Annual Report 2018-19

»» Council launched its Environment Grants program             Council adopted Policy Guidelines for Conservation
   allocating funds towards community projects that            Land and Private Land Conservation Partnerships
   protect and enhance the Noosa environment. This             and Revolving Fund Guidelines in September 2018.
   entailed project grants for community organisations
   such as Noosa and District Landcare Inc, Mary            »» Council assisted in facilitating the 10 year
   River Catchment Co-ordination Association Inc,              renewal process for the Noosa Biosphere
   Zero Emissions Noosa Inc and Reef Check Australia           Reserve recognition from UNESCO. A detailed
   Foundation. Partnership funding was also provided           and comprehensive submission was lodged
   to Noosa and District Landcare Inc and Noosa                with UNESCO via the federal government. This
   Integrated Catchment Association Inc.                       submission received positive feedback from the
                                                               relevant UNESCO committees and Council is
»» Council installed lateral gas lines at Eumundi              awaiting formal advice following that process.
   Road Resource Recovery Centre to improve the
   capture of methane gas for flaring and reducing the      »» Council passed a resolution declaring Noosa a “Coal
   environmental impacts of methane gas.                       Mining and Coal Seam Gas Extraction Free Shire” to
                                                               make it clear that these activities are not in keeping
»» Council agreed to enter into a partnership agreement        with Noosa’s environmental values.
   with The Nature Conservancy (a major environmental
   organisation) to undertake a three year project to       »» Council has addressed a range of significant
   restore oyster reefs in the Noosa River. This included      planning and environment applications during the
   funding from The Nature Conservancy of $1.2M with           last 12 months. During that period, Council approved
   that funding being matched by Council’s financial           95.8% of these applications (459 out of 479
   contribution.                                               applications were approved).

»» Council agreed to enter into a Memorandum of
   Understanding with Unitywater, Sunshine Coast
   Regional Council and Moreton Bay Regional Council
   to explore options for an organic waste processing
   facility in the region. The project is ongoing with
   options currently being considered by the project
   partners.

»» Council undertook an inspection program for
   environmental compliance at industrial premises with
   good support from business owners. Council decided
   to undertake annual inspections in future years with
   no financial impost on businesses for the 2019/20
   financial year.

»» Council increased the number of properties
   participating in the Land for Wildlife program from
   288 to 314. Council also facilitated a number of
   events to help celebrate the 20th anniversary of the
   Land for Wildlife program.

»» Council expanded the Bushcare program with new
   volunteer groups being commenced at Rainbow
   Park, Elysium and Cooran Fodder Farm - the first
   new Bushcare groups for many years.                       Oyster Reef Project in the Noosa River

»» Council purchased a 51 ha property at Boreen Point
   through the Environment Levy program to add to
   the protected environment estate. To support our
   acquisition and environmental protection program,


Noosa Council 2018/2019 Annual Report                                                                         Page 17