contribute to improved Services Continuing
pandanus germination. Include pandanus regeneration Infrastructure
activities in rehabilitation plans. Services
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023 Page 39
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Section 51
10.6. Minimise plastic elements in new and upgraded Environmental Immediate
coastal community infrastructure and management to Services Continuing
reduce plastic moving into the coastal environment Infrastructure
from community coastal infrastructure. Services
10.7. Incorporate relevant aspects of threatened Environmental Immediate
species, scheduled species and other significant Services Continuing
native species monitoring and management plans into
planning and management activities.
10.8. Investigate post event rapid response funding for Environmental Medium
ecological restoration. Services
10.9. Contribute to glory lily research and adopt best Environmental Medium
practise to managing this pest species. Services
Infrastructure
Services
10.10. Implement litter minimisation measures with Environmental Medium
other Council branches, better support community Services
litter collection efforts and collect coastal marine debris Infrastructure
information. Services
Waste Services
Measures
Measure Responsibility Timeframe
Conduct a desktop review of the extent of EBFR Environmental Every two years
vegetation and EBFR RE and HVR vegetation every Services
two years, using remote sensing data collected under
Climate Change
the Coastal Monitoring Plan. Vegetation % cover of
available land.
Monitor for any changes in the EBFRs RE mapping Environmental Every 5 years
every five years by measuring number of mapped REs Services
and high value regrowth, using desktop mapping,
vegetation management mapping and aerial photos.
Undertake BOA mapping in every 5 years. Compare Environmental Every 5 years
against management zone rehabilitation targets in Services
ecological rehabilitation plan, aiming for 75% or better
compliance.
Conduct a landscape ecology review of the EBFRs Environmental Establish
during the review of this plan, assessing patch size, Services baseline 2024-25
internal connectivity and landscape connectivity. Patch
Every 4 years
size, internal connectivity and landscape connectivity is
increased.
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023 Page 40
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Section 52
10. Social values
Cultural values
The Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves have a range of cultural values for many communities.
Objectives
5. Identify and protect Kabi Kabi and non-indigenous cultural heritage sites and values in the
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves.
Outcomes
• Kabi Kabi are supported in their cultural and environmental stewardship of the EBFRs
• Community understanding of the cultural values of the EBFRs is increased
Ocean coasts are resource rich and important landmarks in the landscape, meaning that they are
often important to people for both practical and spiritual reasons. Many coastal dune networks
have significant First Nations cultural value as cultural landscapes, past and current resource use
and archaeological sites. They also often have resource or historical value for more recent
residents, visitors and communities such as recreational fishing.
During the millennia of First Nations stewardship, it is likely that Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi)
conducted firestick farming, maintaining open grassy understories in Noosa’s eucalyptus forests
that extended into the area currently managed as the EBFRs. Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) trapped
and harvested fish, shellfish, sea turtle, and dugong in the coastal strip and would likely have
periodically lived at sites in and near the coastal strip.
In conjunction with this resource use and occupation, they undertook cultural and resource
stewardship practices and maintained ceremonial and spiritual places in the Eastern Beaches
coastal strip. 16 In an area surrounded by significant landmarks, and with several significant view
lines, the Eastern Beaches coastal strip supports Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) cultural landscapes and
story places.
Before 1960 Noosa’s coastal areas were primarily used by non-Indigenous people for fishing and
holidaying in basic boarding houses and camps. Away from the sand dunes, the area was
dominated by low nutrient, acidic heathland, and wetlands unsuitable for western agriculture. The
Eastern Beaches urban areas were opened to residential development and more formalised
tourism in the 1960s, with the road from Coolum upgraded and urban blocks on sale in Peregian
Beach in 1960. Both road and urban development extended up to Sunshine Beach the following
year 17.
16
Noosa Council, Sergiacomoi, Leddy & Fesl, Eve (2004), Indigenous Cultural Heritage Study of Noosa
Shire, Noosa: Noosa Shire Council.
17 Centre for the Government of Queensland. (2018). Noosa Southern Beaches.
https://www.queenslandplaces.com.au/noosa-southern-beaches
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Section 53
Scenic and landscape amenity
Noosa’s natural scenic amenity and natural landscapes are a key contributor to Noosa’s amenity.
Coastal landscapes, and bushland are an essential part of the local ‘look and feel’ and character.
Many of Noosa’s iconic views are from, through, of, or over, our naturally vegetated foreshores and
most of our seaside residents and communities live alongside them, with many people visiting
Noosa’s iconic beaches walking through the EBFRs.
Objective
1. Contribute to Noosa’s liveability and scenic amenity by managing the coastal landscapes
native vegetation and public access in the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves.
Outcome
• The scenic and landscape amenity of the EBFRs is improved.
Liveability
The natural elements of the EBFRs and nearby bushland play a significant part in Noosa’s
liveability. The value of natural areas is well recognised by Noosa’s community, with ‘elements of
the natural environment (natural features, views, vegetation, topography, water, wildlife etc.)’
identified as Noosa’s #1 Care Factor in the recent Noosa Liveability Survey 2021. Protecting and
managing natural ecosystems and elements was ranked second.
The ability to see and interact with natural landscapes as part of our day-to-day routines
contributes to physiological and physical wellbeing. Even small patches of bush visually break the
pattern of residential developments and improve visual diversity, which also has psychological
benefits. Natural vegetation provides cooling breezes in summer and reduces urban heat by
shading and evapotranspiration. 18
Economy & visitor experience
Our natural areas are the backbone of Noosa’s tourism industry and visual amenity is a significant
consideration when people are choosing where they go for their holidays. Scenic values and
access to beaches and bushland also influences where people want to live, which in turn
influences investment attraction and the local economy.
Viewpoints
Viewpoints are existing scenic viewing areas that provide a focal point for the public to enjoy the
surrounding landscape. Viewpoint types in Noosa’s Eastern Beaches include:
• Vista viewpoints: Broad landscape views, often incorporating water and coastal
landscapes. Often a driver for visitor attraction to specific areas, and to Noosa
generally.
• Near-beach viewpoints: Cleared viewing areas close to the back of the beach, often
associated with public beach accesses, sometimes with community supplied furniture,
and may act as an informal community hub.
• Surf condition viewpoints: Where people go to look at the ocean to assess conditions,
including surfers, swimmers and kite surfers.
18 Mahamane S, Wan N, Porter A, Hancock AS, Campbell J, Lyon TE, & Jordan KE. (2020) Natural
Categorization: Electrophysiological Responses to Viewing Natural Versus Built Environments. Frontiers of
Psychology, 11:990.
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Noosa Design Principles
The Noosa Design Principles are used to guide good design that befits Noosa’s character, style
and climate. These principles emphasise the importance of protecting Noosa’s environment and
biodiversity by minimising the visual and environmental impact and dominance of the built
environment on the natural environment. They seek to enhance Noosa’s natural ‘look and feel’ and
sense of community by integrating the natural and built environment, viewing natural elements as
opportunities rather than obstacles, and involving the community. The design principles inform the
development and updates to design standards for beach infrastructure, including viewing points.
EBFRMP Management actions
The following actions are identified for implementation:
Prioritisation:
• Immediate: < 1 year
• Medium:1 year – 3 years
• Long: 3 years – 5 years
• Continuing: Commenced and ongoing.
Action Responsibility Priority
11.1. Invite the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) to work in partnership Environmental Immediate
with Council and other land managers to collaboratively Services
manage the EBFRs.
11.2. Incorporate cultural heritage values in EBFRs Environmental Immediate,
management and interpretation. Services ongoing
11.3. Implement Noosa Design Principles in reserve Environmental 2022/23
management and community coastal infrastructure design, Services ongoing
delivery, and maintenance. Infrastructure
Services
11.4. Identify existing vista, near beach and surf condition Environmental Medium
viewpoints, and assess for visitor experience and Services
environmental sustainability. Where environmentally Infrastructure
sustainable, incorporate existing viewpoints into infrastructure Services
upgrades.
11.5. Upgrade and make beach accesses, entrances, and Environmental Long
other points of interface between foreshore reserves and Services
visitors and surrounding land uses welcoming, attractive and Infrastructure
accessible. Services
Measures
Measures Responsibility Timeframe
Kabi Kabi involvement in EBFR planning and management Environmental Every four
has been invited in a collaborative and supportive manner. Services years
Infrastructure
Services
Cultural elements included in new EBFRs management Environmental Every four
and interpretation material. Services years
Infrastructure
Services
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Audit beach access and community infrastructure design Environmental Every four
and outcomes for Noosa Design Principles compliance, Services years
attractiveness and improved accessibility. Infrastructure
Services
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Section 56
11. Public access and recreation
Noosa’s coastal bushland, beaches and waters are some of the most valued in the world, and
thousands of residents and visitors are drawn to them every year. Dunes and foreshores are where
we access some of our most precious and in-demand recreation places. Maintaining long-term and
sustainable public access to these highly desirable locations in the face of coastal erosion, climate
change impacts and high visitor numbers is a challenge that requires careful planning.
Objective
2. Maintain adaptive, long-term, inclusive, safe and sustainable public recreational access to
beaches, foreshores, waters, and foreshore bushland.
Outcomes
• Equitable access to a range of recreational and natural areas experiences, distributed
across the EBFRs, is provided.
• Attractive and sustainable beach accesses and community infrastructure in the EBFR are
provided and improved.
• Erosion and vegetation damage associated with public access and recreation, public beach
accesses and community infrastructure is reduced.
• Climate change considerations are included in beach accesses and community
infrastructure planning and management
• Beach dog walking is supported while reducing its social and environmental impacts
Constructed recreational access and opportunities
Most EBFR recreational access is on the 41 beach accesses to Noosa’s Eastern Beaches.
Thousands of reserve visitors walk along the beach accesses through the EBFRs each week.
Some interpretative signs about coastal plants, animals, ecosystems and landform, mostly installed
by community partners, are alongside some of the beach accesses. Some parts of the north-south
coastal bike and pedestrian path run in or near the western boundary of the EBFRs.
Commercial and organised recreational access and opportunities
On the beaches or in nearby open space many organised community or commercial recreational
opportunities are offered, some regulated under a permit or lease for commercial or community
activities or temporary events permits. These include markets, concerts, surf lessons and board
hire, other watercraft hire and lessons, weddings and other private events, boot camps and
personal trainers, yoga and wellness classes and events, and sand sculpting workshops. Council
seeks to ensure that the adjoining foreshore reserves and the leases and permit activities are
managed in a way that complements each other.
Universal access
Coastal natural areas, dunes, beaches and waters are desirable for everyone to access but also
present challenges to universal access – they are highly exposed to the elements and salt and are
ever-changing, sometimes very rapidly. Sloped natural landforms, soft sand surfaces and natural
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023 Page 45
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vegetation can be highly unfavourable for some forms of universal access. These challenges
present opportunities to consider innovative access designs and materials and events.
A mobility mat – Mobi-Mat - has been installed on nearby Noosa Main Beach, through a
collaborative project between Surf Life Saving Queensland, Noosa Surf Club, Tewantin-Noosa
Lions Club, Noosa MP Sandy Bolton, and Council. It is a firm, recycled plastic mat that extends
from the beach access ramp in front of the Noosa Surf Life Club, across the beach and to the
water. It provides better universal access down to the water, and access to the sand for
sunbathing, making sandcastles and other beach activities. This is a permanent installation, only
removed for king tides and bad storms. Considerations in locating the mat in this area included: the
very high visitor attendance, the flagged swimming area, and a flat, stable beach that enables
permanent installation.
Figure 15: Mobility mat on Noosa Main Beach
Swimming and surf lifesaving
With over eleven kilometers of beaches, ocean swimming and paddling is a drawcard for locals
and visitors. Three flagged bathing areas in the EBFRs, at Sunshine Beach, Sunrise Beach and
Peregian Beach, are patrolled with a mix of paid Surf Life Saving Queensland lifeguards and
volunteer lifesavers from Surf Life Saving clubs at Noosa Heads, Sunshine Beach and Peregian
Beach.
There are surf clubs and towers at Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach, and lifeguards and life
savers regularly patrol some beaches outside of the flagged areas. The Surf Life Saving Club
buildings and associated beach accesses, towers, accesses, and patrol areas are neighbours to
the EBFRs. Council aims to ensure the adjoining foreshore reserves and Surf Life Saving Club
facilities are managed in a way that complement each other.
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Surfing
Surfing is one of Noosa’s most notable forms of recreation. The beach break at North Sunshine
Beach is at the southern end of the Noosa World Surfing Reserve, and other well renowned surf
breaks are highly popular along the length of the Eastern Beaches. Surfing is a major contributor
to livability and the Noosa “culture” for many residents, and surfing opportunities and events are a
major drawcard for regional, interstate and international visitors.
Surf breaks and access for surfing is one of the drivers for the current location of many of our
beach accesses and should be considered if new or moved beach accesses are proposed.
Viewing water conditions can be a reason for people to go off public paths, which may cause
environmental damage and pose a risk to visitors. Incorporating desired water condition view line
considerations when locating and designing viewing areas, platforms and other coastal community
infrastructure will help maintain and enhance these values.
Beach walking
Beach walking for exercise, meditation and socialising are important daily activities for many
Noosa residents and visitors. People walk regular and occasional routes along beaches and
nearby walkways, and into adjoining national parks.
Dog walking
Many people walk and exercise their dogs on the beach and on nearby walkways. EBFR off leash
areas are at Sunshine Beach, north from beach access 27 to the national park boundary, and
Castaways and Marcus Beach, between beach accesses 38 and 47. Other beach areas are open
to on-leash dogs, except the three designated bathing areas.
Consultation highlighted dogs on beaches is very important to many people. Many people highly
value being able to walk their dog on the beach, leashed or unleashed, with some saying it was
vital to their physical and mental health and community connectivity. They highlighted the difficulty
of access to some dog exercise areas, especially those with mobility restrictions or using a
wheelchair. Others highlighted the lack of parking and other facilities at dog exercise areas. Many
asked for the dog area at Sunrise Beach to be extended north to Beach Access 37 to tie in with
better parking, more direct access, toilets, and cafes.
Others, while supporting leashed and off leash dog exercise areas, wanted dogs to stay out of dog
free zones. Some said that they stayed away from dog free beaches because they were worried
about being knocked down or injured by off leash dogs. Others said they wanted to experience the
beach without interference by introduced animals.
Many were concerned about the environmental impacts of dogs, raising concerns about dogs
being encouraged to go into the dunes, impacting on wildlife (especially sea turtles and birds) and
pet waste being a significant source of nutrient and pathogen pollution in creeks and in-shore
waters. Others were concerned about pet waste affecting the amenity of the area or impacting on
those working in the dunes. The need for consistently available pet waste bags was also raised.
Both dog owners and people concerned about dogs asked for more community education and
more dog related enforcement to improve dog and owner behavior and reduce environmental and
social impacts. Better access, signage and education about where dogs or off leash dogs are not
allowed will both help prevent dog owners being fined and reduce out of area and environmental
concerns.
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Beach fishing
Beach fishing is popular, especially around the coastal creek mouths, targeting tailor, mulloway,
bream, flathead, whiting and dart. Discarded fishing gear may pose a risk to other beach users and
to wildlife.
Coastal community infrastructure and climate change
Community infrastructure on foreshores is especially vulnerable to severe weather events and
rising sea levels and impacts on community infrastructure may increase as climate change
continues. Climate change requires coastal community infrastructure materials, design and
management to be increasingly durable and responsive to both sudden major weather events and
gradual long-term changes such as sea level rise and gradual shoreline recession. Responses
may include relocating important recreational and infrastructure assets outside the projected high
risk coastal erosion area or where they cannot be feasibly relocated, accommodating the risks by
adapting the design of these assets to be more resilient before and after a major erosion event.
The CHAP sets out the preferred adaptation outcome for each locality as listed in Appendix Two -
Legislation and policy links.
Council is developing design standards for beach accesses, viewing platforms, signage fencing,
seat and other community coastal infrastructure, in line with Noosa’s Design Principles. Design
standard elements include classification, location, use, construction and maintenance,
environmental impacts and defects. This will inform future upgrades as part of Council’s asset
maintenance and renewal program
Beach accesses
There are 41 public beach accesses that cross the EBFRs, ranging from short, sandy tracks on
fairly flat ground, to highly engineered sets of open stairs down very steep slopes. Some have
largely unmodified natural surfaces, while others are concreted for part of their length, and many
have short lengths of chained planking or boardwalk at their seaward end. Many have stairs at
some point along their length and most are fenced with open post and rail fences and are closely
surrounded by native vegetation.
Some beach accesses tie in with tunnels and accesses under the David Low Way and other roads,
or from bicycle paths, pedestrian paths or open space parks. Many directly link the foreshore
reserves and beaches from secondary or main roads, some with dedicated off-road carparks.
All beach accesses have been in place for at least thirty years, although many have been
upgraded at some point during that time.
Condition and functionality
Most beach accesses are in good condition for most of their length. However, many are now not
long enough - the dunes are rebuilding after the 2017 storms, and the ocean end of many now
extend well past the ends of the modified surfaces and fences. Changes to beach accesses,
especially at the seaward end, can happen quickly too, after storms and floods requiring designs
that provide for dune building and accretion.
Council has detailed data about beach access and associated community infrastructure, including
their location, construction and condition. Council is also starting to collect information about how
they sit in the landscape and work with the environment. Further information from our community
as part of the community consultation for this EBFRMP included how beach accesses are used,
what people like about them, and any concerns they have.
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023 Page 48
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Section 60
Location
The current locations of most of the Eastern Beaches access points have been almost incidental to
other processes. For instance, stormwater easements and parks are often gazetted at the lowest
points as the area is developed to allow for drainage and stormwater discharge into nearby creeks
and natural areas. Beach accesses have later been constructed here as they are where roads are
connected to foreshore reserves. Beach accesses usually avoid permanently wet areas such as
wetlands. This has meant that many beach accesses are in low lying areas where stormwater and
standing water present design challenges.
The location and distance between beach accesses varies widely – in some areas the accesses
are often only 50 metres apart, in others, where access is restricted by David Low Way, coastal
creeks and gated communities, the accesses are very widely separated. Some residential areas,
particularly new developments, and some tourist hotspots may not be served well by current
pedestrian accessible beach accesses.
Some beach access locations cause problems - for instance a highly constructed beach access at
Marcus Beach is regularly cut off from the beach by the natural movement of a coastal creek. At
Burgess Creek where beach accesses are widely located to avoid a moving creek mouth and
steep slopes, residents are walking down a steep slope near the mouth of the creek and crossing
the creek to the beach. This foot traffic down a steep slope, coupled with high peak outflows from
the creek, is causing creekbank erosion and needs careful planning and design of nature-based
erosion management solutions including dune restoration and fencing.
Only a few beach accesses benefit from being readily observable or directly accessible from main
roads, which may mean these beach accesses also have pressures from heavy visitor and tourist
usage.
Signs
Each beach access is required to have a standard beach access sign at each end, with the beach
access number and basic beach safety information and contacts.
Many beach accesses have other information and interpretation signs at the entrances or nearby.
These have often been installed as part of a community or Council project. Sign design and
location standards will be included in the new beach access and community coastal infrastructure
design standards. This work is in progress.
Online information
Web based maps, reserve information and beach access information characteristics would help
wayfinding and navigation and help visitors and locals access the beach.
Beach access and community coastal infrastructure design standards
There are currently no criteria for public beach accesses or many other coastal community
infrastructure components. Developing design standards for beach accesses, beach access trail
heads and coastal community infrastructure is needed to identify and direct beach access
construction and management that allows safe and sustainable public access to the beach and
water while protecting the environment it sits in.
Beach access plan
An overarching plan for beach accesses and other community coastal infrastructure could help
define the best intervals and location that allows safe and sustainable public access with an
acceptable walking distance. An agreed inspection and upgrade schedule would help maintain the
beach accesses in a safe and environmentally sustainable condition and allow Council to respond
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023 Page 49
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to the changeable environment of the dunes and beach, including the slow changes of gradual
dune building, and sudden changes like the erosion after Cyclone Debbie in 2017.
Beach access and community infrastructure management
Beach access management involves several branches of Council. Track, handrail and community
infrastructure construction, management and upgrade is managed by Civil and Asset Operations
and Infrastructure Planning, Design and Delivery in Infrastructure Services. Grass and
groundcover maintenance alongside the access is managed by Parks in Infrastructure Services.
Overhanging trees, surrounding bushland maintenance and coordination of Bushcare volunteers
(who often work from and on beach accesses) are managed by Natural Areas in Environmental
Services.
EBFRMP Management actions
The following actions are identified for implementation:
Prioritisation:
• Immediate: < 1 year
• Medium:1 year – 3 years
• Long: 3 years – 5 years
• Continuing: Commenced and ongoing.
Action Responsibility Priority
12.1 Develop design standards for beach accesses Infrastructure Immediate
and coastal community infrastructure components. Services Continuing
Environmental
Services
12.2. Include the preferred adaptation responses for Environmental Immediate
the different localities described in the Noosa Coastal Services Continuing
Hazards Adaptation Plan in reserve management and Infrastructure
community coastal infrastructure design, delivery and Services
maintenance.
12.3. Incorporate equitable access in beach access Environmental Medium
and community infrastructure planning and Services
implementation. Work with stakeholders to deliver Infrastructure
equitable access events on the Eastern Beaches. Services
Community
Services
12.4. Provide visitor information material about EBFR Environmental Medium
recreation, including universal access, online, on- Services
reserve and nearby.
12.5. Incorporate the consideration, protection and Environmental Medium
enhancement of beach profiles and surf breaks into Services
management planning and implementation. Infrastructure
Services
12.6. Work with Local Laws to explore the review of Infrastructure Medium
dog exercise areas, community education and Services
information about dogs on beaches and dog related Environmental
enforcement. Services
Local Laws
12.7. Conduct a review of existing beach accesses, Environmental Long
viewing platforms, signage, fencing, seat and other Services
community coastal infrastructure, in line with Noosa’s Infrastructure
Design Principles Services
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Review elements include; classification, location, use,
construction and maintenance, likely inaccessibility
from flooding, erosion etc, environmental impacts and
defects, overuse and new or moved beach accesses if
needed.
12.8. Develop an overarching beach access plan and Environmental Long
maintenance plan for beach accesses and coastal Services
community infrastructure components, including new Infrastructure
collaborative management approaches for beach Services
accesses that accommodate the impacts of climate Bushcare
change, increased erosion, inundation, and fire volunteers Surf
danger. Life Saving clubs
Surf Life Saving
Qld
Measures Responsibility Timeframe
Cultural elements are included in new and updated Environmental Every four years
EBFR management planning, implementation and Services
interpretation. Infrastructure
Services
Noosa Design Principles and improved accessibility Environmental Every four years
are included in new and updated in beach access and Services
community infrastructure design and outcomes. Infrastructure
Services
Beach access and community infrastructure review Environmental Every four years
and plan completed. Services
Infrastructure
Services
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12. Coastal creeks and stormwater
The lowest reaches of several unnamed and named coastal creeks and drainage lines cross the
EBFRs and beaches and discharge into the Coral Sea. Many of these receive stormwater from the
surrounding developments, roads and buildings. Burgess Creek also receives treated discharge
from the Unitywater Noosa Wastewater Treatment Plant, which treats the sewage from Noosa’s
coastal development. Large quantities of stormwater from surrounding developments, buildings
and roads also discharge directly into foreshore reserves and other reserves. ‘
Objectives
4. Contribute towards improved water quality and social and environmental values in the Coral
Sea, Laguna Bay, Noosa River, lakes, and coastal creeks.
Outcomes
• Community understanding of the values of coastal creeks is increased
• The water quality of coastal creeks and inshore waters is improved, working in close
coordination with other partner groups
• Erosion and landslips in and near coastal creeks are well managed and coordinated with
other partner groups
• Bushland and wetlands in and near the lowest reaches of the coastal creeks are restored
Coastal Creeks and stormwater in the EBFRMP
The plan deals with natural areas management of Council-managed bushland reserves and how
these interface with coastal creeks and erosion management issues. There are separate but
related projects underway for high risk erosion areas and the coastal creeks.
Other projects that go to core of many community stormwater, wastewater, coastal erosion
concerns include:
• Coastal Monitoring Plan
• Burgess Creek Monitoring
• Regular coastal creek mouth realignment
• Eastern Beaches creeks - High Risk Erosion Prioritisation and Planning project,
• Stormwater infrastructure condition mapping
• Burgess Creek Integrated Catchment Plan
• Shire-wide water quality monitoring program
For more information on these projects, please see Section 5: Linked projects and programs, and
Appendix One: Linked projects and programs, and Council’s foreshore and coastal creeks
webpage for on-going and updated information.
Eastern Beaches Coastal Creeks
Nine coastal creeks cross the Eastern Beaches and discharge into the Coral Sea. They drain from
the national parks and residential development west of the eastern beaches foreshore reserves.
Most of them are significantly affected by urban development run-off, although the northern-most
unnamed creek that drains across the top end of Sunshine Beach out of the Noosa Heads section
of Noosa National Park appears have a largely natural catchment and not receive urban
stormwater. This might be useful as a “control” when monitoring or measuring other coastal creeks.
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These creeks are generally short and have small catchments, although the Burgess Creek
catchment extends up to the back of Noosa Junction and is over 500 hectares. Most of them are
now permanent, or run year around, but at least some of them would have been ephemeral and/or
had significantly lower flow before receiving urban runoff.
For comparative purposes, their general water body classification aligns most closely with the
Queensland Government’s “wallum/tannin-stained freshwaters: Tannin-stained, generally low
gradient, small to mid-sized streams, many with sandy substrates and low pH, tea-coloured water
draining through wallum vegetation” 19.
Waterways often have higher environmental values than the surrounding landscape, such as being
more biodiverse, conserving significant species and ecosystems and acting as a linkage through
developed land. In a coastal landscape they may be an important source of fresh water for wildlife.
Ecosystem service benefit
Creeks and natural areas that receive stormwater and Noosa Wastewater Treatment Plant
discharges from surrounding private and public properties are providing ecosystem service
benefits to the community. They facilitate urban development by taking the increased,
concentrated runoff that urban development inevitably produces. Stormwater drains allow the rapid
movement of water off roads, improving road function and safety. The natural areas that receive
the stormwater can help protect the broader environment by filtering and slowing the discharge.
However, many traditional stormwater management approaches and infrastructure can impact on
the environmental and social values of the receiving creeks, natural areas and the wider
environment, particularly where stormwater management has not kept pace with increased urban
flows from new development.
The impacts of stormwater and Noosa Wastewater Treatment Plant
discharge
Stormwater inputs are more concentrated, have more volume and are delivered more quickly than
natural flows, which increase the volume, velocity and peak height of creeks after storms. In
Burgess Creek this increased and concentrated flow can cause erosion and sedimentation,
deepen and widen flowlines and increase the potential for localized landslips. Stormwater also
often carries nutrients, weed seeds and other pollutants into the creek.
Where stormwater is discharged directly into natural areas, and not via creeks, it can still cause
erosion, sedimentation and weed infestations from the seeds and nutrients in the stormwater.
Stormwater impacts in bushland reserves, such as erosion, sedimentation, weed and nutrient
plumes, are already recorded in Council’s Bushland Operational Assessment, as a specific
management consideration. For more information on BOA, please go to Section 9: Ecology.
Burgess Creek also receives treated discharge from the Noosa Wastewater Treatment Plant on
Wallum Lane near Eenie Creek Road, managed by Unitywater. This has significantly increased the
flow of water in Burgess Creek. Recent Council water monitoring in Burgess Creek show that E.
coli and enterococci at Unitywater’s outflow are generally lower than the sites further downstream.
This may indicate that other influences, such as decommissioned landfills and rapid infiltration
basins, night soil disposal areas, residential run-off, and stormwater, may be making a significant
contribution to nutrient loads in the creek. This is being investigated and further instream and
groundwater monitoring is being conducted.
19 Queensland Water Quality Guidelines (DERM, 2009) and EHMP (2004) Ecosystem Health Monitoring
Program 2003-2004 Annual Technical Report. Moreton Bay Waterways and Catchments Partnership.
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There is community concern about the creek mouths causing erosion to the frontal dunes. Other
community members are concerned about stormwater, rubbish and possibly polluted water running
across beaches, particularly in beach areas with pedestrian traffic. In some places mobile creek
mouths affect beach accesses and access onto, and along, the beach.
Burgess Creek
Burgess Creek and Burgess Creek Bushland Reserve receive treated effluent and untreated
stormwater and discharge it into the ocean. Doing so provides ecosystem benefits to the Noosa
community and the wider environment. Burgess Creek and wetlands receiving treated effluent and
untreated stormwater impacts on environmental and social values here, but the creek, wetlands
and surrounding bushland still retain environmental and social values, some due to the increased
flow.
Since urban development and associated stormwater infrastructure built in the 1960s and the STP
upgrade in 1986, the wetlands in the Burgess Creek catchment have absorbed and filtered the
urban runoff and treated water. The treated water and stormwater discharge into Burgess Creek
has significantly changed the creek and adjacent wetlands, meaning that the creek and wetlands
have been highly disturbed and modified. The amount, duration and consistency of flow has
dramatically increased, as has the area of permanently inundated land. Nutrient levels and other
pollutants have significantly increased, and water quality generally decreased. Species
composition has likely changed to be dominated by wetland and waterway species that can handle
both the permanent, high inundation, nutrients and reduced water quality.
Erosion
There are two erosion concerns near the mouth of Burgess Creek. Up to 270 metres of the frontal
dunes to the north of the creek mouth can be eroded during high flow events. The northern bank of
the creek near the mouth, east of the David Low Way, is eroding, due to a combination of
uncontrolled foot traffic down, and on, a very steep creek bank, and high peak waterflow. The
creek alignment at the mouth is highly mobile.
Water contact
Many people are accessing the creek mouth via the informal access off David Low Way. Contact
duration and types range from brief lower limb skin contact while crossing the creek, to prolonged
contacts that are likely to incur ingestion, such as adult supervised children and dogs playing in the
water, and rod fishing. Council recommends people do not put their head underwater in the creek,
and also provides signage and community updates during heavy rain events.
Protecting Noosa’s environment
While Burgess Creek itself is affected by treated water discharge, it helps protect Noosa River,
Laguna Bay and the Coral Sea. Noosa River’s good condition and B rating reported in its lower
reaches through the Healthy Land and Water Report Card 20 is unique in urban south-east
Queensland rivers. This is due in significant part to Burgess Creek receiving the treated
wastewater from the densely populated coastal areas rather than Noosa River. The higher levels of
infiltration, filtration and nutrient uptake afforded by the natural surfaces and native and weedy
vegetation in the bed, banks and surrounds of Burgess Creek reduces the amount of water,
sediment and nutrient entering the Coral Ocean and being swept north into Laguna Bay when
compared to a piped outfall, where this natural filtration would not occur. This in turn helps improve
inshore water quality and reduces algal blooms that may affect swimming and beach resources.
20 Healthy Land and Water (2021). Report Card 2021. https://hlw.org.au/report-card/
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Environmental and community values
Despite past and ongoing impacts, some of them highly significant, Burgess Creek Bushland
Reserve contains significant site and landscape conservation biodiversity and environmental
values. Values include waterway and land-based wildlife connectivity, connecting nearby national
park to the coastal foreshore strip, essential habitat, and significant plant and animal species.
It is highly valued by the local community, with dedicated Bushcare volunteers contributing to
planning and rehabilitation activities in the reserve. These activities are supported by Noosa
Council’s Bushland Care program, Natural Areas team and Unitywater, the managers of the Noosa
Wastewater Treatment Plant .
EBFRMP Management actions
The following actions are identified for implementation:
Prioritisation:
• Immediate: < 1 year
• Medium:1 year – 3 years
• Long: 3 years – 5 years
• Continuing: Commenced and ongoing.
Action Responsibility Priority
13.1. Work with Unitywater, and community Environmental Services Immediate
members to restore bushland and improve Unitywater Continuing
water quality in the lowest reaches of coastal Infrastructure Services
creeks, accommodating erosion issues where Bushcare
required. Include the values of coastal creeks in
community education and restoration planning.
•
13.2. Coordinate with Unitywater and Council Environmental Services Immediate
departments, the collection and documentation Environmental Health Continuing
of comprehensive water quality assessments Unitywater
and standards for all coastal creeks and inshore
marine environments.
13.3. Work with Unitywater, and community Infrastructure Services Medium
members to prioritise and develop catchment Environmental Services
management plans for coastal creeks that: Environmental Health
• consider all sources of water and
influences on hydrology
• rank and prioritise remediation works on
land slips, slumps and other impacts
• assess stormwater management
requirements for the catchment
• consider degraded natural and social
values alongside other stormwater
related impacts.
13.4. Work with Unitywater and Infrastructure Infrastructure Services Medium
Services to prioritise, plan, schedule and Environmental Services
implement the management of coastal creek Unitywater
mouth alignment and erosion where necessary
for Burgess Creek.
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Measures Responsibility Timeframe
Creeks are recognised in ecological restoration Infrastructure Services Every 5 years
plans and targeted for restoration. Environmental Services
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13. Community education
Noosa’s EBFRs, beaches and adjacent waters have thousands of visitors each day, hundreds of
boundary-sharing neighbours and thousands of nearby neighbours across the localities. How these
visitors and neighbours treat the foreshore reserves they live near or visit directly affects how the
reserves look and function. Ongoing community education and targeted communication between
Council, visitors and neighbours will contribute to the protection and enhancement of EBFRs. This
also includes embedding clear objectives for best practice reserve management into Council’s day-
to-day practices and approaches.
Objectives
6. Increase understanding of the social and environmental values of foreshores
Outcomes
• More opportunities are provided for residents and visitors to improve their understanding of
the social and environmental values of the EBFR
• Neighbour and visitor related impacts in the EBFRs are reduced
• Visitor information about visiting the Eastern Beaches is improved.
Neighbour communication
Neighbours include boundary sharing neighbours and neighbours within walking distance – where
the reserve is part of their work or home neighbourhood. Like all urban bushland reserves, how
neighbours interact with Noosa’s foreshore reserves is crucial to achieving positive long term social
and environmental outcomes.
Council’s initial consultation indicated that some areas may only contain roughly 30-40 % long-term
rental or owner residents, with the remainder being short term lets or holiday homes. Unaddressed
delivery or local notices and advertisements are unlikely to reach non-residential neighbours. In
many cases the people who most interact with the public land neighbouring these properties work
for private rental managers, including landscaping and maintenance companies.
Targeted communication that includes hard to reach neighbours is important. Planned
communication topics include being a ‘good bushland neighbour’, ‘what to plant in your garden’,
and the ‘values of dunes and foreshores’.
Visitor communication
Noosa’s Eastern Beaches have a very high numbers of visitors, and how these visitors treat the
reserve also influences how it functions and looks. Communicating with local visitors, (many who
may visit several times a week), visitors from the broader Sunshine Coast, and from further afield,
particularly short term visitors, require different delivery avenues and perhaps different materials.
Delivery should be a mix of on-reserve, online and external engagement and content.
Providing visitors with better information about visiting the Eastern Beaches will particularly help
people with mobility and access considerations.
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Reserve and general community information
Information about the values of naturally vegetated foreshores and the EBFRs may help the
general community further appreciate the importance of natural foreshores for recreation,
conserving urban biodiversity and for helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Dogs
Improving communication and community understanding about where unleashed or leashed dogs
can go on the beach, the important of keeping limited areas dog and off leash dog free, and how
dog owners can help protect turtles and the environment is an important priority. Clearer, more
prominent, and more attractive signage about dogs is important, including more information
available for short term accommodation visitors and residents online and elsewhere.
Dogs and cats in dunes
Dogs in dunes can cause erosion on steep slopes and fragile front dunes and scare or attack
wildlife. Their droppings can discourage wildlife, spread disease and make working in the dunes
very unpleasant for our bush regenerators and Bushcare volunteers. Cats can scare and attack
wildlife and their droppings introduce and spread deadly diseases like toxoplasmosis to wildlife.
EBFRMP Management Activities
The following actions are identified for implementation:
Prioritisation:
• Immediate: < 1 year
• Medium:1 year – 3 years
• Long: 3 years – 5 years
• Continuing: Commenced and ongoing.
Action Responsibility Priority
14.1. Regularly deliver “be a good bushland neighbour” Environmental Immediate
material to residential and non-residential neighbours, Services
long term renters, rental managers, and landscaping
and maintenance companies.
14.2. Provide general community information about the Environmental Immediate
cultural and environmental values of dunes, native Services
vegetation and foreshores, and their role in managing
climate change impacts online, on-reserve and nearby.
14.3. Develop and resource an environmental Environmental Immediate
communication materials package for online, signage, Services
paper-based and other formats for a range of
stakeholders.
14.4. Provide visitor information material about EBFR Environmental Medium
recreation online, on-reserve and nearby. Services
14.5. Regularly deliver foreshore reserve management Environmental Medium
planning and activity updates to residential and non- Services
residential neighbours.
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14.6. Provide neighbour, visitor, and general community Environmental Medium
information to short term let and resort properties for Services
guests, about our beaches and reserves, how to look
after them and stay safe.
14.7. Develop clearer, more prominent, and more Environmental Medium
attractive signage and information about dogs, including Services
to short term accommodation visitors. Infrastructure
Services
Local Laws
Measures
Measure Responsibility Timeframe
EBFR communication program developed in Environmental 2 years
conjunction with stakeholders. Services
Reduction in neighbour and visitor related impacts Environmental Every 5 years
observed in Bushland Operational Assessment Services
condition mapping
Environmental communication materials finalised and Environmental 2 years
including social values related materials. Services
Climate Change
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14. Incidents and disaster management
With thousands of visitors and neighbors, and foreshores being particularly vulnerable to weather
events, EBFRs incident and disaster management is important.
Objective
9. Manage hazardous vegetation, bushfire, flooding, coastal erosion and pest species within
the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves according to State Government and Council’s
policies, plans, risk appetite and legislative requirements.
Outcomes
• Fire safety for emergency personnel and EBFR neighbours is increased
• Emergency access to the EBFRs and Eastern Beaches is improved
• Council and the community collaborate better to respond to local marine debris events.
Noosa Disaster Management Plan
Noosa’s disaster planning, preparedness, response and recovery is primarily directed by the
Noosa Local Disaster Management Plan and Noosa Local Disaster Recovery Plan.
Bushfire risk
Fire risk in Council reserves is extensively discussed in the Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic
Fire Management Plan 2021 – 2026 and Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Management Plan
2021 – 2026, and any fire risk management activities here should be read in conjunction with those
documents. The fire management plan identified the fire risk that the bushland in the EBFRs poses
to adjacent buildings as High to Medium.
Sustained periods of extreme fire weather in Queensland occurred in 2019 and 2020. It is likely
that periods of severe and extreme fire weather are going to be more common and more intense
as climate change progresses. 21 22
Recent fire history
During extreme fire weather in September 2019, a fire was started in Peregian Beach South
Foreshore Reserve by flying embers from Emu Mountain or Peregian Springs. About two hectares
of the reserve was burned, one house was lost, and others were damaged. Contributing factors
included continuous vegetation and fuel between bush and some houses, older houses predating
current bushfire building codes and restricted, risky access for fire fighters.
Fire management and firefighting access
21
Australian Bureau of Meteorology. (2019) Changes to Fire Weather in Queensland (prepared for
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services). Bureau of Meteorology, Melbourne.
22
Richardson. D, Black. A.S, Monselesan. D.S, Risbey. J.S, Squire. T.S, Tozer. C.R, Canadell. J.G. (2021)
Increased extreme fire weather occurrence in southeast Australia and related atmospheric drivers. Weather
and Climate Extremes; 34.
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Fire management and firefighting access across much of the EBFRs creates various challenges.
Fire fighter access to the 2019 fires was very restricted and high risk, and meant fire fighters
needed to often walk down unknown, narrow, one-way accesses alongside private houses to
access the fire, making it dangerous for fire fighters. In some locations there is continuous
vegetation and fuel between the bush and houses. Several residences and outbuildings have zero
or near zero boundary clearance to the foreshore reserves.
Fire access trails and fuel reduction zones
The Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan 2021 – 2026, wherever possible,
seeks accessible through-fare fire access trails next to residential development, buildings and
facilities of up to four metres, and up to three meters where the bushland strip is narrow.
Where fire access trails are not possible (due to the dimension of the bushland reserve, slope, or
sensitive environmental values) the Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan
2021 – 2026 seeks a Fuel Reduction Zone (FRZ) of up to ten metres as a suitable Interface Zone
treatment for fire risk management. A fuel reduction zone reduces fuel by reducing the middle and
connecting vegetation layers while keeping the ground cover and canopy trees.
These fire risk management areas should be appropriately stabilised to prevent erosion. Outside of
these areas, reserves are managed for conservation and landform stability values.
Fire risk will be considered in, and fire risk management areas will be incorporated as required into
encroachment recovery and rehabilitation areas. Where fire risk management areas are not yet
established where recovery or rehabilitation works are undertaken, a buffer with the same
dimensions and characteristics should be established.
These fire risk management areas are highly desirable from a fire risk management point of view
and would significantly improve fire fighter safety. Any fire access trails and fuel reduction zone
planning, and establishment shall be initiated, planned and implemented by Council and shall be
considered with respect to the fire risk priorities of our entire bushland reserve network.
Marine debris events
As shipping up the east coast and the region’s urbanisation increases, the amount of marine debris
on our beaches increases. Climate change is increasing the intensity and occurrence of extreme
weather, and floods and storms have the potential to deposit more marine debris after events.
Debris can include parts, rubbish and fishing gear from ships and fishing vessels, litter and rubbish
delivered via stormwater, general rubbish, building materials, outside furniture, and community
infrastructure from low-lying parks after floods. The Brisbane February 2022 floods deposited 18
pontoons from Brisbane River on Noosa’s beaches (see the Highlight Box below).
This debris is unsightly and poses a safety risk to beach users and wildlife, particularly when it is
obscured by storm foam. There is also a strong and growing body of evidence of the negative
environmental impact of marine debris through ingestion, entanglement, habitat damage and the
spread of alien and invasive species. 23
Debris is removed from the beach by community members or Council workers and placed near or
in the bins at the top of the beach access or removed to the Resource Recovery Centre and landfill
by rubbish contractors or Council workers.
Natural marine debris, natural wood, seagrass, seaweed, pumice stone, vegetation and similar,
can also be deposited in large amounts during extreme weather. Natural debris can act as a useful
23 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (2022). Why is Marine Debris a Problem? Available Online:
https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/discover-marine-debris/why-marine-debris-problem
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Section 73
entrapment point, allowing the lodgment of sand and seeds that contribute to the rebuilding and
revegetation of frontal dunes after disturbance. They can also be significant habitat features,
especially during the early phase of dune rebuilding where little other cover occurs. Unless the
natural debris is posing a significant safety risk it is left where it is, to redistribute and decompose
naturally.
Marine oil spills
With increased international and domestic shipping passing along the shipping route along our
coast and increased extreme weather due to climate change, the risk of a larger marine oil spill
from a ship is also increasing. Oil spills from ships or from land-based activities may also occur in
the Noosa River and creeks.
Animals can be poisoned or burned by the chemicals in the oil – marine animals that come to the
surface to breathe or live on the surface or in intertidal areas are particularly vulnerable. Oil
prevents birds from flying or floating, and most oiled seabirds drown out at sea. Oil also prevents
fur or feathers keeping the animal warm, and they can rapidly freeze to death in cold water. Plants
and animals that live on rocks, mudflats, in the sand or on the bottom of the sea can be poisoned
or smothered. The effects of oil spills can be longstanding even on wildlife that survives -
reproduction success and lifespans can be reduced, the populations of threatened species
affected, and habitats degraded.
Economies and communities can also be affected. Fisheries can be affected by a reduction in
commercial species populations, contamination, or public perception about food safety. Tourism,
hospitality and accommodation industries, particularly where focused on coastal access and
amenity and fresh, local food can also be affected. Human health effects have been observed in
cleanup personnel and communities that live or work in areas affected by large oil spills.
Oil spills have happened near Noosa’s Eastern Beaches before. During Cyclone Hamish in March
2009, 230 tonnes of fuel oil, 30 tonnes of other fuel and 620 tonnes of ammonium nitrate (the latter
mostly in containers) spilled into the sea along the Sunshine Coast, affecting the coast from
Marcoola Beach (about 18km south of Peregian Beach) down to Brisbane River port. The spill
came from cargo damaged by other unsecured cargo on the deck of the MV Pacific Adventurer
during rough weather. About 155 hectares of coastal land were affected, needing about $31 million
and 1500 people to clean up. Other effects included oiled wildlife and degraded coastal
ecosystems, closed and restricted local fisheries and reduced recreation and tourism.
Marine and riverine oil spills trigger an initial joint response from Maritime Safety Queensland and
Council, with Queensland Department of Environment and Science responding to oiled wildlife.
Council may be the lead responder in smaller spills, while Maritime Safety Queensland is the lead
responder for larger spills. Council’s response is guided by the Marine and Riverine Oil Spill
Response Plan.
Marine strandings
Marine strandings occur when alive or dead marine mammals, turtles or large fish wash up on
beaches, triggering a Council and Department of Environment response process. Where large
numbers of small fish or other animals wash up onto the beach this process may also be triggered.
Human safety, for staff, rescuers and the general public is always the first consideration, and when
the animal is alive, humane and ethical considerations also come into play, triggering Department
of Environment and Science and veterinarian assessment and a possible rescue response. Where
a dead animal may have conservation significance, such as a humpback whale, turtle or dugong,
data or the body may be collected for further assessment or preservation. Body disposal is usually
undertaken by Council to minimise public health risk and replicate natural processes where
possible.
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Emergency access
During recent natural disasters it became clear Council could benefit from improved emergency
access to Noosa’s beaches. Most beach accesses are inaccessible to even small All-Terrain
Vehicles. Access for light vehicles, large machinery or large trucks is very problematic. Even where
the accesses would otherwise be suitable, community infrastructure in nearby open spaces, road
reserves, or along the beach accesses complicate or entirely prevents their use by large or long
vehicles and machinery. Restricted access means more machinery movements along longer
lengths of beaches, with accompanying budgetary, environmental and beach user impacts.
Identifying a few simple, short beach accesses that could be modified to allow large machinery and
small vehicle access could help resolve this issue. Consideration of accompanying budget, as well
as environmental and beach user impacts is needed to better understand the costs and benefits of
improved emergency beach access.
EBFRMP Management activities
The following actions are identified for implementation:
Prioritisation:
• Immediate: < 1 year
• Medium:1 year – 3 years
• Long: 3 years – 5 years
• Continuing: Commenced and ongoing.
Action Responsibility Priority
15.1. Identify site specific fire risk interface treatments Environmental Immediate
as required by the Noosa Strategic Bushfire Services Continuing
Management Plan.
15.2. Review incident management procedures, Environmental Medium
including for marine spills, marine debris events and Services
marine stranding, and update as required. Infrastructure
Services
Disaster
Management
15.3. Publish a case study and video about the Environmental Video Complete
pontoon and polystyrene removal to inform future Services Medium
polystyrene pontoon incidents and cleanups.
15.4. Review key beach accesses to enable improved Environmental Medium
access by large machinery and trucks for disaster Services
response. Review and simplify nearby park, beach Infrastructure
access and street infrastructure to ensure their Services
location doesn’t prevent the use of the key beach Emergency
access by large machinery and truck for disaster Services
response. Surf Life Saving
clubs
Surf Life Saving
Qld
15.5. Provide neighbours with information about Environmental Medium
bushfire risk management and Council’s fire Services
management program.
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Section 75
15.6. Better support and collaborate with the Environmental Medium
community to prevent and respond to future local Services
marine debris events. Infrastructure
Services
Measure Responsibility Timeline
Emergency beach access improved Environmental Four years
Services
Infrastructure
Services
February 2022 floods – grounded pontoons
During the February 2022 Queensland floods, an estimated 18 pontoons and docks washed out of
Brisbane River and grounded on Noosa’s beaches. Polystyrene is used as flotation in pontoons,
and as the outer pontoon layers broke down it was exposed to natural elements and crumbled into
small pieces that were readily spread by wind and waves. The large pieces of pontoon were
removed with large machinery. Smaller pontoon and polystyrene pieces were removed by
community individuals and groups, Council officers and contractors by hand, vacuum and beach
cleaner, but individual beads scattered and buried into the sand remained. This pollution can have
a devastating effect on wildlife, including sea turtles. Several months later, small beads scattered in
very isolated pockets remain in the dunes and on tide lines and are likely to continue to be
exposed by wind and wave action, particularly during storms. Council and community members
continue to monitor and do further cleanup as required.
A polystyrene round table held in July 2022 brought State, local government and community
stakeholders together to review what happened during the pontoon beaching and cleanup from
various perspectives. Recommendations were developed during the meeting including better
pontoon construction, maintenance and identification standards, more coastal information and
hazard response capability, such as a natural disaster dashboards and community coordination by
Council, and better recognition of marine debris as a pollution incident to facilitate more pollution
response support from the State Government.
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15. Encroachments
Encroachments into foreshore reserves include damaging vegetation, filling, dumping rubbish, yard
extensions, private infrastructure and unauthorised planting. As the impact and area of
encroachments continues to expand in the EBFRs, their ability to contribute to nature-based
community climate change resilience under the CHAP 2021 and to improve coastal ecosystems
under the Noosa Environment Strategy 2019 is compromised.
Encroachments are not isolated to Eastern Beaches and are shire wide. They are managed on a
shire wide basis for all of Councils bushland reserves under existing Local Law No.4 (Local
Government Controlled Areas, Facilities, & Roads) 2015 and supporting Encroachments Policy
2023 and Encroachment Procedures 2023.
Objectives
All management objectives
Outcomes
• Encroachments are strategically managed and prioritised on a risk management basis to
reduce the area of bushland reserve impacted by encroachments to improve environmental
values and manage bushfire risk.
Education and communication
Ongoing communication between Council, visitors and neighbours can contribute to the protection
and enhancement of the EBFRs and minimise impacts from encroachments. Education and
communication will be the first option in dealing with neighbour impacts.
Local Law No.4
Activities in Council managed reserves relating to encroachments are regulated under Local Law
No.4 (Local Government Controlled Areas, Facilities, & Roads) 2015. But how these impacts are
dealt with by Council can be subjective or inconsistent, which can make it difficult for Council
officers to respond to them unless clear processes are put in place to help guide how best to
prioritise and restore encroachments.
The new Encroachments Policy and Procedures provide for a consistent and transparent whole of
Council response to encroachments that better meets community expectations and protects the
social and environmental values of the EBFRs. Council’s approach for managing encroachments
include education and communication as a first option, a range of non-regulatory responses, and a
clear and methodical regulatory response under Local Law No.4. This is supported by a Natural
Areas encroachment recovery program with a detailed risk management matrix, a dedicated officer
for managing shire wide encroachments in bushland reserves and additional funding for
restoration.
Encroachment descriptions
Encroachments are unauthorised improvement or use of another’s land.
Private beach accesses on public reserve land
Making or using private and / or informal beach accesses clears native vegetation, causes erosion
and spreads weeds. They fragment the bushland, create weak spots for severe weather impacts
and open the foreshore to increased salt, wind and storm damage.
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Section 77
Private yard extensions into public land
As part of private yard extensions into public land, native vegetation is cleared many are planted
with garden plants, and some contain small structure and retaining walls .
Replacing community bushland with a private garden is prohibited under Local Law No. 4, spreads
weeds and can make firefighting access more difficult, with level changes, access along the
boundary and into the bush blocked with debris, plantings, fencing and other infrastructure.
Reducing the functional width of often already narrow vegetated foreshores reduces the ability of
the reserve to manage extreme weather, improve water quality, reduce sediment and erosion and
act as wildlife corridors and habitat.
Vegetation damage for views
Vegetation damage for views includes pruning, cutting, breaking, pulling, poisoning and clearing
native vegetation – including trees, shrubs and ground covers - on the dune and foreshores for
views. It also affects foreshores without a shared residential boundary.
There are a few different types of clearing - all layers cleared to bare earth or mowed grass,
topping, killing or clearing the tallest vegetation where many of the largest trees are killed, or under
scrubbing, where the understory and midstory are removed.
Vegetation damage makes the remaining vegetation more vulnerable to weeds, wind and salt
damage, degrades and fragments the bushland, and can exacerbate coastal erosion risk.
Private recreation areas
Private recreation areas are cleared areas away from the boundary, often on top of the dunes or
near the back of the beach and are generally accessible from private beach accesses and private
property rather than public accesses. Some of them are planted with garden plants, turfed or
furnished with tables and chairs. Many of the issues associated with vegetation damage and yard
extensions apply.
Garden plant escapees
Most environmental weeds start out as ornamental plants, and many garden plants easily spread
in bushland by seed, suckers and runners, from gardens on private property, garden rubbish
dumps or are deliberately planted in bushland.
Garden rubbish dumping
Dumping garden rubbish in community bushland can introduce weeds and replace diverse mixes
of native plants with infestations of just a few weeds. Rubbish dumps are an attractive ignition point
for arsonists, can cause a fire to flare and block emergency and management access.
Paths and edge effects
Paths into foreshore reserves fragment the bush. Each one of these path edges has
accompanying ‘edge-effect’ area, a strip of degraded bush, which usually has more weeds and
more sunlight, wind and salt intrusion, degrading the health and diversity of the ecosystems.
Weeds are often carried along the paths by maintenance and users. Having many more paths into
the foreshore means that much more of the retained bush is this degraded edge effect area, with
reduced environmental values and increased management costs. East-west orientated paths in the
long, narrow north-south orientated foreshore reserves have a particular impact on the movement
of wildlife down the length of the reserves 24.
24
Ballantyne. M, Gudes. O, Pickering. C.M. 2014. Recreational trails are an important cause of
fragmentation in endangered urban forests: A case-study from Australia. Landscape and Urban Planning,
130, pgs 112-124. ISSN 0169-2046
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023 Page 66
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Section 78
Paths, especially in quieter areas, allow introduced predators to freely move across more of the
dune and beaches. This appears to particularly apply to foxes accessing the quieter, darker parts
of the beach that turtles are likely to use for nesting.
EBFRMP Management actions
The following actions are identified for implementation:
Prioritisation:
• Immediate: < 1 year
• Medium:1 year – 3 years
• Long: 3 years – 5 years
• Continuing: Commenced and ongoing.
Action Responsibility Priority
16.1. Contribute to the implementation of a Environmental Immediate
shirewide encroachment policy for Council Services (Policy complete,
managed land, including: Infrastructure Services implementation
• targeted educative compliance as a first Local Laws activities are
measure to address and remove historic ongoing)
and new encroachments
• timely enforcement approach to any new
encroachments
• a clear direction and framework for the
recovery and restoration of illegally
disturbed bushland areas
• clear guidance about climate mitigation
measures for private property
• fire risk mitigation measures incorporated
into the recovery and ecological
restoration of disturbed areas.
• Natural Areas encroachment recovery
program resourced with staff that have
natural area encroachment, education,
recovery and compliance skills.
16.2. Implement a broader awareness campaign Environmental Immediate
and community education materials to encourage Services
good custodianship of council managed land,
including information and signage.
16.3. Incorporate fire risk mitigation measures into Environmental Immediate
Natural Areas encroachment recovery Services Continuing
Measures
Measure Responsibility Timeframe
Area affected by encroachments using the BOA mapping is Environmental Every 5
reduced Services years
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Section 79
16. Data collection and monitoring
Data from desk top investigations, research, monitoring, and observations informs the planning
and management of council managed bushland, contributes to the development of strategic plans,
and monitors on-ground and strategic outcomes.
Objectives
All management objectives
Outcomes
• Reserve values, management considerations, management planning and implementation
are informed by good data and monitoring
• Provide data on the outcomes of management actions and inform future management
• Integrate EBFRMP monitoring and data collection with broader monitoring programs
• Contribute data to broader monitoring, management and research
The monitoring and data collection detailed below includes those that sit primarily with Council’s
Environmental Services branch and Natural Areas team, and principally undertaken within the
Eastern Beaches Foreshores Reserves. Monitoring undertaken as part of programs and projects
that occur mostly outside of the Eastern Beaches Foreshores Reserves and / or are primarily the
responsibility of another part of Council or other authorities are detailed in Section 5: Linked
projects and programs and Appendix Two: Linked projects and programs. While Environmental
Services branch and Natural Areas team are not the primary drivers of these projects or it occurs
mostly outside the EBFR, they may be stakeholders and contribute to the project, or the project
contributes to outcomes in the EBFR.
Data collection
Environmental values
The environmental values of the foreshore reserves, such as ecosystems, wetlands, significant
species and habitats, and landscape values such as connectivity and wildlife corridors, are derived
from environmental reports from the Qld Department of Environment and Science and Qld
Department of Resources.
Much of this mapping is primarily based on Regional Ecosystem mapping. Regional Ecosystem
mapping on foreshores has, until recently, typically been very broadscale and simple, with a range
of vegetation communities often grouped under RE 12.2.14: Strand and fore dune complex.
Recent improvements to this mapping by the Queensland Government can be seen in the increase
in the extent and number of mapped Regional Ecosystems and the extent of High Value Regrowth
discussed below. These changes are supported by a current Noosa Regional Ecosystem mapping
project and on ground observations. As this mapping continues to get more detailed it is expected
that more Regional Ecosystems, more High Value Regrowth and a wider range of environmental
values will be reported.
Using the information in these reports is a standard approach to management plans for natural
areas and has been used by Noosa Council, other local governments, and other land management
agencies in many other reserve planning documents and processes. The reports for foreshore
reserve and connected bushland reserves in the plan include:
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023 Page 68
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Section 80
• Biodiversity and Conservation Values - Biodiversity Planning Assessments and Aquatic
Conservation Assessments
• WildNet Records - Conservation Significant Species List
• Regional Ecosystems - Biodiversity Status (regional ecosystems and special values)
• Queensland Wetlands
• Aquatic Ecosystem Rehabilitation Mapping
• Matters of State Environmental Significance (Threatened (endangered or vulnerable)
wildlife and special least concern animals, Koala habitat area (SEQ), Wildlife habitat (sea
turtle nesting areas))
• Protected Plants Flora Survey Trigger map
• Modelled potential habitat
• Vegetation management report (includes regional ecosystems, essential wildlife habitat)
These reports are available on the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Management Plan webpage.
Sea Turtle Nesting Areas: Department of Natural Resources Sea Turtle Nesting Areas25 mapping
identified the Eastern Beaches as a Significant Sea Turtle Nesting area.
Marine Turtle Nest Monitoring: This map from SCC Open Data 26 is made up of all Green Turtle
(green discs) and Loggerhead Turtle (orange discs) nest and track only (turn back) (beige discs)
records collected by accredited Coolum and North Shore Coast Care’s Turtle Monitoring Group
volunteers in Noosa Shire in the 2008/09 to 2021/22 turtle nesting seasons.
Figure 16: Marine Turtle monitoring results
25 Department of Natural Resources. (2022). Sea Turtle Nesting Areas.
https://qldglobe.information.qld.gov.au/
26
Sunshine Coast Regional Council. (2023). SCC Open Data (Biota) Marine Turtle Monitoring.
https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?panel=gallery&layers=4e379681e85d491a8439aa58be4
90549
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Section 81
Monitoring
Vegetation extent:
The Noosa Environment Strategy 2019 requires the mapping of extent of coastal foreshore
vegetation every 2 years. Data collection was conducted in 2022 as part of the Coastal Monitoring
Plan under Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan implementation, using two different remote sensing,
drone platform methods Repeated coastal foreshore vegetation extent mapping will contribute to
our understanding of coastal changes and climate change.
Regional ecosystems
The Noosa Environment Strategy 2019 requires the review of changes to the extent and number of
coastal Regional Ecosystems (RE) every five years. Detailed RE mapping was extracted from
State government datasets and collated for EBFRs in 2021 and 2022, as part of the EBFMP
development, and found significant expansion of mapped High Value Regrowth (HVR) and some
expansion of mapped REs.
In 2021 mapped EBFR HVR and RE vegetation was 87.3 ha, increasing to 126.9 ha in 2022. Four
new REs, 12.2.5, 12.2.7, 12.2.13, and 12.2.15, were also mapped in 2022. However, these
increases were probably mostly due to new more detailed and more accurate mapping rather than
more recovered vegetation but will act as good baseline data for future monitoring.
Bushland condition mapping (BOA)
The Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Management Plan 2021– 2026 requires BOAs of
significant reserves every five years. The Bushland Operational Assessment (BOA) is used to
gauge condition of bushland in natural areas, based on the resilience (ability of native indigenous
species to recruit and progress towards a representative vegetation community), percentage of
weeds. It is visually shown by easy to interpret colours on maps and backed up by weed
percentages and notes.
BOA has been used in Council’s conservation estate network since 2008, across many of the 148
Bushland Reserves. Its primary function is to inform and assess planning and on-ground
management of natural areas. It identifies the priority and strategic areas for works, the needed
activities and monitors works effectiveness. It can guide operational service levels, resource gap
analysis, contract management and work plan development.
The boundaries and attributes of each condition area and management considerations points are
collected and mapped using a GPS enabled device, with ARCPAD software and creates shape
files. These shapefiles are edited in GIS mapping application to produce coloured maps and
attribute tables. BOA and associated desktop editing, with particular attention to mapping the
boundaries and attributes of each encroachment and private beach access, have been conducted
across the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves since December 2021.
These are a repeat of mapping completed in 2017, although that previous mapping did not map the
private beach accesses or detail each encroachment. The maps and attribute tables collected so
far inform the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Management Plan and will inform the ecological
restoration plans and encroachment recovery for each reserve.
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Section 82
Management Actions
Action Responsibility Timeframe
17.1. Conduct a desktop review of the Environmental Services Baseline data
extent of EBFR vegetation every two years, Climate Change collected 21-22
using remote sensing data collected under
Re-collection 23-24
the Coastal Monitoring Plan.
17.2. Monitor for any changes in the EBFRs Environmental Services Baseline data
RE mapping every five years by measuring Strategic Planning collected 21-22
the extent of mapped REs and high value
Re-collection 27-28
regrowth and the extent of all vegetation
using desktop mapping, vegetation
management mapping and aerial photos.
17.3. Undertake BOA mapping every 5 Environmental Services Baseline data
years. Compare against management zone collected 22-23
rehabilitation targets in ecological
Re-collection 28-29
rehabilitation plan, aiming for 75% or better
compliance.
17.4. Contribute as a stakeholder to coastal Environmental Services Continuing
and coastal creek monitoring and other
relevant projects and programs as required.
Make relevant Environmental Services,
Natural Areas Eastern Beaches Foreshores
Reserves and other data as freely available
as possible to these and other projects and
programs.
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Section 83
17. Management Actions
Prioritisation:
• Immediate: < 1 year
• Medium:1 year – 3 years
• Long: 3 years – 5 years
• Continuing: Commenced and ongoing.
Action Responsibility Priority
8. Partnerships
8.1. In collaboration with existing and new Environmental Immediate
partners, develop one-off and alternate volunteer Services
opportunities for locals and visitors.
8.2. Identify gaps and potential partners, actively Environmental Immediate
seek and develop partnership opportunities, and Services Continuing
be open to new project and partner proposals that
contribute to management vision and objectives.
8.3. Identify, review and document partner Environmental Medium
projects and collaborations and make information Services
accessible for others to read about and learn
from.
8.4. In collaboration with partners, publicise Environmental Medium
events and volunteer opportunities and host open Services
days to encourage new members and
partnerships.
9. Climate Change
9.1. Update and implement ecological restoration Environmental Immediate
plans for all EBFRs. Services Continuing
9.2. Provide general community information about Climate Change Immediate
the values of vegetated foreshores and natural Environmental
processes for community climate change Services
resilience online, on-reserve and nearby.
9.3. Experiment with accelerated assisted natural Environmental Immediate
bush regeneration, vegetation rehabilitation and Services Continuing
dune rebuilding, especially at the seaward edge Bushcare groups
of dunes and foreshores.
9.4. Develop design standards for beach Infrastructure Services Immediate
accesses and coastal community infrastructure Continuing
components.
9.5. Allocate emergency contingent ecology funds Environmental Medium
and resources as part of annual budget process Services
to more readily deploy bush regeneration and
recovery activities after severe weather and
disaster events.
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Section 84
9.6. Develop an overarching beach access plan Environmental Medium
and maintenance plan for beach accesses and Services
coastal community infrastructure components. Infrastructure Services
9.7. Conduct a review of existing beach Environmental Long
accesses, viewing platforms, signage, fencing, Services
seat and other community coastal infrastructure, Infrastructure Services
in line with Noosa’s Design Principles.
Review elements include; classification, location,
use, construction and maintenance,
environmental impacts and defects, overuse and
new or moved beach accesses where needed.
10. Ecology
10.1. Update bushland condition mapping for all Environmental Immediate
EBFRs - only conduct BOA condition mapping in Services Continuing
foreshore areas during summer when glory lily is
showing.
10.2. Update and implement ecological Environmental Immediate
restoration plans for all EBFRs. Services Continuing
Council:
10.3. Incorporate climate change considerations Environmental Immediate
in ecological management activities. Services Continuing
10.4. Minimise and actively rehabilitate cleared Environmental Immediate
areas to reduce fragmentation and edge effect. Services Continuing
Infrastructure Services
10.5. Target pandanus areas for regeneration to Environmental Immediate
improve understory health and contribute to Services Continuing
improved pandanus germination. Include Infrastructure Services
pandanus regeneration activities in rehabilitation
plans.
10.6. Minimise plastic elements in new and Environmental Immediate
upgraded coastal community infrastructure and Services Continuing
management to reduce plastic moving into the Infrastructure Services
coastal environment from community coastal
infrastructure.
10.7. Incorporate relevant aspects of threatened Environmental Immediate
species, scheduled species and other significant Services Continuing
native species monitoring and management plans
into planning and management activities.
10.8. Investigate post event rapid response Environmental Medium
funding for ecological restoration. Services
10.9. Contribute to glory lily research and adopt Environmental Medium
best practise to managing this pest species. Services
Infrastructure Services
10.10. Implement litter minimisation measures Environmental Medium
with other Council branches, better support Services
community litter collection efforts and collect Infrastructure Services
coastal marine debris information. Waste Services
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Section 85
11. Social Values
11.1. Invite the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) to work Environmental Immediate
in partnership with Council and other land Services Continuing
managers to collaboratively manage the EBFRs.
11.2. Incorporate cultural heritage values in Environmental Immediate
EBFRs management and interpretation. Services Continuing
11.3. Implement Noosa Design Principles in Environmental Immediate
reserve management and community coastal Services Continuing
infrastructure design, delivery, and maintenance. Infrastructure Services
11.4. Identify existing vista, near beach and surf Environmental Long
condition viewpoints, and assess for visitor Services
experience and environmental sustainability. Infrastructure Services
Where environmentally sustainable, incorporate
existing viewpoints into infrastructure upgrades.
11.5. Upgrade and make beach accesses, Environmental Long
entrances, and other points of interface between Services
foreshore reserves and visitors and surrounding Infrastructure Services
land uses welcoming, attractive and accessible.
12. Public access and recreation
12.1 Develop design standards for beach Infrastructure Services Immediate
accesses and coastal community infrastructure Environmental Continuing
components. Services
12.2. Include the preferred adaptation responses Environmental Immediate
for the different localities described in the Noosa Services Continuing
Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan in reserve Infrastructure Services
management and community coastal
infrastructure design, delivery and maintenance.
12.3. Incorporate equitable access in beach Environmental Medium
access and community infrastructure planning Services
and implementation. Work with stakeholders to Infrastructure Services
deliver equitable access events on the Eastern Community Services
Beaches.
12.4. Provide visitor information material about Environmental Medium
EBFR recreation, including universal access, Services
online, on-reserve and nearby.
12.5. Incorporate the consideration, protection Environmental Medium
and enhancement of beach profiles and surf Services
breaks into management planning and Infrastructure Services
implementation.
12.6. Work with Local Laws to explore the review Infrastructure Services Medium
of dog exercise areas, community education and Environmental
information about dogs on beaches and dog Services
related enforcement. Local Laws
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Section 86
12.7. Conduct a review of existing beach Environmental Long
accesses, viewing platforms, signage, fencing, Services
seat and other community coastal infrastructure, Infrastructure Services
in line with Noosa’s Design Principles
Review elements include; classification, location,
use, construction and maintenance, likely
inaccessibility from flooding, erosion etc,
environmental impacts and defects, overuse and
new or moved beach accesses if needed.
12.8. Develop an overarching beach access plan Environmental Long
and maintenance plan for beach accesses and Services
coastal community infrastructure components, Infrastructure Services
including new collaborative management Bushcare volunteers
approaches for beach accesses that Surf Life Saving clubs
accommodate the impacts of climate change, Surf Life Saving Qld
increased erosion, inundation, and fire danger.
13. Coastal creeks and stormwater
13.1. Work with Unitywater, and community Environmental Immediate
members to restore bushland and improve water Services Continuing
quality in the lowest reaches of coastal creeks, Unitywater
accommodating erosion issues where required. Infrastructure Services
Include the values of coastal creeks in community Bushcare
education and restoration planning.
13.2. Coordinate with Unitywater and Council Environmental Immediate
departments, the collection and documentation of Services Continuing
comprehensive water quality assessments and Environmental Health
standards for all coastal creeks and inshore Unitywater
marine environments.
13.3. Work with Unitywater, and community Infrastructure Services Medium
members to prioritise and develop catchment Environmental
management plans for coastal creeks that: Services
• consider all sources of water and Environmental Health
influences on hydrology
• rank and prioritise remediation works on
land slips, slumps and other impacts
• assess stormwater management
requirements for the catchment
• consider degraded natural and social
values alongside other stormwater related
impacts.
13.4. Work with Unitywater and Infrastructure Infrastructure Services Medium
Services to prioritise, plan, schedule and Environmental
implement the management of coastal creek Services
mouth alignment and erosion where necessary Unitywater
for Burgess Creek.
14. Community Education
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Section 87
14.1. Regularly deliver “be a good bushland Environmental Immediate
neighbour” material to residential and non- Services
residential neighbours, long term renters, rental
managers, and landscaping and maintenance
companies.
14.2. Provide general community information Environmental Immediate
about the cultural and environmental values of Services
dunes, native vegetation and foreshores, and
their role in managing climate change impacts
online, on-reserve and nearby.
14.3. Develop and resource an environmental Environmental Immediate
communication materials package for online, Services
signage, paper-based and other formats for a
range of stakeholders.
14.4. Provide visitor information material about Environmental Medium
EBFR recreation online, on-reserve and nearby. Services
14.5. Regularly deliver foreshore reserve Environmental Medium
management planning and activity updates to Services
residential and non-residential neighbours.
14.6. Provide neighbour, visitor, and general Environmental Medium
community information to short term let and resort Services
properties for guests, about our beaches and
reserves, how to look after them and stay safe.
14.7. Develop clearer, more prominent, and more Environmental Medium
attractive signage and information about dogs, Services
including to short term accommodation visitors. Infrastructure Services
Local Laws
15. Incidents and disaster management
15.1. Identify site specific fire risk interface Environmental Immediate
treatments as required by the Noosa Strategic Services Continuing
Bushfire Management Plan.
15.2. Review incident management procedures, Environmental Medium
including for marine spills, marine debris events Services
and marine stranding, and update as required. Infrastructure Services
Disaster Management
15.3. Publish a case study and video about the Environmental Video Complete
pontoon and polystyrene removal to inform future Services Medium
polystyrene pontoon incidents and cleanups.
15.4. Review key beach accesses to enable Environmental Medium
improved access by large machinery and trucks Services
for disaster response. Review and simplify nearby Infrastructure Services
park, beach access and street infrastructure to Emergency Services
ensure their location doesn’t prevent the use of Surf Life Saving clubs
the key beach access by large machinery and Surf Life Saving Qld
truck for disaster response.
15.5. Provide neighbours with information about Environmental Medium
bushfire risk management and Council’s fire Services
management program.
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Section 88
15.6. Better support and collaborate with the Environmental Medium
community to prevent and respond to future local Services
marine debris events. Infrastructure Services
16. Encroachments
16.1. Contribute to the implementation of a Environmental Immediate
shirewide encroachment policy for Council Services (Policy complete,
managed land, including: Infrastructure Services implementation
• targeted educative compliance as a first Local Laws activities are
measure to address and remove historic ongoing)
and new encroachments
• timely enforcement approach to any new
encroachments
• a clear direction and framework for the
recovery and restoration of illegally
disturbed bushland areas
• clear guidance about climate mitigation
measures for private property
• fire risk mitigation measures incorporated
into the recovery and ecological
restoration of disturbed areas.
• Natural Areas encroachment recovery
program resourced with staff that have
natural area encroachment, education,
recovery and compliance skills.
16.2. Implement a broader awareness campaign Environmental Immediate
and community education materials to encourage Services
good custodianship of council managed land,
including information and signage.
16.3. Incorporate fire risk mitigation measures Environmental Immediate
into Natural Areas encroachment recovery Services Continuing
17. Data collection and monitoring
17.1. Conduct a desktop review of the extent of Environmental Baseline data
EBFR vegetation every two years, using remote Services collected 21-22
sensing data collected under the Coastal Climate Change
Re-collection 23-24
Monitoring Plan.
17.2. Monitor for any changes in the EBFRs RE Environmental Baseline data
mapping every five years by measuring the extent Services collected 21-22
of mapped REs and high value regrowth and the Strategic Planning
Re-collection 27-28
extent of all vegetation using desktop mapping,
vegetation management mapping and aerial
photos.
17.3. Undertake BOA mapping every 5 years. Environmental Baseline data
Compare against management zone Services collected 22-23
rehabilitation targets in ecological rehabilitation
Re-collection 28-29
plan, aiming for 75% or better compliance.
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Section 89
17.4. Contribute as a stakeholder to coastal and Environmental Continuing
coastal creek monitoring and other relevant Services
projects and programs as required. Make relevant
Environmental Services, Natural Areas Eastern
Beaches Foreshores Reserves and other data as
freely available as possible to these and other
projects and programs.
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Section 90
18. Appendices
Appendix One - Legislation and policy linkages
Level Legislation
Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003
Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1998
Biosecurity Act 2014
Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995
Environmental Offset Act 2014
Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990
Nature Conservation Act 1992
Land Act 1994
State
Local Government Act 2009 (QLD)
SEQ Regional Plan 2009 – 2031
Planning Act 2016 & Planning Regulation 2017 (Schedule 10)
Public Health Act 2005 & Regulation 2018
State Planning Policy July 2017 & State Interest Guidelines
Vegetation Management Act 2009
Water Act 2000
State Planning Policy 2/10 Koala Conservation in SEQ
Noosa Council Planning Scheme 2020
Priority Infrastructure Plan (Local Government Infrastructure Plan)
Local Laws and Local Law No.2 (Animal Management) 2015
planning
Local Law No.3 (Community & Environmental Management) 2015
instruments
Local Law No.4 (Local Government Controlled Areas, Facilities, & Roads)
2015
Local Law No.6 (Bathing Reserves) 2015
Local strategic and planning drivers
Document Relevance
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Section 91
Noosa 2.0 Corporate Plan 2023-2028 An objective under the Environment Theme is
Operational Plan (annually reviewed “Fund and implement Coastal Foreshores and
Coastal Hazard Management Plans to protect and
enhance coastal and foreshore areas.” Signature
projects include “Implementation of Coastal and
Foreshore Management Plans”.
Noosa Council Environment Strategy The social and environmental values of coastal
2019 ecosystems are recognised and several targets
and outcomes require them to be protected and
enhanced.
Noosa Biodiversity Plan: Biodiversity Outlines the current and likely future state of
Assessment Report 2016 biodiversity in Noosa Shire and identifies dune
ecosystems as being both at risk and having
significant values.
Noosa Cultural Plan 2019 – 2023 Identifies working with Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) to
collaboratively manage Bushland environmental
and cultural values.
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Several of the management actions and priority
pest species (including broad leaf pepper,
Singapore daisy and foxes) directly apply to the
Eastern Beaches foreshore reserves.
Noosa Climate Change Response Plan Identifies healthy and resilient natural systems as
a strategic priority, and specifically identifies the
need to develop a coastal management plan for
dune management and ecological restoration and
other management aspects.
Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Determines the level of fire threat, fire risk, and
Management Plan 2021 - 2026 related interface management required for
bushland reserves and foreshore reserves.
Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Outlines the values and management issues in
Management Plan 2021 – 2026 Council’s bushland reserve network, to help
prioritise management responses.
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan Describes risks from coastal hazards including
2021 erosion, storm tide and gradual sea level rise and
identifies nature-based solutions as the preferred
adaptation response to likely impacts. Includes a
biodiversity vulnerability assessment and a cost-
benefit analysis for the Eastern Beaches. These
assessments identified the importance of dune
revegetation, augmentation and management to
maximise benefits of coastal foreshores for both
human and natural systems.
Noosa Walking and Cycling Strategy and Some of the existing walking and cycle paths
Implementation Plan 2020-2040 pass through or alongside EBFRs. The plan
guides the prioritisation of pathway
improvements.
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Section 92
Links to Noosa Environment Strategy 2019
Theme 1 - Biodiversity
Goal: By 2030 the condition and extent of our natural ecosystems has improved.
Target Measure Implementation in EBFRs
Strategy 1.1 Protect and enhance existing ecosystems, vegetation networks and habitats
By 2030, there is no net loss of Bushland Operational Assessments BOAs were undertaken in some
ecosystem values across the shire, (BOAs) will be undertaken every 5 EBFRs in 2012, and across all
and the condition of Council’s priority years across priority Council EBFRs in 2017. BOAs are being
bushland reserves are enhanced. managed Bushland Reserves. repeated in all EBFRs from 2022-23.
Strategy 1.3: Improve long-term survival for threatened species and ecological communities
By 2030, populations of key threatened Monitored as part of the Threatened The new Threatened Fauna
indicator species remain viable. Species Plan and reported in the Recovery Roadmap identifies key
Environment Strategy’s Monitoring threatened species and provides a
Program. framework for ongoing monitoring.
The EBFRMP identifies relevant
significant species for active
management. Turtles are identified
as priority species to focus on in
2023-2024. .
Activity/project Council’s Strategies Status in EBFRs in 2022
role
Undertake environmental restoration Provider, 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, BOAs undertaken as required. Completed
activities throughout Council’s facilitator, 2.2, 4.3 in 2022-23. Ecological restoration grant
conservation reserves. Prepare BOAs funder ($75,000 / yr over three years FY20-23)
for Council reserves to monitor the funded by Environment Levy grant,
success of work. delivered by community volunteer
directed contractors and volunteers. In
2022, Council provides 3 labour days
contractor support per reserve per year.
Reduce the threat of priority Partner, 1.1, 1.3, 2.2, See above.
biosecurity risks, such as pest plants educator, 4.3 Glory lily continues to expand - areas of
and animals, on Council land and provider, most other weeds are reducing.
support private landholders to do the regulator
same.
Identify priority land parcels that Planner, 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, The EBFRMP identifies east west
enhance landscape connectivity and provider 4.1 connectivity and collaboration
seek to have them managed for opportunities to work with other areas of
environmental outcomes, either Council to achieve better connectivity
through direct purchase by Council, or through adjacent land not currently
utilising other appropriate protective managed for conservation.
mechanisms.
Undertake detailed biodiversity Partner, 1.1, 1.3 The biodiversity values of the EBFRs
assessments across different Broad researcher, need to be assessed in a fine-scale
Vegetation Groups, with a view to funder manner to update State regional
understanding and monitoring the ecosystem mapping. BOAs need to be
health of biodiversity across the Shire. prepared as 5 yearly condition maps with
updated rehabilitation plans to direct
restoration activities.
Scope and undertake monitoring Partner, 1.1, 1.3 The EBFRMP identifies relevant
programs on populations of 6-8 key researcher, significant species and provides the
representative threatened species, to funder management framework for directing
mitigate against local extinctions. management actions for key species.
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023 Page 81
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Section 93
Theme 2 - Waterlands, Wetlands and Coasts
Goal: By 2030 waterways, wetlands and coasts are healthy, resilient to change and valued by the
community.
Target Measure Implementation in EBFRs
Strategy 2.2: Protect and enhance coastal environments and vegetated buffers to coastal
foreshores
By 2030, maintain the extent of Review mapping of vegetation extent Detailed regional ecosystem
vegetated buffers and improve of coastal foreshores every 2 years. mapping was prepared in EBFRs in
diversity of coastal ecosystems. 2021-22, with significant expansion
Every 5 years updated regional of mapped high value regrowth and
ecosystem mapping will be used to some expansion of mapped Regional
identify changes in the number and Ecosystems (RE). In 2021 mapped
extent of coastal regional High Value Regrowth (HVR) and RE
ecosystems. was 87.3 ha, increasing to 126.9 ha
in 2022 and four new REs, 12.2.5,
12.2.7, 12.2.13, and 12.2.15, were
mapped, probably due to the more
detailed mapping rather than more
recovered vegetation.
Activity/project Council’s Strategies Status in EBFRs in 2022
role
Develop an integrated water Partner, 2.1, 2.2, 4.3 The Rivers and Coast team will use
monitoring network for Council, enabler, baseline water quality data to develop
community and other agencies, funder sub-catchment report cards for coastal
including event monitoring of creeks (Marcus, Peregian and
sediments, nutrients and litter for Castaways) to determine water quality
Noosa and Mary Catchments, and a and management actions, with the
Mary River sub-catchment baseline potential to expand the monitoring of
and report card. coastal creeks in future.
Work with the Environmental Health team
is underway to ensure data collected
through the recreational water quality
monitoring program more publicly
accessible.
Implement an Eastern Beaches dune Partner, funder 1.1, 1.3, 2.2, The development of a EBFRMP is a direct
rehabilitation program to improve the 4.3 result of this activity. Updatecondition
condition, species diversity and mapping and ecological restoration plans
stability of dune ecosystems and is ongoing.
enhance resilience to climate change.
Undertake a stormwater quality Provider, 2.1, 2.2, 4.3 Stormwater infrastructure audits and
improvement program, that includes researcher condition assessments are ongoing and
an audit of stormwater quality help inform Council’s capital works
improvement devices, analysing renewal programs. The Burgess Creek
current infrastructure, current best sub-catchment requires the development
practice and options to improve of a catchment management plan to
infrastructure as it is due for inform future planning and improvements.
replacement. This work is underway. .
The Environmental Health and
Environmental Services branches are
working on a coordinated approach to
stormwater quality monitoring to help
inform future management.
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Theme 4 - Climate change adaptation and resilience
Goal: By 2030 the resilience of the Noosa community and environment has increased.
Target Measure Implementation in EBFRs
Strategy 4.3: Manage the natural environment in a way that improves resilience to climate change
Ecosystem health of wetlands A baseline will be developed to BOA mapping for the whole of the
and riparian areas is measure the ecosystem health of EBFRs, including coastal wetlands, is
improved. coastal wetlands. ongoing.
Mapping of vegetation will be
reviewed every three years.
Activity / project Council’s Strategies Status in EBFR in 2022
role
Implement energy efficiencies Provider, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2 Energy efficient, renewable and
throughout Council-owned facilities leader, funder otherwise sustainable technologies,
and operations, such as the materials and methods are identified as
installation of solar PV systems and criteria and objectives in community
use of lower-emission transport infrastructure projects such as the Beach
options. Access Design Standards project.
Links to principles and strategies in Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan 2021
The management of the EBFRs as natural areas, conserving the natural dunes, beaches and
plants and animals in the long-term, is clearly supported in Noosa’s Adaptation Principles, created
during the development of the CHAP. A selection of key principles is provided below:
Guiding principles - the Noosa Environment
1. Adaptation does not adversely impact upon the natural assets of Noosa.
2. Adaptation supports the resilience of native flora and fauna, natural dune systems
and beaches.
3. Adaptation maintains the natural landscape character of places and provides for
attractive natural solutions that harmonise with local environmental features.
Other relevant aspects of Council’s Adaptation Principles relating to community, economy, long-
term planning and excellence, particularly supporting the preservation of beach accesses and
community and visitor recreation assets include:
• Increasing community safety and resilience to risks from climate change,
• Maintaining or enhancing public accessibility into coastal landscapes without impeding on
natural values,
• Minimising community disruption from climate hazards,
• Maintaining economic functionality and minimising future climate-related damage costs,
• Embedding flexibility and adaptability,
• Ensuring intergenerational and intragenerational equity,
• Prioritising community consultation and involvement in early planning,
• Driving science driven decision-making,
• Minimising future costs to Council and creating co-benefits wherever possible.
Two of the most prominent messages received from the Noosa community during the CHAP’s
development align with this sentiment as they specifically emphasise the use of nature-based
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solutions to protect human and natural systems from the impacts of coastal hazards: “...there is a
strong preference for nature-based solutions that fit with the look and feel of Noosa, and that
minimise impacts to natural environments” and “natural and scenic amenity assets are considered
to have the highest intrinsic value to the community” (Noosa Council CHAP, 2021:18). Dune
revegetation and management, which improves coastal protection while also contributing to
biodiversity conservation, is widely recognised as a nature-based solution. 27
Sentiments shared through community input were further corroborated through technical studies
performed throughout Phase 2 to Phase 7 of the CHAP. The cost-benefit analysis 28 undertaken in
2020 clearly demonstrated that dune revegetation, augmentation and management provide the
greatest economic net present benefit for managing coastal hazards along the Eastern Beaches.
Likewise, the CHAP Biodiversity Assessment 29 found that increasing vegetation protection and
connectivity, protecting refugia and reducing existing threats can assist biodiversity in adapting to
climate change. Specifically:
• “Expanding protected areas within and directly landwards of the coastal hazard zone,
including public reserves and supporting private land conservation initiatives. Protection of
more habitat within the coastal zone will help biodiversity assets adapt to coastal hazards
and other climate change factors.”
• “Regulating vegetation clearing within and directly landwards of the coastal hazard zone as
protection of remnant and regrowth native vegetation will be vital in increasing the capacity
of biodiversity to adapt and persist in a changing climate. Maintaining and improving the
condition of existing native vegetation is also likely to be more productive than restoring
land that has been substantially modified.”
• “Managing biodiversity threats within the coastal hazard area, particularly invasive species,
fire, disease, reduced water quality and environmental flows to enhance adaptive capacity
of biodiversity assets over the short to medium term.”
• “Restoring habitats within and directly landwards of the coastal hazard area to improve
landscape connectivity for climate change adaptation.”
In consideration of these findings, revegetation and management within the foreshore reserves and
dune area, have been identified as high priorities in the CHAP in response to increasing coastal
hazards:
“Pursue dune management and revegetation in high-risk erosion areas as a critical and immediate
priority for Council and the community in helping to build coastal resilience and management of
erosion risks” (Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan, 2021:40).
For beach locations, including the Eastern Beaches, developing a Coastal Foreshores
Management Plan was listed as a key Shire-wide action alongside a selection of other priorities
relevant to the EBFRs and EBFRMP as noted below:
• Implement relevant actions from Coastal Foreshores Management Plan once developed
• Improve the awareness and understanding of coastal hazard risks and adaptation
measures amongst the Noosa community and other key stakeholders
• Ensure disaster management plans and procedures are considering changes to coastal
hazard risks where necessary
• Pursue dune management and revegetation in high-risk erosion areas as a critical and
immediate priority for Council and the community in helping to build coastal resilience and
management erosion risks.
27 Morris et al. (2021). The Australian Nature-Based Methods for Reducing Risk from Coastal Hazards. Earth
Systems and Climate Change Hub Report No. 26. NESP Earth Systems and Climate Change Hub, Australia.
28 Aither (2020). Noosa Shire Council – Coastal Hazard Adaptation Plan Cost benefit analysis: Final report
prepared for Noosa Shire Council.
29 BMT (2019:47). Noosa Shire Council CHAP Biodiversity Assessment.
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The CHAP goes further to detail locality-specific outcomes and adaptation actions that link back to
the Adaptation Principles, community preference, and the technical studies. Those that relate
directly to this Plan are outlined below 30:
Peregian Beach
• “Preferred adaptation outcomes identified in the CHAP:
o Implement measures that support and enhance dunes, beach health and natural
coastal processes as soon as possible.
o Prevent the construction of hard protective structures where possible that are likely
to exacerbate erosion risk, impact on preferred outcomes for dune and beach
health, impair natural coastal processes, and lead to adverse impacts on
neighbouring areas.
o Re-locate important recreational and infrastructure assets outside the projected
high-risk coastal erosion prone area by 2070
o Where important recreational and infrastructure assets cannot be feasibly re-
located, seek to accommodate the risks by adapting the design of these assets to
be more resilient during and after a major erosion event.
• 5-year Actions identified in the CHAP:
o Investigate alternative designs for beach accesses so as to accommodate coastal
processes of erosion and accretion
o Expand native vegetation coverage to support frontal dune stabilisation
o Re-design beach accesses to deter foot traffic across nearby dunes
o Install signage for increasing beach user understanding of importance of healthy
dune systems
o Assess options for relocating fencing on seaward boundary of Peregian Park to
permit dune movement
o Investigate options of managed alignment of coastal creeks and other natural
drainage locations
o Investigate impact of illegal encroachment by private asset owners into publicly-
owned dune areas on dune health and natural coastal processes”
Marcus & Castaways Beaches
• “Preferred adaptation outcomes identified in the CHAP:
o Implement measures that support and enhance dunes, beach health and natural
coastal processes as soon as possible.
o Prevent the construction of hard protective structures where possible that are likely
to exacerbate erosion risk, impact on preferred outcomes for dune and beach
health, impair natural coastal processes, and lead to adverse impacts on
neighbouring areas.
• 5-year Actions identified in the CHAP:
o Expand native vegetation coverage to support frontal dune stabilization
o Re-design beach accesses to deter foot traffic across nearby dunes
o Install signage for increasing beach user understanding of importance of healthy
dune systems
o Investigate options of managed alignment of coastal creeks and other natural
drainage locations”
Sunrise & Sunshine Beaches
• “Preferred adaptation outcomes identified in the CHAP:
o Implement measures that support and enhance dunes, beach health and natural
coastal processes as soon as possible.
o Prevent the construction of hard protective structures where possible that are likely
to exacerbate erosion risk, impact on preferred outcomes for dune and beach
30 Noosa Council (2021). Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan – Section 5: Locality Risks and Adaptation
Outcomes.
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health, impair natural coastal processes, and lead to adverse impacts on
neighbouring areas
o Begin re-locating recreational assets outside the projected high risk coastal erosion
prone area by 2040, such as seating and footpaths
o Re-locate service infrastructure asses to areas outside the high-risk area by 2070
o Where important recreational and service infrastructure assets cannot be feasibly
re-located, seek to accommodate the risks by adapting the design of these assets to
be more resilient during and after a major erosion event.
o Ensure development in erosion prone areas mitigates the risk to people and
property to an acceptable or tolerable level, consistent with the State Planning
Policy: natural hazards risk and resilience
• 5-year Actions identified in the CHAP:
o Investigate alternative designs for beach accesses so as to accommodate coastal
processes of erosion and accretion
o Expand native vegetation coverage to support frontal dune stabilization
o Re-design beach accesses to deter foot traffic across nearby dunes
o Investigate options for managing foot traffic within frontal dune areas, including
fencing design
o Install signage for increasing beach user understanding of importance of healthy
dune systems
o Investigate options of managed alignment of coastal creeks and other natural
drainage locations where creeks consistently erode incipient dunes
o Investigate impact of illegal encroachment by private asset owners into publicly-
owned dune areas on dune health and natural coastal processes”
The two methods identified in the CHAP for mitigating present day risks in Peregian Beach,
Marcus Beach, Castaways Beach, Sunrise Beach and Sunshine Beach include:
• “Maintaining and enhancing vegetated dune areas, which act as a natural buffer to erosion
by dispersing wave energy during storm events;
• Planning controls on coastal development that prevent encroachment into the vegetated
dune areas, thereby preserving natural coastal processes of erosion and accretion.”
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Appendix Two: Linked projects and programs
Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan – Implementation (Commenced)
The CHAP implementation program lists and prioritises actions and tasks associated with the
CHAP’s five-year plan and adaptation pathway response for each locality. The Eastern Beaches
Foreshore Reserves Management Plan has been identified as a priority addressing risks identified
as ‘Very High’ through the CHAP process.
Coastal Monitoring Plan (Commenced)
As part of its strategy to manage climate change impacts along the coastline, Council developed a
long-term Coastal Monitoring Plan in 2022 which sets out annual monitoring activities to:
1. Better inform coastal management measures;
2. Identify key areas requiring future management; and
3. Provide data for future coastal hazard studies.
This work responds to a key message received from the community during the development of
Council’s endorsed Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan (CHAP): that localised data collection and
monitoring of the coastal system should be prioritised to better understand and model the impact of
coastal hazards driven by climate change.
The monitoring plan includes a range of data collection methods including remote sensing
techniques to capture shoreline position, beach levels, beach volume, seafloor levels, vegetation
extent and density, seafloor sediment volumes, and the movement of creek outlets. The data
collection methods include upper beach surveying, photogrammetry and LiDAR topography from
drones, fixed cameras, CoastSnap citizen science sites, water-based surveys using single beam
echo sounders, and satellite-derived bathymetry. The coastal monitoring program is scheduled to
be undertaken annually, before and after the storm season.
Coastal monitoring programs under the Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan include:
• CoastSnap Citizen Science Site with UNSW/UniSC at Sunshine Beach Lookout
• Burgess Creek Monitoring Project with UniSC
• Nearshore Coral Reef Monitoring with Reef Check Australia
• Coast4D Citizen Science Monitoring with UniSC
Other ongoing implementation projects under the CHAP include:
• COASTS Project with University of the Sunshine Coast/UQ/EOMAP
• Living Foreshores Noosa Phase 1 – Designing for Resilience
Noosaville Foreshore Resilience Project
Designing Dynamic Dunescapes
Coastal Wetland Prioritisation Study with UQ
• Regional Coastal Process Model with Sunshine Coast Council
• Offshore Sand Supply Investigation
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For further information on these projects please refer to the project page.
Burgess Creek monitoring (Commenced)
Council’s Infrastructure, Environment Services and Climate Change branches are working with
UniSC on a monitoring project at Burgess Creek. The research aim is to investigate the reasons
behind Burgess Creek’s channel migration at event time scales (decades). The objectives of the
study are to: 1) monitor water quality, 2) monitor the 2D and 3D morphological change of the creek;
3) relate the observed changes in water quality and morphology to boundary conditions (e.g.,
waves, the creek’s water surface level, rainfall, and discharge), and 4) develop an empirical model
to predict triggers forcing changes in water quality and the creek’s morphology.
Morphology: The creek’s planform change, channel depth and beach/dune volumetric changes
will be surveyed using drone photogrammetry and satellite profiles on a monthly and/or event-
driven basis (e.g., before/after significant swell or rainfall events). Nearshore hydrodynamics
(waves and currents) will be modelled using a calibrated wave simulation model. An XBeach model
will be used to model beach/dune volumetric changes and tested using observed data.
Water levels and flows: The creek’s water surface level will be monitored using a pressure sensor
at the mouth (west side of the bridge) based on significant events (e.g., during significant weather
). The creek’s flow velocity will be continuously monitored (every 30 seconds) using a water flow
meter at a fixed site (west side of bridge). Flow data will be uploaded daily and will be accessible to
Noosa Council via UniSC’s online data account. The channel’s morphology will be surveyed to
estimate the creek’s discharge based on monitored flow.
Water Quality: Water quality samples will be collected at the same site west of the bridge, and the
outflow site (Wallum Lane – Rotary Way, Noosa Sewerage Treatment Plant) monthly or after
significant events (>20mmm rainfall), and tested for concentrations of e.coli, total nitrogen, total
phosphorus and total suspended solids.
Decision making tool: A stage/discharge relationship or rating curve will be developed for the
creek, and data will be collated and analysed to develop an empirical model that will explain the
main triggers and predict thresholds that force the creek’s morphological and water quality
changes.
The practical and easy to use decision support tool based on the empirical model developed from
this project will benefit the management of Burgess Creek by determining the thresholds best
suited for actions. For example, the tool could be used to determine when is best/necessary to
open the creek’s mouth to mitigate dune erosion or when the creek’s water quality could be
expected to be a health hazard.
Burgess Creek Integrated Catchment Management Plan (Future projects)
An Integrated Catchment Management Plan (ICMP) for Burgess Creek project is being developed
by the Infrastructure and Environment Services branches. It will establish a framework for its
sustainable management and facilitate investigation of the catchment.
The Burgess Creek ICMP will
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• Investigate current hydrology, stream flow behaviour, groundwater flows, 3rd party
flows and bank stability
• Collate the ecological values of Burgess Creek and how these are being impacted
• Undertake water quality investigations to determine:
• Impacts of point and diffuse sources water quality issues within Burgess Creek
• Compliance with Department of Environment & Science water quality objectives
• Impact of historical landfills, rapid infiltration basins and night soil disposal areas on
groundwater
• Compliance with the Recreational Health Guidelines
Coastal creek mouth realignment (Ongoing)
The lowest reach of some coastal creeks, where they cross the beach, are periodically realigned,
dependant on the extent of creek mouth movement and impact on adjacent dunes or beach access
infrastructure. Burgess Creek mouth has been realigned four times in the last two financial years.
This is completed by Council under an ongoing permit for coastal works.
Data about creek mouth movement is being collected as part of current and planned coastal and
creek monitoring projects. Future creek mouth management will be better informed by this data.
Noosa Eastern Beaches Creeks - High Risk Erosion Prioritisation and Planning
Infrastructure Services is developing a High-Risk Erosion Prioritisation and Planning project for the
Eastern Beaches coastal creeks. Since Noosa coastal residential development in the early 1960’s,
there have been issues with bank stability and sand slips along Eastern Beaches coastal creeks
ranging from the minor movement of sand to drastic slip failure. Sand slips have the potential to
impact public and private assets, and the natural assets that the Shire is known for. Presently
Council is undertaking bank stability works in public land at two of the Eastern Beaches coastal
creeks to protect private, public and natural assets.
Traditionally Council has undertaken these works as a reactive action when sand slips happen, but
this project proposed that Council adopts a process of assessing and prioritising works in the
Eastern Beaches creeks to enable proactive management. With this proactive approach, it is
anticipated that potential slips stability issues will be identified early, reducing the cost of
prevention, containment and rectification work, along with reducing social, environmental and
water quality impacts.
Integrated Water Quality Monitoring Program (Commenced)
Noosa Council’s Rivers & Coast team has developed and rolled out a three-part Integrated Water
Quality Monitoring Program and database. The following are details of the aspects of this program
that are near the Eastern Beaches Foreshores Reserves.
Coastal creek water quality monitoring: The Coastal Connect Bushland Care Waterwatch
volunteers are undertaking water quality sampling at Marcus Beach, Peregian Creek and
Castaways Creek, including pH, turbidity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and salinity
are measured on a monthly schedule using a water quality meter. The baseline data is used to
inform water quality at a sub-catchment spatial extent and to understand the impact of restoration
works in the area.
Noosa Sewerage Treatment Plant monitoring: The Rivers & Coast team have recently begun
monthly water quality monitoring at several locations in Burgess Creek catchment. This includes
pH, turbidity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and salinity laboratory analysis for
chlorophyll-a, nutrients and total suspended solids. Noosa Council is also investigating the
feasibility of developing a citizen science monitoring program in the Burgess Creek Catchment.
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Recreational Water Monitoring Program: The program aims to monitor recognised recreational
water sites (specifically targeting primary contact recreation (the whole body or face is frequently
immersed in water) to mitigate potential risks to human health while educating the public on water
quality issues. In the Eastern Beaches, the wave zone at the mouth of Burgess Creek and the
swimming area near Sunshine Beach Surf Club are sampled for enterococci, an indicator
bacterium used to detect faecal contamination in waterways.
The program is conducted by Council’s Environmental Health Team in accordance with the
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Guidelines for Managing Risks in
Recreational Water (2008), using a set of ‘trigger values’ published by Healthy Land & Waters.
Elevated levels of enterococci will initiate either: a warning trigger - prompting daily re-sampling of
a site; or an action trigger - prompting signage, public awareness, and further site investigation.
For more information [email protected]
Bushfire risk management (Commenced)
Since the 2019-2020 Black Summer, Noosa Council has significantly increased its capacity to
prepare for, and respond to, bushfire risk and bushfire emergencies in Council managed bushland.
Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan 2021: Identifies priority reserves for
fire management actions based on a comprehensive bushfire risk assessment across nearly 180
reserves. Actions include reserve fire management plans, fire trail and other fire risk mitigation
measures works, planned burns and collaborative working arrangements with neighbours and
other government agencies. The updated fire management plan considers the longer and more
intense bushfire seasons we are likely to experience as a result of climate change.
Fire Management Officer – 2021 - ongoing: A new position to implement the updated fire
management plan was filled and resourced in late 2021. While elements of reserve bushfire
management were implemented prior to late 2021, having a full time, resourced officer dedicated
to reserve fire management significantly increased Council’s capacity to plan for and respond to
bushfire risk across our conservation estate.
Reserve fire management program 2021 - ongoing: Since the Fire Management Officer position
was filled, 140 hectares of planned burns have been conducted on Council managed bushland in
collaboration with RFS and QPWS, over 70km of fire trails and other fire risk mitigation measures
have been installed, upgraded or maintained, working relationships have been strengthened with
other land management agencies, and 16 council officers have been trained in firefighting.
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Appendix three - Regional Ecosystem short descriptions.
RE 12.2.14: Strand and fore dune complex comprising Spinifex sericeus grassland Casuarina
equisetifolia subsp. incana low woodland/open forest and with Acacia leiocalyx, A. disparrima
subsp. disparrima, Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia, Pandanus tectorius, Corymbia
tessellaris, Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Acronychia imperforata and Hibiscus tiliaceus. Occurs
mostly on frontal dunes and beaches but can occur on exposed parts of dunes further inland.
VMA Status: Least Concern
Biodiversity Status: No concern at present
Small pockets of other mapped remnant Regional Ecosystems and High Value Regrowth occur,
including;
12.2.5 Corymbia intermedia +/- Lophostemon confertus +/- Banksia spp. +/- Callitris columellaris
open forest on beach ridges usually in southern half of bioregion
VMA Status: Least Concern
Biodiversity Status: Of Concern
12.2.7 Melaleuca quinquenervia or rarely M. dealbata open forest. Other species include
Eucalyptus tereticornis, Corymbia intermedia, E. bancroftii, E. latisinensis, E. robusta,
Lophostemon suaveolens and Livistona decora. A shrub layer may occur with frequent species
including Melastoma malabathricum subsp. malabathricum or Banksia robur. The ground layer is
sparse to dense and comprised of species including the ferns Pteridium esculentum and Blechnum
indicum the sedges Schoenus brevifolius, Baloskion tetraphyllum subsp. meiostachyum,
Machaerina rubiginosa and Gahnia sieberiana and the grass Imperata cylindrica. Occurs on
Quaternary coastal dunes and seasonally waterlogged sandplains usually fringing drainage system
behind beach ridge plains or on old dunes, swales and sandy coastal creek levees.
VMA Status: Least Concern
Biodiversity Status: No concern at present
12.2.13 Open or dry heath. Characteristic shrubs include stunted Banksia aemula and
Allocasuarina littoralis as well as Xanthorrhoea johnsonii, Leptospermum semibaccatum,
Phebalium woombye, Dillwynia retorta and Caustis recurvata. Usually occurs on Pleistocene
dunes and beach ridges
VMA Status: Of Concern
Biodiversity Status: Endangered
12.2.15 Closed sedgeland in coastal swamps and associated water bodies. Characteristic species
include Gahnia sieberiana, Empodisma minus, Gleichenia spp., Blechnum indicum, Lepironia
articulata, Baumea spp., Juncus spp., and Eleocharis spp. Occurs on Quaternary coastal dunes
and beaches. Low part of coastal landscape where water collects from both overland flow and
infiltration from adjoining sand dunes.
VMA Status: Least Concern
Biodiversity Status: No concern at present
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Appendix Four: Significant species management documents
Relevant management documents include;
Recovery Plan for Marine Turtles in Australia
https://www.awe.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/recovery-plan-marine-turtles-2017.pdf
Threat Abatement Plan for the impacts of marine debris on the vertebrate wildlife of Australia’s
coasts and oceans (2018)
https://www.awe.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/tap-marine-debris-2018.pdf
Threat abatement plan for predation by European red fox
https://www.awe.gov.au/environment/biodiversity/threatened/publications/tap/predation-european-
red-fox
National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife Including Marine Turtles, Seabirds and Migratory
Shorebirds
https://www.awe.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/national-light-pollution-guidelines-wildlife.pdf
National recovery plan for the wallum sedgefrog and other wallum-dependent frog species
https://www.awe.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/wallum-frogs.pdf
Survey guidelines for Australia's threatened frogs: Guidelines for detecting frogs listed as
threatened under the EPBC Act
https://www.awe.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/survey-guidelines-frogs.pdf
Draft referral guidelines
https://www.awe.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/draft-referral-guidelines-comment-litoria-
olongburensis.pdf
South East Queensland Natural Resource Management (SEQ NRM) Plan 2014 —2031
The plan aims to maintain or enhance dune values by undertaking ecological restoration,
managing access, recreation, light pollution on dunes.
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Attachment 2 - tracked changes
Eastern Beaches
Foreshore Reserves
Management Plan
2023
August 2023 Draft for Council
adoption post consultation
noosa.qld.gov.au
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Section 105
Acknownowledgements
Noosa Council respectfully acknownowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters
of the Noosa area, the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) people, and pays respect to their Elders, past,
present, and emerging.
Noosa Council expresses its gratitude for the contribution of the community members, groups and
organisations who participated in consultation and contributed to the development of the Eastern
Beaches Foreshore Management PlanEastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan.
DRAFT © Noosa Council 20222023
www.noosa.qld.gov.au
General Enquiries:
By telephone: (07) 5329 6500
By email: [email protected]
Fax: (07) 5329 6501
Street Address: 9 Pelican Street, TEWANTIN
Postal address: PO Box 141, TEWANTIN QLD 4565
Disclaimer
Information contained in this document is based on available information at the time of writing. All figures and
diagrams are indicative only and should be referred to as such. While the Noosa Council has exercised
reasonable care in preparing this document it does not warrant or represent that it is accurate or complete.
Council or its officers accept no responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from
acting in reliance upon any material contained in this document.
Draft for council endorsement
Endorsed by Noosa Council [date to be inserted] or insert document date
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023 Page 1
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Section 106
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary ............................................................................................................. 3
2. About the plan...................................................................................................................... 5
3. Management objectives..................................................................................................... 14
4. Strategy and policy links ................................................................................................... 15
5. Linked projects and programs .......................................................................................... 16
6. Consultation ....................................................................................................................... 17
7. Partnerships ....................................................................................................................... 23
8. Climate change .................................................................................................................. 26
9. Ecology............................................................................................................................... 32
10. Social values ...................................................................................................................... 45
11. Public access and recreation ............................................................................................ 49
12. Coastal creeks and stormwater ........................................................................................ 58
13. Community education ....................................................................................................... 63
14. Incidents and disaster management ................................................................................ 67
15. Encroachments .................................................................................................................. 76
16. Data collection and monitoring......................................................................................... 81
17. Management Actions ......................................................................................................... 85
18. Appendices ........................................................................................................................ 92
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The text continues on section 107.