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                           AGENDA


    Services & Organisation
      Committee Meeting

            Tuesday, 9 September 2025

                     commencing at 1:30 PM
              Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin




Committee: Crs Karen Finzel (Chair), Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola
Wilson




                       “Noosa Shire – different by nature”




                                                                              Page 1 of 117
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Page 2

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                 9 SEPTEMBER 2025




1.    DECLARATION OF OPENING

2.    ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

3.    ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES

4.    CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

4.1   SERVICE & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES DATED 12 AUGUST
      2025

5.    PRESENTATIONS

6.    DEPUTATIONS

7.    REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMITTEE

7.1   2025 ANNUAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT REPORT

7.2   NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS MASTER PLAN

7.3   NOOSA CULTURAL PLAN 2025-2030 ADOPTION

7.4   REVIEW OF THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE CHARTER & REVIEW OF THE
      INTERNAL AUDIT POLICY

8.    REPORTS FOR NOTING BY THE COMMITTEE

9.    CLOSED SESSION

10.   MEETING CLOSURE




                                                                       Page 2 of 117

Page 3

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                           9 SEPTEMBER 2025


4.1       SERVICE & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES DATED 12
          AUGUST 2025

Recommendation
The Minutes of the Service and Organisation Committee Meeting held on 12 August 2025 be
received and confirmed.




                                                                                  Page 3 of 117

Page 4

                        MINUTES


    Services & Organisation
      Committee Meeting

              Tuesday, 12 August 2025

                                1:30 PM
             Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin




Committee: Crs Karen Finzel (Chair), Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr
Nicola Wilson




                     “Noosa Shire – different by nature”




                                                                        Page 4 of 117

Page 5

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES                              12 AUGUST 2025



1     DECLARATION OF OPENING
      The meeting was declared open at 1.30pm.

2     ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
      Noosa Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters
      of the Noosa area, the Kabi Kabi people, and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and
      emerging.

3     ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES
      COMMITTEE MEMBERS
      Cr Karen Finzel (Chair)
      Cr Jessica Phillips
      Cr Nicola Wilson
      Cr Frank Wilkie

      NON COMMITTEE MEMBERS
      Cr Amelia Lorentson
      Cr Tom Wegener (via Microsoft Teams)

      EXECUTIVE
      Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock
      Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt
      Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh
      Director Strategy & Environment Kim Rawlings

      APOLOGIES
      Nil.


4     CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

4.1   CONFIRMATION OF SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
      DATED 8 JULY 2025
      Committee Resolution
      Moved:            Cr Jessica Phillips
      Seconded:         Cr Nicola Wilson
      The Minutes of the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting held on 8 July 2025 be
      received and confirmed.
      Carried.
      For:     Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie
      Against: None


5.    PRESENTATIONS
      Nil.

6.    DEPUTATIONS
      Nil.




                                                                                            Page 5 of 117

Page 6

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES                             12 AUGUST 2025


7     REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMITTEE

7.1   GO NOOSA REPORT
      Committee Recommendation
      Moved:            Cr Nicola Wilson
      Seconded:         Cr Jessica Phillips
      That Services & Organisation Committee Agenda Item 7.1 be referred to the General
      Committee due to the significance of the issue.
      Carried.
      For:             Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie
      Against:         None


7.2   MAYOR'S ATTENDANCE - 2025 ASIA PACIFIC CITIES SUMMIT AND MAYORS’ FORUM
      VIA COUNCIL OF MAYORS SEQ (INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL)
      Committee Recommendation
      Moved:            Cr Karen Finzel
      Seconded:         Cr Nicola Wilson
      That Council
      A. Note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the Services & Organisation Committee
         dated 12 August 2025 regarding the Mayor’s attendance and representation at 2025 Asia
         Pacific Cities Summit (2025APCS) and Mayors’ Forum, Expo City Dubai) and site visits
         organised by the Council of Mayors;
      B. Approve the Mayor’s international travel for this trip (23 to 31 October 2025); and
      C. Note that the costs for the trip will be generally covered by Council of Mayors (SEQ).

      Carried.
      For:             Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie
      Against:         None




8     REPORTS FOR NOTING BY THE COMMITTEE

8.1   CAPITAL PROGRAM 2024/2025 DELIVERY STATUS
      Committee Recommendation
      Moved:            Cr Karen Finzel
      Seconded:         Cr Jessica Phillips
      That Council note the report by the Director Infrastructure Services to the Services &
      Organisation Committee Meeting dated 12 August 2025 providing an update on the delivery
      of the 2024/25 Capital Works Program as at 30 June 2025.
      Carried.
      For:             Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie
      Against:         None




                                                                                           Page 6 of 117

Page 7

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES                          12 AUGUST 2025


8.2   NOOSA HOLIDAY PARKS UPDATE
      Committee Recommendation
      Moved:           Cr Karen Finzel
      Seconded:        Cr Jessica Phillips
      That Council note the report by the Commercial Business Advisor to the Services &
      Organisation Committee Meeting dated 12 August 2025 providing an update on operations
      of the Noosa Holiday Park Business Activity to 30 June 2025.
      Carried.
      For:            Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie
      Against:        None



8.3   COUNCILLOR REMUNERATION UPDATE
      Committee Recommendation
      Moved:           Cr Frank Wilkie
      Seconded:        Cr Karen Finzel
      That Council note the report by the People and Culture Manager to the Services and
      Organisation Committee dated 12 August 2025 informing Council of the determinations of
      the Queensland Local Government Remuneration Commission, as detailed in the Local
      Government Remuneration Commission Annual Report 2024.
      Carried.
      For:            Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie
      Against:        None



9     CLOSED SESSION
      Nil.

10    MEETING CLOSURE
      The meeting closed at 2.25pm.




                                                                                       Page 7 of 117

Page 8

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                        9 SEPTEMBER 2025


7.1          2025 ANNUAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT REPORT


Author             Admin and Disaster Mgmt Support Officer, Sue Lowrie
                   Infrastructure Services Department
Index              ECM/Subject/Disaster Management/Disaster Operations
Attachments        1.   Att 1 - TC Alfred March 2025 - lessons identified


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report provides an overview of the work and initiatives developed in all areas of disaster
management over the past year and forms over the last 12 months and will be tabled with relevant
district, state and federal agencies as an account of Noosa Council performance. In accordance with
the Disaster Management Act 2003, Regulations and other disaster and recovery management
doctrines, the Noosa Shire Council is responsible for multiple functions across the key pillars of
prevention, preparedness, response and recovery (PPRR).
Key initiatives over the year to 30 June 2025 include:
   •    Effective co-ordinated response and debrief process for Tropical Cyclone Alfred (TC Alfred)
        and the subsequent late March rain event known as the Western Queensland Trough rainfall
        event
   •    Finalisation of the comprehensive 2022 disaster reconstruction program, alongside the
        implementation and delivery of the reconstruction initiatives arising from the 2025 disaster
        events across the Shire.
   •    Implementation of enhanced flood intelligence functionality within Guardian IMS to improve
        situational awareness and support more informed response activities during flood events;
   •    Technical improvements to the Noosa Disaster Dashboard to streamline community access
        to flood camera imagery, improving usability and public engagement during emergencies;
   •    Completed Phase 1 of flood risk investigations into the most flood-affected neighbourhood in
        Noosa, the Lake Entrance Blvd community, and obtained funding for Phase 2 through the
        Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA);
   •    Completion of the first iteration of Noosa’s Local Resilience Action Plan which has been
        shared with QRA, outlining priority actions for Council to improve resilience across the region;
   •    Consultation with the Kin Kin Community group to support the roll out of a Community
        Disaster Sub Plan to that community.
A key priority for the program moving forward is to maintain a strong emphasis on foundational
elements, including the effective operation of systems, regular review and updating of documentation
and procedures, and targeted training in disaster support functions. Additionally, the program will
incorporate and action lessons identified from the TC Alfred activation and the Western Queensland
Trough rainfall event that impacted Noosa in March 2025.

The disaster resilience program will continue to focus on disaster preparedness, but will also
undertake reflections exercise from the extended disaster reconstruction program to assist in
informing future programs of this magnitude. These focus areas will ensure optimal readiness for
any future disaster event.




                                                                                                  Page 8 of 117

Page 9

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                    9 SEPTEMBER 2025



RECOMMENDATION
That Council
   A. Note the report by the Disaster Management Officer to the Services & Organisation
      Committee dated 9 September 2025 providing an update on disaster management, resilience
      and reconstruction activities to 30 June 2025; and
   B. Thank the members and advisors to the Noosa Local Disaster Management Group for their
      participation.


REPORT
1. Noosa Local Disaster Management Plan
In alignment with the Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements’ commitment to continuous
improvement, and in accordance with requirements set by the Office of the Inspector-General
Emergency Management (IGEM), the Noosa Local Disaster Management Plan underwent a formal
evaluation for the 2024 calendar year. This evaluation was conducted using the Emergency
Management Assurance Framework.

Additionally, a review report outlining the response to Tropical Cyclone Alfred (TC Alfred) and the
Western Queensland Trough rainfall event was submitted to IGEM.

In anticipation of the release of the new State Disaster Management Plan in late 2025, this year’s
review of the local Disaster Management Plan has focused on structural improvements to support
future updates. Key changes include reformatting the Plan to streamline amendment processes. A
comprehensive review is scheduled for 2026 to ensure full alignment with the updated State
framework and to maintain consistency across all levels of disaster management planning.

Operational enhancements and identified improvements arising from the TC Alfred and Western
Queensland Trough activations are being progressively implemented as resources allow. These
improvements have been documented through a governance process that captures the activation,
areas for improvement, and corresponding actions. This documentation supports compliance with
the Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements (QDMA) continuous improvement cycle.

2. Noosa LDMG membership
Mayor Frank Wilkie remains the chair of the LDMG with Cr Jessica Phillips as the LDMG Deputy
Chair and Chair of the Recovery Group.

LDMG member and advisory group structures remain the same since the last report.

3. LDMG Meetings
As required under the Disaster Management Act, the Noosa Local Disaster Management Group
meets four times a year to network and discuss the four key elements of disaster management –
planning, preparation, response and recovery. Council remains extremely appreciative of the
valuable time of all members and advisors to the LDMG including state government emergency and
health agencies and support agencies from across Noosa. A key focus of the group is maintaining a
disciplined meeting format to ensure readiness for a disaster, but also complementary relationship
building to endear effective collaboration and communication.

2025 meeting dates
   •   21 February 2025

   •   21 June 2025




                                                                                             Page 9 of 117

Page 10

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                        9 SEPTEMBER 2025


    •   26 September 2025

    •   28 November 2025


Meeting dates for 2026 are yet to be confirmed.

4. LDMG Sub-Groups
The new Community Disaster Management Plan template, already implemented in Pomona, is
currently being finalised in collaboration with the Kin Kin Community Sub-Group. The template will
also be extended to Noosa North Shore in the near future, where residents have requested support
to establish a local sub-group. Subject to available capacity, the template will be progressively rolled
out to other interested communities to strengthen local preparedness and resilience.

5. LDMG Activations
Between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025, the Noosa LDMG was activated once in response to TC
Alfred. A tropical low developed northeast of Cairns on 21 February 2025 and later intensified into
TC Alfred, reaching Category 4 strength as it tracked southward. The cyclone exhibited slow
movement and frequent changes in direction.

Based on Bureau of Meteorology forecasts indicating a potential impact on the South-East
Queensland coast, the Noosa LDMG escalated to Stand Up status on Monday, 3 March 2025 to
coordinate the response to TC Alfred. On the same day, the Noosa Council Local Disaster
Coordination Centre (LDCC) commenced operations from the newly established LDCC facility at the
Noosaville Depot, remaining active for six days.

TC Alfred eventually crossed the coast north of Moreton Bay as an ex-tropical cyclone on 8 March.
While the Noosa region experienced minimal direct impact, significant infrastructure damage
occurred later between 27 and 30 March due to rainfall from the Western Queensland Trough
system.

Noosa Council was subsequently activated under the Queensland Reconstruction Authority-led
programs for Counter Disaster Operations and Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets in
response to both events.

6. Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) & Disaster Management Training
 A number of training opportunities have been provided this year for LDCC staff to increase capability
including:

   •    11 July 2024 – LDCC Workshop
         Focused on enhancing understanding of Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC)
        operations.
   •    5 September 2024 – Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements & Disaster
        Coordination Centre Training
         Mandatory modules for staff working within the LDCC.
   •    19 September 2024 – Guardian IMS General User Training
        Introduction to the incident management software used during disaster events.
   •    27 November 2024 – Field Coordination Centre (FCC) Exercise
        Practical exercise involving Civil Operations and Parks teams.
   •    17 February 2025 – Recovery Action Plan Training
        Training on the use of incident management software for recovery planning.
   •    18 March 2024 – Guardian IMS General User Training
        Additional session to support broader staff capability.




                                                                                                 Page 10 of 117

Page 11

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                      9 SEPTEMBER 2025


   •   16–18 June 2025 – LDCC Cell-Specific Training
        In-depth training to clarify the roles and responsibilities of each functional area within the
       LDCC.
5. Community engagement

The regional Get Ready Queensland (storm and bushfire season) campaign was launched by
Mayors Wilkie (Noosa) and Natoli (Sunshine Coast) at Peregian Digital Hub on 11 October 2024,
five years on from the 2019 bushfires. The local media network provided excellent coverage of the
launch.

Council’s Get Ready Schools Program began via engagement with local school principals in August
2024. Between October and December 2024, 17 schools were visited. Co-ordinated by Council,
more than 2,500 students attended the 90-minute Minecraft-themed presentation which included
emergency services officers and response vehicles on-site at each school. This program is expected
to expand between October-December 2025.

Get Ready Queensland-funded emergency information packs are at the centre of all engagement
activities. The centrepiece of these packs is the Noosa Emergency Action Guide (fourth edition).
Collateral from other agencies is also included, asking each recipient to then create their own
emergency kit (3-5 days of supplies) at home or work so they are ready for any emergency or disaster
at any time.

Disaster resilience and engagement with Noosa’s Aged Care sector is another key focus. The annual
aged care workshop for facility managers and regional managers was held on 4 February 2025.
Council's disaster management staff along with our emergency services partners (Qld Fire
Department - Fire and Rescue, Qld Ambulance Service and State Emergency Services) continue to
conduct facility visits, with plans for nine more local visits throughout 2025/2026. More than 1,500
residents will attend these information sessions.

Following the opening of the Noosa LDCC on 23 September 2024, Noosa's Queensland-first
Simtable moved from the Peregian Digital Hub to the LDCC. In collaboration with Council’s Fire
Management Officer, community demonstrations are being delivered on-site and at various events.
Training with State Emergency Services units and Queensland Fire Department (Rural Fire)
brigades is also ongoing as we broaden and strengthen the capacity of the Simtable.

Council staff sit on the Australian Simtable working group and meet quarterly via Teams to liaise with
Simtable in the USA (Santa Fe, New Mexico).

Close liaison with the Noosa State Emergency Service (SES) local controller and Sunshine Coast
Area Controller continues with events such as WOW Day (Wear Orange Wednesday) in May
coordinated in conjunction with Council’s disaster management team. These efforts aim to maximise
media and engagement opportunities, as well as highlighting award and public relations
opportunities for SES volunteers.

Developed in conjunction with the (now defunct) Community Services Recovery and Resilience
Officer, Good Neighbour resilience events took place in: Kin Kin (9 June 2024), Lake Entrance Blvd
(24 October 2024), Boreen Point/Cootharaba (22 November 2024), Teewah (6 December 2024) and
Noosa North Shore (14 December 2024). These events aim to build resilience and community
capacity. This initiative continues with established disaster subgroups in Pomona, Kin Kin and
Teewah, with plans for additional subgroups to be formed throughout 2025.

The Noosa Local Resilience Action Plan (LRAP) was developed and submitted to Queensland
Reconstruction Authority (QRA) in January 2025. This living document lists the suite of climate and
disaster resilience actions identified across all of Noosa Council’s functions, and informs future
funding opportunities, ensuring the Noosa region is better equipped to handle the increasing




                                                                                               Page 11 of 117

Page 12

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                        9 SEPTEMBER 2025


prevalence of disaster events. Queensland’s suite of Regional Resilience Strategies ensures Noosa
is now part of a locally-led, regionally-coordinated and state-facilitated blueprint to strengthen
disaster and climate resilience.

6. Emergency Operations Team
As well as being responsible for coordinating disaster operations during an event, Council is required
under the Disaster Management Act 2003 to maintain a response capability to:
“provide equipment and a suitable number of trained persons, using the resources available to
the local government, to effectively deal with, or help another entity deal with, an emergency situation
or a disaster in the local government area”.

To meet this responsibility, the Emergency Operations Team (EOT), chaired by the Disaster
Management Officer, meets bi-monthly to develop and coordinate Council’s emergency response
capability.

7. New initiatives
A tailored Community Disaster Preparedness Information document has been developed as part of
a new resilience initiative to support residents and stakeholders of the Noosa Daintree Estate. This
resource delivers clear, localised information on natural hazard risks and outlines practical
preparedness measures to help strengthen community resilience.

Following its implementation in Noosa Daintree Estate, this model is intended for broader application
across other communities, including Noosa Springs, Lake Entrance Boulevard, and Stratford Park,
to promote consistent and effective disaster preparedness messaging.

The opening of the new toilet facilities this year within the Pomona SES Shed marks the completion
of a long-standing infrastructure project aimed at enhancing operational support for the State
Emergency Service in Pomona. This upgrade provides essential amenities for volunteers and
strengthens the functionality of the site during emergency activations and training exercises.

Council has implemented advanced flood intelligence functionality within the Guardian IMS event
coordination platform. This enhancement is designed to improve situational awareness and support
more informed, timely decision-making during flood events. The upgrade strengthens operational
response capabilities by enabling more accurate tracking and analysis of flood-related data.

In addition, technical improvements have been made to the Noosa Disaster Dashboard to simplify
community access to flood camera imagery. These enhancements aim to improve user experience
and increase public engagement with real-time emergency information during severe weather
events.

In addition tailored sand storage locations have been rolled out at Pomona and Cooran. A Sand
Bag Working Group has been formed to better develop procedures and communication around Sand
Bag deployment to the community in advance of disaster events,

8. Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) & Disaster Management Training
The LDCC has continued to serve its dual purpose effectively functioning as both a training venue
and conference room during non-emergency periods. Its first operational deployment during the
activation for TC Alfred in March 2025 demonstrated its capability as a fully functional coordination
centre, supporting response efforts and inter-agency collaboration.

A number of training opportunities have been provided this year for LDCC staff to increase capability
including:




                                                                                                 Page 12 of 117

Page 13

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                      9 SEPTEMBER 2025


   •   11 July 2024 – LDCC Workshop
        Focused on enhancing understanding of Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC)
       operations.
   •   5 September 2024 – Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements & Disaster
       Coordination Centre Training
        Mandatory modules for staff working within the LDCC.
   •   19 September 2024 – Guardian IMS General User Training
       Introduction to the incident management software used during disaster events.
   •   27 November 2024 – Field Coordination Centre (FCC) Exercise
       Practical exercise involving Civil Operations and Parks teams.
   •   17 February 2025 – Recovery Action Plan Training
       Training on the use of incident management software for recovery planning.
   •   18 March 2024 – Guardian IMS General User Training
       Additional session to support broader staff capability.
   •   16–18 June 2025 – LDCC Cell-Specific Training
        In-depth training to clarify the roles and responsibilities of each functional area within the
       LDCC.
9. Collaboration
Over the past year, the Disaster Management Team has actively participated in several regional
networks and activities to stay abreast of best practice, including:
   •   Disaster Management Engagement Group – SE Queensland disaster management officers;
   •   Council 2 Council – Wide Bay and North Burnet areas disaster management officers;
   •   Sunshine Coast Emergency Services Capability Development and Exercising Committee;
   •   Inspector General Emergency Management (IGEM) Disaster Management Network – regular
       teleconferences and attendance at the annual forum;
   •   Sunshine Coast District Disaster Management Group exercises;
   •   Sunshine Coast Council and District LDMG exercise.
   •   Multi-Agency Bushfire Scenario.

10. State Emergency Service (SES)
The Queensland SES is a not-for-profit, volunteer-based emergency service organisation. Locally,
the Noosa SES Unit comprises 90 volunteers operating from four facilities across the Shire—
Tewantin, Cooroy, Pomona, and Boreen Point.

Over the past 12 months, the Unit responded to 338 requests for assistance (public & agency),
including storm damage, sandbagging, chainsaw operations, flood boat deployments, land
searches, forensic support, and traffic control. A major operation involved the response to TC Alfred,
with 40,000 sandbags and 500 tonnes of sand distributed across 11 Noosa local government area
locations.

The Unit supported key community events including Anzac Day, Vietnam Veterans Day,
Remembrance Day, Christmas celebrations, and Noosa Show Days. Volunteers also contributed to
four Rotary Youth Driver Awareness workshops, promoting road safety among senior students.

The Unit delivered 42 all-unit training sessions, 12 skills maintenance activities, and six induction
evenings to support capability development and onboarding. Recruitment and retention were
strengthened through the launch of the Noosa Attraction Plan. Members also supported community
engagement initiatives including the Christmas Convoy and assisting in the assembly of



                                                                                               Page 13 of 117

Page 14

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                         9 SEPTEMBER 2025


Disaster/Emergency Get Ready Kits.

The Unit was recognised as North Coast Region (NCR) Unit of the Year, with Cooroy’s Stan Ryan
named NCR Trainer of the Year. Additional honours included SES Week Awards, Australia Day
Awards, National Emergency Service Medals for 2019 bushfire support, and Meritorious Service
Medals.

Through its operational excellence, community engagement, and ongoing development, the Noosa
SES Unit continues to demonstrate resilience, professionalism, and leadership in supporting the
Noosa community.

11. Queensland Reconstruction Authority - 2022 flooding event
Council is nearing completion of the projects funded by Queensland Reconstruction Authority as a
result of damage sustained from the 2022 flooding event:

Restoration budget allocated by QRA                 $145,262,246
Actual Cost as at June 30 2025                      $101,745,983
Received funds from QRA as at 30 June 2025          $101,204,470
Note: $7,940,351 was Betterment funding.

Exact funding amounts are still being reconciled before confirmation of final amounts.

12. Reconstruction projects
Disaster reconstruction projects have been reported diligently through other capital works reports.
2025 has seen the finalization of the majority of the projects with only minor works left to deliver. The
program consisted of:
   •   31 landslides, including repair of Black Mountain Rd which is recognized as the largest ever
       civil works contract Council has ever completed.
   •   16 waterway crossings, including a new bridge at Schreibers Rd which improved water
       security for the region.
The project financials continue to focus on providing value for money to Queensland Reconstruction
Authority with a projected underspend in the order of 12% of the approved value.

The time effective delivery of the significant program, as well as astute budget management has
established Noosa Council in good repute with Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

The team are now focused on the final tasks including administration to ensure quality assurance,
financial reporting and cost recovery within the 3 months of delivery of the sites.

The team is now diverting attention to developing assessments, submission and reconstruction plans
for damage experienced in the March 2025 Western Queensland Trough system.

13. Bushfire resilience – Council land
The bushfire management program on Council reserves is delivered by the Environment Operations
team in the Strategy and Environment Directorate. The information has been included in this report
for completeness.

After a delayed start to the prescribed burn season due to wet weather, Noosa Council working
closely with partners in Qld Parks and Wildlife Service and the Queensland Fire Department have
completed five prescribed burns on Noosa Council estate – one of which being a Bushfire Risk
Mitigation Plan priority for the region - Girraween/Burgess creek prescribed burn within Noosa




                                                                                                  Page 14 of 117

Page 15

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                      9 SEPTEMBER 2025


National Park and Girraween Nature Refuge at Sunrise Beach. This burn was successfully
completed reducing risk to nearby assets by lowering fuel loads while promoting ecological health of
the bushland and national park.

Four council employees recently attended fire crew member training bolstering Councils operational
fire capabilities.

Fire trail maintenance and surface hardening continues on fire trails throughout the shire.

Prescribed burning are continuing as suitable weather conditions permit.

14. Climate Change & Disaster Risk Reduction
The climate change program for Noosa Council is delivered by the Sustainability & Climate Change
team in the Strategy and Environment Directorate in close liaison with the Disaster Management
Team. The information has been included in this report for completeness.

On the ‘prevention’ side of the Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery (PPRR)
framework, Council continues to actively coordinate a number of projects that aim to reduce climate
and disaster risks for the Noosa region. This effort recognises the wealth of the evidence from the
QRA, Deloitte, the Insurance Council of Australia, the Productivity Commission and the World
Resources Institute showing that for every dollar invested in prevention and resilience, up to ten
dollars are returned in avoided response, damage and recovery costs. Risk reduction projects span
across a number of hazards including:
   •   Floods
   •   Bushfires
   •   Heatwaves
   •   Coastal erosion
   •   Storm Tide Inundation
   •   Permanent Inundation
Landslides of note is the significant program of work resulting from the Feb/March 2022 Flood Event,
funded by the QRA’s Flood Risk Management Program.

Sixteen projects ranging from Flood Mitigation Feasibility Assessments at Lake Entrance Boulevard
and Pomona, updating Council’s Flood Management Plan, and conducting a Total Flood Warning
Review, to updating the flood models across the entire local government area continue to be
advanced by the Sustainability & Climate Change Team in partnership with the Disaster
Management Team. Additionally, Noosa and Sunshine Coast Councils have teamed up as part of
the implementation of their Regional Climate Action Roadmap to better understand and evaluate
cascading and compounding risks to Council services when critical infrastructure fails. In partnership
with regional critical infrastructure providers, many of whom are on the LDMG and District Disaster
Management Group (DDMG), Councils have conducted a complex climate risk assessment on the
potential impacts of critical infrastructure failures to Council service delivery, particularly during
extreme events projected within the next ten years. Funded by a $1.1M grant from the QRA’s
Queensland Resilience & Risk Reduction Fund, the project was completed in June 2025, with
adaptation and resilience measures identified for implementation moving forward.

As part of its Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan, Council continues to advance projects to build
resilience to the risks of erosion, storm tide inundation and permanent inundation due to sea level
rise. These projects range from living foreshores and restoring flood storage areas in the Noosa
River, to redesigning the Noosa Main Beach seawall; investigating potential offshore sources of sand
for beach nourishment; monitoring the entire coastline for change and storm impacts; and building
resilience to natural defense systems such as the vegetated dunes in the Eastern Beaches.




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Page 16

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                      9 SEPTEMBER 2025


Significantly, Council endorsed its Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan in June 2025
which incorporates climate resilient foreshore treatments to address growing risks of erosion and
frequent tidal inundation. Council also continues to work with the Department of Environment,
Science, Tourism and Innovation, the University of Sunshine Coast, the University of Queensland,
and University of New South Wales to improve modelling of coastal hazards and improve resilience
planning.

Council worked closely with QFD and the CSIRO to review and validate updated bushfire hazard
modelling and mapping for the Noosa region over the past two years. Council awaits State approval
of the updated mapping which provides a more accurate representation of bushfire hazard, so it can
incorporate this both in its planning scheme and public disaster mapping information. In addition, the
team are keeping abreast of any outputs from the Firetech program being managed by the Peregian
Digital Hub and any new innovations that can help to build resilience to future bushfire risks.

With regard to extreme heat risk, Council has partnered with Sunshine Coast Council and RMIT
University to undertake a Heat Vulnerability Index study of both regions, and partner with the
University of Sunshine Coast on modelling the effects of local microclimates and the Urban Heat
Island effect. This has resulted in the development of an Urban Greening Strategic Action Plan with
a staged three phase rollout, as well as the design of Cool Refuges in key outdoor recreational
spaces to support heat risk reduction for the Noosa community. Further work is required to address
the significant risk of extreme heat, including conducting a second pass (detailed) heat risk
assessment, developing an Urban Greening Master Plan, and an urban cooling and heat response
plan in collaboration with QLD Department of Health and other relevant agencies.

Recognising that continued emissions of greenhouse gases contributes to global climate change
which drives an increase in the frequency, severity and duration of these hazards, Council continues
to demonstrate leadership on reducing its emissions through a strong net zero target, whilst also
supporting community in reducing its emissions of greenhouse gases. Sustained effort to mitigate
climate change is essential in order to reduce the magnitude of change seen in climate-related
hazards over the coming years.

Building community resilience and facilitating adaptation to the changes already being felt continues
to be a high priority for both the Climate Change and Disaster Management Teams. Collaboration
on initiatives such as the Climate Wise Communities program, community climate risk workshops
and the Adaptation Game continue within the available resources of both teams.

Regular updates are given to the LDMG as well as the Emergency Operations Team meetings on
the climate change adaptation projects that relate to preventing disaster occurrence and improving
resilience to climate and disaster risks.

16. Focus for 2026
In addition to responding to emerging events, the program will continue to prioritise foundational
activities such as pre-season audits, ensuring the reliability of systems, reviewing key documents
and procedures, recruiting staff for the Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) during
activations, and delivering relevant training in disaster support functions.

Another key focus is the implementation of improvement actions identified from Tropical Cyclone
Alfred and the Western Queensland Trough system (Attachment A). These events provided valuable
learning opportunities, and considerable effort has been made to capture lessons and improvements.

Disaster reconstruction will focus on reconstruction from infrastructure damage arising from the
Western Queensland Trough system.

The disaster resilience program will continue to focus on disaster preparedness, but will also
undertake a reflections exercise from the extended disaster reconstruction program to assist in
informing future programs of this magnitude. The lessons learnt exercise will gather information from



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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                        9 SEPTEMBER 2025


Council staff, contractors and the community to provide valuable information to assist in any future
major disaster event.

These focus areas are intended to ensure optimal readiness for any future disaster event.

Link to Corporate Plan

Theme No. 4 - Future

This theme is focused on our future, strengthening our relationship with First Nations peoples and to
ensure our community is prepared and resilient to change. A focus on youth, climate resilience and
adaptation, sense of place and destination management.

Objective 4.8
Deliver best practice approaches to combat and plan for natural disasters and climate change
including supporting safety, preparedness, resilience and recovery capacity.


Previous Council Consideration
Nil

Finance
Alongside the QRA funded reconstruction and resilience programs, Council also continues to receive
an annual Get Ready Grant of $22,300. This grant is used to promote resilience through collateral
such as the Emergency Action Guide, lanyards and USB's - all QR coded to the Noosa Disaster
Dashboard. Training and development opportunities for disaster management and LDCC staff are
funded from general revenue, ensuring our team is always prepared and equipped with the latest
skills and knowledge.

SES support is provided by Council and is partially funded by a subsidy from the Queensland Police
Service.

Council staff continue to keep abreast of all available grant funding opportunities to support disaster
management activities.

Risk & Opportunities
Recent crisis management experiences have reinforced the need and opportunities for Council staff
to be flexible and to work in a unified way. The inclusion of disaster management in the staff induction
schedule provides an opportunity to educate about resilience and recruit staff to work in the LDCC

The opening of the dedicated LDCC at the Noosaville Depot has further enhanced relationships with
emergency service partners by providing a training facility that can be used in 'peace time' by both
Council staff and agencies.

Human Rights
Human Rights Compatibility Statement
In developing this Report, the subject matter has been considered in accordance with the
requirements of the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019. It is considered that the subject matter
does not conflict with any human rights and supports a human rights approach to decision making
by Council. Council representatives will endeavour to act and make decisions under this report in a
manner that is compatible with human rights. This report should be read in conjunction with




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Council’s Human Rights Policy.




Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Members of the SES have contributed content for this report.


Internal Consultation
Departments consulted:
     Office of the CEO, Mayor &         Community Services               Corporate Services
             Councillors
      Mayor & Councillors             Director                        Director
      Chief Executive Officer         Community Development           Financial Services
      Executive Officers              Sport & Active Lifestyles       Fleet
      Community Engagement            Arts & Culture                  Revenue Services
      People & Culture                Community Connection            ICT
      Governance                      Customer Experience             Procurement

                                                                      Commercial Property

      Strategy & Environment          Development & Regulation        Infrastructure Services
      Director                        Director                    X   Director
 X    Strategy & Sustainability       Development Assessment          Infrastructure Planning, Design
                                                                      and Delivery
      Economic Development        &   Local Laws                      Civil and Asset operations
      Destination Management
 X    Environmental Services          Environmental Health            Waste
      Innovation & Digital Hub        Building & Plumbing             Building & Facilities
                                      Property / Permits          X   Disaster Management




                                                                                                   Page 18 of 117

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ATTACHMENT 1


     TC Alfred (March 2025) - Lessons Identified
    Process or
    discipline       Issue                                                                                           Future Action?                                                                           Priority
    Procedures       Guidance around who should attend LDMG meeting in person                                        Develop a clear attendance protocol for LDMG meetings                                    High
                                                                                                                     Briefing template to be prepared for post LDMG meeting debrief to LDCC - for use by
                                                                                                                     Room Manager/LDC Support Officer
    Procedures       Meetings: Minutes cheat sheet                                                                   Janette to prepare cheat sheet for inclusion in LDCC Admin resources iin Guardian IMS    Medium

    Procedures       Meeting requests security and meeting invite proxies                                            Standardize meeting invite process and access control                                    Medium

    Procedures       In room “live updates” board. Traffic light system.                                             Already available on whiteboards and additional Guardian IMS functionality implemented Medium

    Technical        A register is required to document forecast inputs and outputs, noting significant
                     discrepancies between NOAA and BOM model data. Establishing a tracking mechanism is
                     essential to ensure consistency and transparency
    Communications   Under state disaster grants seek funds for all Council trucks to have CB radios, enables coms   2024 radio proejct identified issues particularly around tower maintenance and           Medium
                     network when power goes out and can talk to SES plus Police, truckies and LDMG.                 ownership. Project unlikely to be pursued.

    Communications   Customer Service only received 2 call after 9pm at night - is 24 hour shift warranted           Noted that this process wokred during TC Alfred. Resources will be assessed for each     Low
                                                                                                                     event and assigned to match the need on a case by case basis.

    Technical        Need to be clear on what questions need answered from the models in terms of direct                                                                                                      High
                     impacts.                                                                                        Define key questions for model outputs
    Technical        Common language on likelihoods and probabilities for hazard forecasts to inform risk            Consider an SOP guidance issued on how to prepare the SitRep including definitions for   High
                     summaries/SitReps                                                                               hazard, risk, etc. as well as reference sheet or lookup table on what existing Council
                                                                                                                     hazard information and risk information is available.

    Procedures       Communication (emails) – to be signed off by officer so people know who to contact for more All Duty shees to be amended to include requirement to sign off with officer name for        Medium
                     info                                                                                        accountability
    Communications   FCC interaction improvements / Improved interaction with FCC at beginning of event.         Duty sheet for Council Liaison Officer to be created and further training considered.        High


    Communications   Information sharing between Noosa and Sunshine Coast Councils                                   Cross Council collaboration was occuring - use Communications Log to capture             High


    Communications   More consistent and specific Council wide communications were not specific enough – staff Develop clearer internal communication protocols                                               High
                     were unsure if they needed to come in or stay home. Were outside workers being paid if they
                     stayed home.? (eg. 4 hourly)
    Communications   Need more detailed communication regarding rostering, pay, allowances, fatigue rules.       Create and distribute HR communication templates                                             High

    Procedures       Information sharing when decisions are made (i.e. CEO gave permission for people to fill        Document and share tactical decisions promptly                                           High
                     sandbags from the beach).


    Communications   Time for Comms after LDMG meeting to assist with populating key messages for Facebook.          Allocate time for communication drafting post-meetings                                   Medium




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Process or
discipline   Issue                                                                                       Future Action?                                                                           Priority
ICT          LDMG meeting room – improved microphones to prevent feedback, static and dropouts.          For budget consideration - Project brief to be prepared.


ICT          PC not staying “awake” which means SmartTV goes to sleep while Guardian is revolving        ICT to investigate ways to resolve                                                       Low

ICT          Improved online access to share information with Agencies                                   Sharepoint Single Source of Truth that has whitelisted profiles allowing external use.   Medium

Procedures   Evacuation Centres – guidelines required for resourcing (ratio emergency service vs.        Develop staffing ratio guidelines for evacuation centres                                 High
             evacuees)

Procedures   Ensure hand over to someone at end of event of all invoices and outstanding purchase orders. Review process and look at diversion methods after event


Procedures   Review process and look at diversion methods after event                                    Review process and look at diversion methods after event                                   Medium
                                                                                                         Implement financial handover checklist
Procedures   Understanding of LDCC roles (i.e. Logistics get things etc), not clear what to do.          Review and update duty sheet/ Position Desc / Duty Sheet for all roles. Copy of full suite High
                                                                                                         to be provided in each Cells' desktop draws
                                                                                                         Priority list/Focus
Procedures   Tabards should be used in the LDCC                                                          Room briefing template to be created for use every day including use of tabbards, location Medium
                                                                                                         of toilets etc.
Systems      Guardian IMS - Standardised list of tags for better categorisation of bulletins             Create and implement a standard tag list                                                   Medium


Systems      Button to automatically send Sitrep to DDMG                                                 Sitrep set up with who Sitrep should be emailed to. Review and update as required        High

Systems      Bulletins - updates do not bring the updated Bulletin to the top of the bulletin list       Guardian improvement - request to QIT+                                                   Medium


Systems      Onboard state government stormtide manual info procedure eg. Townsville evacuation maps Investigate how to include in future plans and actions, ie. Townsville Disaster Dashboard    Medium
                                                                                                       Storm Tide layers
Systems      Consider using work orders for every expense & activity during event as info contained in Investigate improvement process.                                                           Medium
             work order aligns with QRA requirements for CDO claim




Systems      Stable, flexible platform to create the morning forecast

Procedures   Continue to ensure the sign in and out log is completed for accountability                  Add to briefing note template for beginning of day briefing                              Low


Training     Terminologies – training on what might be used.                                             Glossary to be prepared                                                                  Medium

Training     Minimum job list per type of emergency                                                      Create tick sheet for each cell




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Page 21

Process or
discipline   Issue                                                                                         Future Action?                                                                                Priority
Training     Develop template for “five days ahead” for Noosa – easy to fill out summary                   Create a template and store in central location                                               High


Training     Regular Guardian IMS training for LDCC staff (e.g. monthly)                                   Reinstigate monthly practical training                                                        Medium

Resources    WHS presence in FCC and LDCC                                                                  Amend LDCC & FCC resourcing document to include FCC presence                                  High
Resources    Parking concerns whilst collecting live data, attending to issues or meeting with community   Need to arrange parking permit for teams collecting data on the ground before, during
                                                                                                           and after events. Action with local laws for parking permit.


Resources    Pre-populated recovery plan templates.                                                        Pre-populated recovery plan templates.                                                        High

Resources    Ensuring constant resupply of demanded resources were maintained ie sandbags and              Establish logistics tracking and resupply protocols                                           High
             sand


Resources    Ensuring constant resupply of demanded resources were maintained ie sandbags and              Establish logistics tracking and resupply protocols                                           High
             sand
Resources    Ensuring sandbag filling stations were managed appropriately including traffic                Develop site management plans including traffic control                                       High
             management at all sites


Resources    Heightened risks at most sandbagging stations                                                 Implement safety protocols and supervision at sandbagging sites                               High
             - public injury due to inexperienced filling and handling of heavy sandbags
             - inappropriate/aggressive behaviour
             - dangerous driving practices
Resources    Flood mapping and stormtide inundation – implement easy access via websites/disaster                                                                                                        High
             dashboards.


Resources    State-level requirements for storm surge mapping focused on its availability, accuracy,       Clarify mapping standards and ensure consistency in use during activations                    High
             and operational use in planning, briefings, and public messaging throughout the
             activation period
Resources                                                                                           Expand use of satellite phones and VHF radios                                                        Medium
             Communications vulnerability during power outages. If mobile phones disabled, there is
             a need for alternatives such as satellite phones and VHF radios.
Resources    Fatigue management and back-up support for key positions.                              Implement shift rotations and backup staffing plans                                                  High

Assets       Pomona Depot – need for permanently located generator                                         Budget / grant funding required                                                               Medium

Assets       LDCC gate access. Building services rep to update live. Camera access.                        Security working group project to install camera access to allow LDCC to 'buzz' in visitors   Medium




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Process or
discipline           Issue                                                                                          Future Action?                                                                            Priority
Assets               Front end loader required to make it easier and safer to remove trees off the road             Repair of current fleet item is under investigation                                       Medium


Assets               Ground protection mats & connectors to protect the ground when setting up Incident Control Research available ground protection mats and put in PID for future funding.                  Medium
                     Centres.
                     https://groundnurse.com.au/
Assets               Maintenance of Peregian Beach coastal drainage system                                      Storm action procedure for Council/contractor use.

Assets               Cyclone proof windows of LDCC.                                                                 Create PID to upgrade LDCC windows to cyclone-rated                                       High
Evacuation Centres   Requirement for permanently located generator at Leisure Centre and The J                      Budget/grant funding - Quote being requested for design & construct for Leisure Centre
                                                                                                                    and The J to inform future budgets.

Evacuation Centres   Outside Leisure Centre - ability to get power from generator when power fails.                 Discuss with B&F in conjunction with Line above


Evacuation Centres   Request for upgrade to four power sockets in the power box we used not just one outlet.       To be discussed with Building & Facilities
                     (Library & Leisure Centre)
Evacuation Centres   Recommendation of placement of a large flood spotlight on top wall in front of Leisure Centre Investigate                                                                                Medium
                     building lighting up front of Leisure Centre onto grass area. Existing lighting dull

Evacuation Centres   Noosaville Library - consider use as a secondary medical centre for nearby Hospital.            Noosaville Library is secondary Evauation Centre location should there be a need for     Low
                                                                                                                     evacuees with health concerns.
                                                                                                                     Letter to be drafted to Tewantin Noosa Lions
Evacuation Centres   Consider liaising with Waves of Kindness or a local charity to have sets of clothing and towels Investigate                                                                              Medium
                     for people who may be wet or need blankets.
Evacuation Centres   Have agencies on hand to provide comfort (counselling).                                         Continue to have Red Cross onsite to provide counselling                                 High

Evacuation Centres   Establish flood threat for Lake Doonella into the tributary beside Leisure Centre.             Flood information provided on Council's Disaster Flood mapping.
                                                                                                                    Letter to be drafted to Tewantin Noosa Lions

Technical            Need to have up to date survey data before storm season                                        Need a clear format for tracking model runs and forecasts. Date, Input Model, Version,
                                                                                                                    Output, etc. Use Excel spreadsheet in Teams/Sharepoint
Technical            Need pre-storm season prep with every SME. Also cannot always rely on individuals in BMT,      Need a panel of suppliers or designated Hazard & Risk Taskforce with key subject matter
                     UniSC & UQ                                                                                     experts working on coastal system in Noosa. Meet prior to disaster season on foreward
                                                                                                                    outlook. Ensure models are fit for purpose ahead of time as these events begin to occur
                                                                                                                    more frequently. Need to establish availabilities prior to storm season starting .

Technical            Had to install camera ad hoc to capture data on Noosa Main Beach                               Consider establishing permanent camera monitoring (for water position, waves, elevation
                                                                                                                    / real-time slope) due to geomorphilogical complexities at NMB

Technical            Spent a lot of time trying to figure out wave and erosion potential. Every 6hrs the TC forecast Seek QRA funding to develop disaster ready models and produce storm tide map series
                     seemed to change. Storm tide hazard - BMT did one for SEQ - had to expand spatial area on (and property/people consequence tables) that are closest to State storm tide forecasts
                     the fly as the cyclone was so large                                                             that could be provided during an event. Need to establish maps and lookup tables so
                                                                                                                     SDCC data can be interpreted at speed. This must include tidal attenuation within the
                                                                                                                     river.




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Page 23

Process or
discipline          Issue                                                                                         Future Action?                                                                               Priority
Technical           Needed models to continuously be running with updated TC forecast data, not a static          Need to ensure models are setup for this ahead of storm season, with most recent survey
                    snapshot at the start of event. Computational requirements are high, need to rerun at speed. data inputted. Council should consider holding SWAN Model calibrated version in
                    SWAN is okay but Xbeach is harder to loop.                                                    platform for any of the taskforce or panel to use in case one group isn't available during
                                                                                                                  an event.
Technical           Data on ETA lines and elevation that Council has been collecting for the past two years was   Continue coastal monitoring program and ensure there is sufficient contingency budget
                    essential to inform impact forecast models. Beach survey data (existing beach slope) was used for surveys pre and post major storms as disaster funding does not cover it
                    in the empirical calculation for overtopping on NMB
Technical           Regional Coastal Process Model needs to calculate refraction well and calibrate wave models Ensure Regional Coastal Process Model scope takes this into account.
                    (Over-refracting waves coming around Moreton Island affected wave model
                    (overestimating/underestimating as models not calibrated)
Technical           COASTS Dashboard was not too far off the mark. Needs calibration but relatively close in      Need to consider what platform is best for info sharing during a disaster
                    forecasting during ex TC-Alfred.
Technical           Bathymetric river/beach survey data                                                           Is this information able to be provided through use of drones

Technical           Disaster Vendors – Strategic list of vendors to engage.                                       Included in Guardian Resources the contractor list prepared and updated by Procurement.
                                                                                                                  Also noted that LGAQ are working on a Disaster Preferred Contractor list.

Meeting protocols   LDMG meeting times – difficult to get to meeting in person when meeting times coincide        Adjust meeting times to avoid peak traffic periods                                           Low
                    with school drop off/pick off times – traffic bottlenecks
Meeting protocols   Clarity around who should attend LDMG meetings in person vs. via Teams                        Develop attendance guidelines                                                                Medium

Meeting protocols   Need for people to identify themselves and their role before speaking meetings                Reinforce meeting etiquette                                                                  Low

Meeting protocols   Confirm LDMG membership and contacts before event, send out contact list on a rolling Administration duty sheet to be adjusted to include                                                  Low
                    basis
Meeting protocols   Meeting invites and paperwork to be sent from one email address so it is not missed.  Admin                              - all informatin and meeting invites to come from                 Medium
                                                                                                          LDCC Admin profile

Communications      Consider Sunshine Coast & Noosa Mayoral messaging with District Disaster Coordinator Explore technology options to allow this regardless of location of participants                       Medium


Technology          A way to track Requests for Assistance would be handy                                         Include in briefing of available tools during standup of LDMG                                Medium

Communications      Sandbags – improved community messaging around What to do with sandbags after the Include post-event sandbag guidance in public messaging                                                  Medium
                    event
Resources           Commercial vs residential premises and habited vs vacant holiday accommodation –  Develop sandbag distribution policy through sandbag working group                                        Medium
                    policy required to outline who should take precedence for sandbags.

Resources           Sandbag supply to all 11 locations across the region was timely, efficient and constant.                                                                                                   N/A

Resources           Sandbagging locations – finalise formal locations.                                            Confirm and document official sandbagging sites                                              High

Compliment          LDMG Agenda – was great having LDC report immediately after BoM briefing.                                                                                                                  Medium




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Process or
discipline          Issue                                                                                         Future Action?                                                  Priority
Resilience          Preparedness and resilience of staff – important for agencies to function that staff are      Incorporate personal preparedness into training and exercises   Medium
                    well prepared at home. Build messaging into workshops/exercises, creation of a
                    sharable resource.
Resources / BCP     Agency BCP’s to ensure arrangements for generators are in place.                              Review and update BCPs with generator provisions                High
Communications      Increased number of NDIS patients presenting at hospitals due to private providers closing.   Coordinate with NDIS providers for                              Medium
                                                                                                                  continuity of care
Meeting protocols   Consider timings of LDMG meetings with neighbouring LDMG's to ensure representation at        Coordinate meeting schedules regionally                         Low
                    meeting
Resources           Limited information on aged care facilities in the wider Sunshine Coast area.                 Compile and maintain aged care facility contact list            Medium
Meeting protocols   Standing Up - Better communication around when we were required to completely stand up        Clarify activation protocols and expectations                   Medium
                    and be present in the LDCC




                                                                                                                                                                                        Page 24 of 117

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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                       9 SEPTEMBER 2025


7.2           NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS MASTER PLAN


Author             Parks and Streetscapes Coordinator, Geordie Lascelles
                   Civil Assets & Operations | Infrastructure Services Department
Index              ECM / Asset Management / Noosa Botanic Gardens Masterplan
Attachments         1.   Noosa Botanic Gardens Masterplan Draft Design Report


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
   •     The report presents a draft Master Plan for the Noosa Botanic Gardens at Lake Macdonald
         for the next stages of community engagement.
   •     The draft Master Plan builds off the draft 2017 Vision Statement that was prepared by Council
         for the gardens in collaboration with community stakeholders.
   •     The draft plan has been prepared by landscape architecture consultants with key inputs from
         an external Stakeholder Reference Group, and internal Council working group, and informed
         by an initial Community Engagement program.
   •     The preparation of the draft masterplan has been iterative over the last 18 months taking into
         account diverse feedback and provides a revised vision and objectives with a realistic long-
         term plan for upgrades and improvements over the next 25 years, ensuring the gardens’
         botanical legacy and ongoing value to the local and broader community.
   •     Major features of plan include preservation and enhancement of the botanic collection,
         creation of a improved visitor entry experience, improved facilities for the Friends of the
         Botanic Gardens, creation of a primary grade accessible wayfinding pathway around the
         gardens, improved activity zones that support a variety of users as well as cultural heritage
         considerations.
   •     The plan will be a key platform to prioritise available future operational funds, as well as
         attract grant funding from multiple sources.
   •     It is proposed that this draft be released for public consultation. A summary of submissions
         received, engagement outcomes and any changes to the draft Masterplan will be
         subsequently presented for council consideration and adoption of a finalised plan.




RECOMMENDATION
That Council
A. Note the report by the Parks and Streetscapes Coordinator to the Services & Organisation
   Committee dated 9 September 2025 regarding the draft Masterplan for the Noosa Botanic
   Gardens.
B. Approve the draft to:
       1. be released for the next phase of community engagement; and
       2. note that a final summary of engagement and master plan will be presented for Council
          consideration.




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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                         9 SEPTEMBER 2025


REPORT
Council budgeted for the preparation of a Noosa Botanic Gardens Masterplan in the 2023/24
Financial Year, building on the 2017 Noosa Botanic Gardens Masterplan Stage 1: Vision document.
The key purpose of the Masterplan is to engage with the community to develop a shared long-term
plan for upgrades and improvements over the next 25 years, ensuring the gardens’ botanical legacy
and ongoing value to the local and broader community.

In late 2023, Consultants, O2LA, were appointed to initiate this process, assist with the consultation
and drafting of the plan in collaboration with community and Council stakeholders. The planning was
designed to take place over two phases: Phase 1 Visioning and Ideas Gathering, and Phase 2 Draft
Masterplan.

The draft vision determined for the gardens in collaboration with stakeholders is “to cultivate a vibrant
botanical garden that reflects the community’s values - working with nature, now and for the future”.

Existing Conditions
The Noosa Botanic Gardens on the shores of Lake MacDonald is a valuable amenity space for
residents and visitors that has an increasing valuable botanical collection in a stunning waterside
setting. It is increasing recognised for its value for both Cooroy and Noosa residents. Its evolution
to date has been largely incidental originally evolving from a community led initiative. There is
significant opportunity to improve the setting and recognition of the botanical collection, as well as
improve visitor facilities to make the space more accessible and comfortable for all. In addition, aging
infrastructure and substandard pathways require investment to rectify established defects.

ENGAGEMENT FOR THE DRAFT NOOSA BOTANIC MASTERPLAN

The preparation of the Masterplan has been informed by an External Stakeholder Reference Group,
an internal working group of Council staff, as well as Phase 1 community engagement program. In
addition targeted engagement has occurred with First Nations representatives from the Kabi Kabi
Peoples Aboriginal Corporation.

External Stakeholder Refence Group
To guide the delivery of the Master Plan process, Council appointed a voluntary community
stakeholder reference group in a voluntary capacity including Friends of the Gardens representatives
and various local and regional community groups and associations The purpose of the group is to
provide advice and strategic direction for the development of the Master Plan as it evolved.

Members of the group has included representatives from:
   •   Councillors - Cr Finzel (Chair), Cr Phillips, Cr Lorentson
   •   Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens
   •   SEQ Water
   •   Noosa Hinterland Residents Association
   •   Cooroy Area Residents Association
   •   Cooroy Future Group (Cooroy Butter Factory)
   •   Outdoor Queensland
   •   Tourism Noosa

The Cooroy Chamber of Commerce was also invited to participated but declined from attending due
to other priorities but expressed an interest in being kept up to date as the plan evolved.

Formed in March 2024, initial one on one meetings with members were held to assist consultants



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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                     9 SEPTEMBER 2025


understanding of stakeholder’s interests. Four formal meetings have been held in June, July,
November in 2024 and April 2025. An additional meeting has held with representatives from the
Friends of the Gardens in June 2025 to discuss and resolve specific considerations.

A further meeting with the group will be scheduled following forthcoming community engagement to
broadly consider feedback and next steps prior to further consideration by Council.

Internal Stakeholders
An internal stakeholder reference group was formed of Council staff with meetings scheduled in
March 2024, November 2024 and May 2025.

Cultural Engagement
Onsite meeting and visit was conducted with representatives of the Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal
Corporation in September which has also lead enhancements to the Draft Master Plan.

Community engagement
Public engagement for Phase 1 predominantly took place in September 2024, with the aim of
understanding the collective vision, values, aspirations, and ideas of the local community to inform
the draft Master Plan.
Additional, early stakeholder engagement was also conducted, with key stakeholder including
members of the Stakeholder Reference Group. This included both 1:1 conversations and
workshops.

How we engaged
   •   Key community stakeholders 1 on 1 interviews -15
   •   Noosa Heads Tourist Info Centre walk through.
   •   Your Say Noosa survey.
   •   Email submissions to [email protected].
   •   Two community pop-ups in the Gardens on the 1 and 7 September 2024, leveraging off the
       Guided and Shade Garden walks, Music in the Gardens and Plant Sale.
How we communicated
   •   “Stakeholder Engagement Pack” consisting of postcards and poster distributed to SRG
       members for promotion to networks.
   •   Displays at Noosaville and Cooroy Library.
   •   Posters at Aquatic and Recreation Centre.
   •   Promotion of pop-ups, Friends events and opportunity to engage via Council’s social media
       channels, E-News, Your Say subscriber database and print media (Cooroy Rag, Noosa
       Today),
   •   Media Release and the Council website
How we went
   •   A total of 101 people completed the online survey of which 88 identified themselves as Noosa
       Shire Council ratepayers.
   •   The main demographic of survey were Noosa Shire residents aged 55+, with community
       group members, business owners, workers and visitors also participating.
   •   Hundreds of submissions were recorded at the pop ups and 1 on 1 interviews.




                                                                                             Page 27 of 117

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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                      9 SEPTEMBER 2025



What we heard
The following graphic summarises key community feedback from this process:




OUTCOMES

The Masterplan serves as a guiding document, addressing key design consideration informed by
community engagement to set a framework for both operational decisions, as well as priority for
future capital investment in the event that funds are gained through Council budget allocations or
grant funding. The timeframe for implementation of plan is 25 years, and this long term time frame
has been consistently articulated to stakeholders.

Any subsequent detailed design planning for works will also be subject to ongoing community and
stakeholder engagement, strategically informed by the Masterplan. Adaptive, flexible and responsive
design over that period in the implementation of the masterplan, will help the gardens and its
community to respond to its changing needs.

In terms of immediate operational decisions, the Decision Making matrix contained within the plan
will support current and future site managers and caretakers in setting operational priorities and
establishing timelines for the design and implementation of projects. The matrix also provides
transparency to key stakeholders such as the Friends of the Noosa Botanic Gardens about their
opportunity for involvement in operational decisions.

KEY DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

The draft Masterplan is included as an attachment to the Report. Key inclusions in the plan are listed
below;

Activity Zones and Functional Arrangement
The following zones are connected by the accessible Garden and Rainforest promenades.
   •   Arrivals Zone
   •   Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens Zone
   •   The Green
   •   Botanic Playground
   •   Lower Lakeside
   •   Rainforest Zone
   •   Paths - intuitive, accessible
   •   Garden Promenade - between 3m to 4m wide (some routes require occasional service
       vehicle access)
   •   Rainforest Promenade - 2-3m wide
   •   Secondary paths minimum 1 .5m wide




                                                                                               Page 28 of 117

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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                       9 SEPTEMBER 2025



Visitor Support Facilities
Key to the value proposition for the gardens is improved visitor support facilities to better enjoy and
appreciate the Botanic Gardens:
   •   Creation of arrivals zone with an improved visitor entry experience including an appropriately
       scaled community facility/kiosk/shelter and amenities, supplemented by the adjacent Friends
       of the Noosa Botanic Gardens Zone
   •   Provision of a wide accessible ‘Garden promenade’ throughout the northern portion of the
       gardens
   •   Provision of a wide accessible ‘Rainforest promenades’ throughout the southern portion of
       the gardens
   •   Relocation of the Council depot and Friends Nursery from valuable elevated space better
       served for park visitors
   •   Refurbishment of the existing Amphitheatre
   •   Integration of the Northern Parklands (Lake MacDonald Park) with the existing Botanical
       Gardens to ensure a seamless parkland experiences
   •   Development of a Children’s Botanic Playground and leaning zone to diversify visitor
       demography and instil intergenerational interest in the gardens
   •   Creation of a more sunny, open spaces to diversity plant collections and provide areas for
       picnicking and informal recreational activities
   •   Development and consolidation of a climate relief zone along the waters edge to provide
       valuable shade in waterside setting during heatwaves
   •   Upgraded security and lighting systems
   •   Modest Expansion of carparking facilities, incorporating both formal and nature based
       options.
Legibility and Accessibility
A comprehensive approach for the upgrade of pathways is proposed to foster a cohesive, user-
friendly environment that prioritises ease of navigation, safety and accessibility for all visitors:

   •   Major universally accessible pathways - wide pathways, creating intuitive and comfortable
       pedestrian journeys through the site.
   •   Legibility - enhancing how users perceive and navigate the site to ensure a comfortable and
       intuitive user experience
   •   Accessibility - expanding accessible pathways to future-proof the gardens, making them
       usable for a broader range of visitors
   •   appropriately spaced and placed benches, walkways, ramps and handrails will be an
       important component of any upgraded or newly designed zones.

Botanical Collection
The original impetus of the preservation of this open space was the community led creation of a
botanic gardens and this is a fundamental premise of the draft Masterplan

   •   Preservation of Significant species and collections through protecting, maintaining and
       organising important plant species and collections
   •   Revitalisation and consolidation of the Botanical collection by enhancing the health and
       diversity of the collection through careful consolidation and management



                                                                                                Page 29 of 117

Page 30

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                         9 SEPTEMBER 2025


   •   Enhancing existing themed garden walks and creating new, engaging and educational
       garden walks that highlight specific themes and plant groupings.

Cultural and Heritage Considerations
This land holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for Traditional Custodians the Kabi Kabi
people and they have graciously shared thoughts and ideas that have been embraced in the draft
Masterplan.

The site has also served as the Noosa Botanic Gardens for almost 40 years and is highly valued by
the broader Noosa community, particularly those in and around Cooroy. The masterplan aims to
create landscapes, gardens, spaces and facilities that can support cultural events, ceremonies, and
gatherings and encourage storytelling, cultural exchange, and education.

Activation Plan
Critical to the success of the gardens is its attraction appeal to visitors – both residents and tourists.
The draft Masterplan includes an activation program of site appropriate live entertainment, guide
walks and workshops to encourage visitation and longer stays.

PHASE 2 ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM
Following the successful Phase 1 Engagement Program, a subsequent engagement program has
been devised for the draft Masterplan. This program builds of the dynamics of the local community
and appropriate to the scale and nature of the gardens.

   •   2 Pop ups in the gardens – leveraging organised events
   •   Online survey
   •   Post cards, posters
   •   Youth, Senior and family engagement
   •   Social Media Posts
   •   Local Newspaper
   •   Email promotion Radio advertising
   •   Face to face engagement including presentations to key stakeholder groups such as the
       broader Friends, Cooroy Chamber of Commerce, Cooroy Future Group, etc
   •   Final Stakeholder Reference Group Meeting



Link to Corporate Plan

Theme No. 2 - Liveability

Liveability encompasses housing, facilities and services, transport, health and wellbeing to enable
an inclusive, connected and vibrant community.

2.2 Fund and deliver accessible and improved, parks, open spaces, walking and cycle paths and
trails, including greening our paths and cycleways to meet contemporary needs.
2.3 Nurture arts and culture to enrich the identity and vibrancy of communities, highlight local talent,
celebrate First Nations culture and encourage creative participation and expression.
2.5 Ensure community facilities and services are inclusive, accessible and meet the evolving needs.
2.6 Facilitate strong, vibrant, inclusive communities where people have a sense of belonging and



                                                                                                   Page 30 of 117

Page 31

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                     9 SEPTEMBER 2025


are active participants in a rich community life.
2.7 Fund and deliver sustainable assets and facilities and associated services responding to the
changing needs of the community and the challenges and opportunities of the future.
2.8 Provide opportunities to enhance the health, wellbeing and safety of our communities


Previous Council Consideration
Ordinary Meeting, 18 April 2024
Item 9.2 Noosa Botanic Gardens Master Plan Stakeholder Reference Group
Council Resolution
That Council note the report by the Acting Director Infrastructure Services to the Ordinary Meeting
dated 18 April 2024 regarding the establishment of the Noosa Botanic Gardens Master Plan
Stakeholder Reference Group and
A. Note the Terms of Reference provided at Attachment 1; and
B. Appoint Cr Phillips as Chair, and Crs Lorentson and Finzel to the Noosa Botanic Gardens Master
Plan Stakeholder Reference Group.

Finance
The draft Masterplan project has been funded as an operational initiative. The Phase 2 engagement
program will be delivered using in house resources

Implementation of the Masterplan will be dependent upon future funding allocations, but will be used
as a key platform to attract grant funding.

Risk & Opportunities
The draft Masterplan addresses a key risk / opportunity in regard to having a clear direction for the
ongoing maintenance and new infrastructure in the Botanic Garden that aligns to both organisational
and community needs and desires.

The draft Masterplan provides a key opportunity for external and grant funding to support site
improvements to reduce financial risk.

The proposed community engagement program ensures community appreciation and alignment in
the future direction of the gardens implemented by Council.

the draft Masterplan also provides increased opportunity for community visitation and enjoyment of
the Noosa Botanic Gardens, and low-key opportunities for business and entertainment appropriate
to setting.




Human Rights
Human Rights Compatibility Statement
In developing this Report, the subject matter has been considered in accordance with the
requirements of the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019. It is considered that the subject matter
does not conflict with any human rights and supports a human rights approach to decision making
by Council. Council representatives will endeavour to act and make decisions under this report in a
manner that is compatible with human rights. This report should be read in conjunction with
Council’s Human Rights Policy.




                                                                                              Page 31 of 117

Page 32

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                               9 SEPTEMBER 2025



Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
As outlined in previous sections of the report.


Internal Consultation
Departments consulted:
        Office of the CEO, Mayor &             Community Services               Corporate Services
                Councillors
    x    Mayor & Councillors                 Director                        Director
    x    Chief Executive Officer             Community Development       x   Financial Services
         Executive Officers              x   Sport & Active Lifestyles       Fleet
    x    Community Engagement            x   Arts & Culture                  Revenue Services
         People & Culture                    Community Connection            ICT
         Governance                          Customer Experience             Procurement

                                                                             Commercial Property

         Strategy & Environment              Development & Regulation        Infrastructure Services
         Director                            Director                    x   Director
    x    Strategy & Sustainability           Development Assessment      x   Infrastructure Planning, Design
                                                                             and Delivery
    x    Economic Development        &       Local Laws                  x   Civil and Asset operations
         Destination Management
         Environmental Services              Environmental Health            Waste
         Innovation & Digital Hub            Building & Plumbing         x   Building & Facilities
                                         x   Property / Permits              Disaster Management
x




                                                                                                          Page 32 of 117

Page 33

ATTACHMENT 1




               NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
                         MASTERPLAN
                            DESIGN REPORT




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                                            Page 33 of 117

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Page 34

Contents




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Client                            Introduction
Noosa Council                        Vision.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 02
                                        Objectives .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 02
Project Address                         Background.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 02
Lake MacDonald Dr,                      Design Process.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 02
Cooroy, QLD 4563                        Masterplanning Process .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 02
                                  Key Design Considerations
Contact
                                    Botanic Collection. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 03
O2 Landscape Architecture
                                        Activity Zones and Functional Arrangement .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 03
(07) 3831 0681
                                        Accessibility. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 03
Document Number                         Infrastructure ‘Future Proofing’ .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 03
 ra
683 SD_LR002_C
Date: 26/08/2025
                                  Plans
                                        Legibility and Wayfinding.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 03
                                        Cultural and Heritage Considerations .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 03

                                     Illustrative Landscape Masterplan.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 04
                                        Detail Plan Views .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 05
                                        Proposed Refurbishments and Existing Features .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 06
                                        Masterplan Detail 1 - Arrival Zone. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 07
                                        Exemplar Imagery - Arrival Zone .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 08
                                        Masterplan Detail 2 - The ‘Green’ .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 09
                                        Exemplar Imagery - The ‘Green’.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 10
                                  Appendix A
                                    Activation Zones and Activities .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 11
                                        Activation Plan .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 12
                                  Appendix B
                                    Decision Making Matrix .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 13
                                  Appendix C
                                    Small Business Case Study.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 14
                                  Appendix D
                                    Stakeholder Engagement Summary. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 15
D
                                        Kabi Kabi Stakeholder Engagement Summary. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 17
                                  Appendix E
                                    Garden Walks & Themes Map Overlaid With Proposed Masterplan
                                    Linework .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 18
                                  Appendix F
                                    Existing Site Plan (in red) overlaid on Proposed Masterplan and
                                    Rationale.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 19
                                  Appendix G
                                    Noosa Council Access & Facilities Map .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 20




          NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
          MASTERPLAN
                                                                                                                                                                                                           01   Page 34 of 117

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                                                                                              Contents
                                  Client                                                      Introduction
                                  Noosa Council                                                 Vision
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                                  Project Address                                               Background
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                                  Lake MacDonald Dr,                                            Design Proces                          eee
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                                  Contact                                                     Key Design C        tions
                                                                                                Botanic       On                                            03
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                                                                                                Activit       nd Functional Arr.                    seen nee 03
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                                  Document Number                                               Infrast         ture Proo       eee eee eee
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                                  Date: 26/08/2025                                              Cultural and Heritage €     ations                          03
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                                                                                                Exemplar Imagery - Arriva                  eee eee          08
                                                                                                Masterplan Detail 2 - The ‘Gree                             09
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                                                                                                          Zones and Activities                              11
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                                                                                              Appendix C
                                                                                                Small Busin     ase Study                                   14
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                                                                                              Appendix D
                                                                                                Stakeholder Engagement Summary                              15
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                                                                                                Kabi Kabi Stakeholder Engagement Summary                    17
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                                                                                              Appendix E
                                                                                                Garden Walks & Themes Map Overlaid With Proposed Masterplan
                                                                                                Linework                                                    18
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                                                                                              Appendix F
                                                                                                Existing Site Plan (in red) overlaid on Proposed Masterplan and
                                                                                                Rationale                                                   19
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                                                                                              Appendix G
                                                                                                Noosa Council Access & Facilities Map                       20
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Page 35

                 Introduction

Vision

                 “To cultivate a vibrant Botanical Garden that reflects the community’s values
                                - Working with Nature, Now and for the Future”
Objectives
The Key Objectives for the future of the Noosa Botanic Gardens are outlined below:


                  Be stewards of the Botanical                         Recognise the existing                              Provide high quality open                        Improve legibility and wayfinding
  CHAMPION        Collection through respecting,        WORK WITH      atmosphere of the gardens,                WELL      space amongst the Botanical         INTUITIVE    across the gardens, ensuring easily
 STEWARDSHIP      enhancing, protecting, educating       NATURE        embracing the Noosa ‘Working            DESIGNED    collections while accommodating     LEGIBILITY   understood connections betweem
                  and promoting the legacy of the                      with Nature’ mindset.                               ‘fit for purpose’ operational                    key areas of the gardens.
                  existing and future Collection and                                                                       requirements.
                  opportunities for demonstration
                  gardens.


                  Promote Accessibility (Universal     CULTURAL &      Enable opportunities for cultural                   Increase commercial activation,     CLIMATE      Offset climate change through
                  Access) opportunities to key zones                   & historical connections through        ACTIVATED   encourage longer stays and                       good design, environmental




                                                                                                   ft
 ACCESSIBILITY                                          HISTORICAL                                                                                             CHANGE
                  of the gardens.                      CONNECTION      education, interpretation,               SPACES     promote organised activities.     ADAPTABILITY   actions and climate relief as
                                                                       immersive experiences and                                                                            well as promoting education
                                                                       storeytelling.                                                                                       opportunities within the gardens.



Background

Building on the 2017 Noosa Botanic Gardens Masterplan Stage 1:
Vision document, Noosa Council engaged with the community to
develop a long-term plan for upgrades and improvements over the
next 25 years, ensuring the gardens’ botanical legacy and ongoing
value to the community.
In late 2023, consultants were appointed to initiate this
                               ra
process. A reference group was then established, including
Friends of the Gardens representatives and various local and
regional community groups and associations. Additionally, an
internal stakeholder reference group was formed, consisting of
Councillors and Council staff.
The Masterplan design response corresponds with the Noosa
Design Principles and the extensive stakeholder engagement
process that was undertaken.
The 2017 Vision was reviewed to reflect evolving community views,
the impact of climate change and the growing desire of residents
and tourists for more inland nature-based experiences. As a
result of extensive community consultation the 2025 Vision and
Objectives were developed.

Design Process

This Landscape Masterplan serves as a guiding document,
addressing key design consideration informed by community
engagement.
Following its endorsement, significant projects will progress
through the conceptual and detailed design phases, aligning
with available funding and Noosa Council’s established
D
processes.


Masterplanning Process
Masterplanning is the process of creating a vision for the
future.
The Vision and Goals of the Masterplan are intended to be
realised over a 25 year timeframe. Adaptive, flexible and
responsive design over that period in the implementation of the
masterplan, will help the gardens and its community to respond
to its changing needs.
The Decision Making matrix will support current and future
site managers and caretakers in setting funding priorities and
establishing timelines for the design and implementation of
projects.
Urgent works will be prioritised, while larger projects will be
carried out over an extended period.


                                                           CONCEPT
                                                          DESIGN FOR       DETAIL DESIGN
                     COUNCIL                AQUIRE
  MASTERPLAN                                                                FOR FUNDED          CONSTRUCTION
                   ENDORSEMENT             FUNDING         FUNDED
                                                           PROJECT            PROJECT




  STAKEHOLDER                                            STAKEHOLDER       STAKEHOLDER
  ENGAGEMENT                                             ENGAGEMENT        ENGAGEMENT




                                  NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
                                  MASTERPLAN
                                                                                                                                                                                        02                        Page 35 of 117

Page 36

                Key Design Considerations

Botanic Collection                                                                                  Legibility and Wayfinding
Preservation, revitalisation and upgrade of the garden’s natural and botanical heritage is a key    The gardens will feature a thoughtfully designed arrivals area that creates a welcoming and
priority. The masterplan focuses on:                                                                intuitive environment for all visitors. The layout will prioritise seamless orientation for both
1.	Preservation of Significant species and collections through protecting, maintaining and          pedestrians and vehicles whilst showcasing views of Lake MacDonald and providing essential
   organising important plant species and collections                                               visitor amenity. Key features will include:
2.	Revitalisation and consolidation of the Botanical collection by enhancing the health and         1. Multiple new Nodes will be developed as well as enhancing existing nodes including:
   diversity of the collection through careful consolidation and management                            • Arrivals node. This node will immediately be recognised as a the ‘hub’ of the gardens. It
3.	Enhancing existing themed garden walks and creating new, engaging and educational                     will include open views to the lake, gathering spots, a community facility and amenities.
   garden walks that highlight specific themes and plant groupings.                                      This highly valued items in the landscape will ensure visitors acknowledge it intuitively as
All proposed works around the existing collection will be a matter of detailed design. Detailed          a focal point.
design will include the survey of existing collections and key species, discussion with Council       • Entertainment zone with the Amphitheatre at its heart
and the Friends to establish plants to be retained and collections to be consolidated or              • The Green with multiple low-key outdoor recreation options
otherwise. In general, paths will wind through the existing collection wherever possible.
                                                                                                      • Lakeside Promenade and terraces;
Modifications to the existing garden layout are guided by two key design principles:
                                                                                                      • Rainforest collections;
4.	Legibility - enhancing how users perceive and navigate the site to ensure a comfortable and
   intuitive user experience                                                                          • Lower Lakeside collections and parklands; and
5.	Accessibility - expanding accessible pathways to future-proof the gardens, making them             • Lily Pond Amphitheatre
   usable for a broader range of visitors                                                           2.	Landmarks are and are an important factor in ensuring legibility at the gardens. These
                                                                                                       include the:
Activity Zones and Functional Arrangement                                                              • Community facility




   ft
The following zones are connected by the accessible Garden and Rainforest promenades.                 • Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens zone
 1.	Arrivals Zone                                                                                     • Existing Hoop Pine on ‘The Green’
 2.	Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens Zone                                                             • The existing, rejuvenated Amphitheatre.
 3.	The Green                                                                                       3.	Wayfinding elements including landscaping, markers, open views, widths of paths and roads
 4.	Botanic Playground                                                                                 and strategic signage and lighting will naturally direct visitors through the zones and nodes.
 5.	The Depot                                                                                       4.	Defined entry and exit points for vehicles and pedestrians provide important ‘edge’
 6.	Lower Lakeside                                                                                     information for users. This includes the development of:
 7.	Rainforest Zone                                                                                    • Northern Vehicle Entry Roundabout to enable a well structured vehicular flow system. It
                                                                                                          will:
Paths - intuitive, accessible
                                                                                                         • Enable smooth and efficient traffic flow upon entry
 8.	Garden Promenade - between 3-4 wide
 9.	Rainforest Promenade - 2-3m wide                                                                     • Maintain safety
 10.	Secondary paths minimum 1.5m wide                                                                   • Reduce congestion on Lake MacDonald Road
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Accessibility
A comprehensive approach across the gardens with any new work will include the upgrade of
infrastructure to foster a cohesive, user-friend environment that prioritises ease of navigation,
                                                                                                      • Southern Vehicle Exit to provide a straightforward and direct exit route.
                                                                                                      • One-Way internal road ensuring organised and consistent traffic movement lowering the
                                                                                                        risk of vehicular conflicts.
                                                                                                    Throughout the remainder of the gardens, paths will be upgraded to ensure that pedestrian
safety and accessibility for all visitors: The masterplan focuses on:                               movement is intuitive and practical including:
1.	Major universally accessible pathways - wide pathways, creating intuitive and comfortable        5. New and upgraded Paths
   pedestrian journeys through the site.                                                               • A maximum 4m wide Garden Promenade path that is visually different to other paths, for
2.	Infrastructure - a number of new items are planned for the gardens including a Community              example may have botanical markings and/or significant narrative stories embedded, will
   Facility and Universally accessible amenities block in the arrivals zone. In addition,                be the primary accessible route that takes all visitors through the northern side of the
   appropriately spaced and placed benches, walkways, ramps and handrails will be an                     gardens.
   important component of any upgraded or newly designed zones.
                                                                                                      • A 3m wide promenade path with similar, but different markings will be part of the
                                                                                                        Southern gardens ensuring access for all through the Rainforest collection.
Infrastructure ‘Future Proofing’
To ensure the gardens are resilient to future growth and are climate change adaptable the           Cultural and Heritage Considerations
following major initiatives are proposed:
                                                                                                    The Traditional Custodians of the Botanic Gardens are the Kabi Kabi people. This land holds
1. Creation of a Community Facility/kiosk/shelter at the arrivals zone, including a new             deep cultural and spiritual significance for them. The site has also served as the Noosa Botanic
   Amenities block                                                                                  Gardens for almost 40 years and is highly valued by the broader Noosa community, particularly
2. Development of a major maximum 4m wide accessible ‘Garden promenade’ throughout the              those in and around Cooroy. The masterplan aims to create landscapes, gardens, spaces
   Northern portion of the gardens                                                                  and facilities that can support cultural events, ceremonies, and gatherings and encourage
3. Development of a number of 3m wide accessible ‘Rainforest promenades’ throughout the             storytelling, cultural exchange, and education.
   Southern portion of the gardens
                                                                                                    The site’s historical significance as a Botanic Garden is important to the community. Many of
D
4. Relocation of the Council depot and Friends Nursery                                              the existing plantings include rare or threatened species, original collections, or specimens
5. Upgraded security and lighting systems                                                           donated by individuals who have played a key role in the Garden’s development.
6. Expansion of carparking facilities, incorporating both formal and nature based options            1. The Hoop Pine, planted in 1935 by the Powell family, is listed on the National Trust register
7. Refurbishment of the existing Amphitheatre                                                           of Significant Trees and as such holds immense value to visitors and managers of the
8. Integration of the Northern Parklands with the existing Botanical Gardens                            gardens. There are many other species whose value is significant.
9. Creation of a more sunny, open spaces to diversity plant collections and provide areas for        2. Any potential removal of tree species will carefully consider their historical, botanical, and
   picnicking and recreational activities                                                               cultural significance and be done in consultation with appropriate stakeholders
10. Development and consolidation of a climate relief zone along the waters edge
11. Development of a Children’s Botanic Playground and Leaning zone




                                NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
                                MASTERPLAN
                                                                                                                                                                             03                          Page 36 of 117

Page 37

Plans                Illustrative Landscape Masterplan




                                            LAKE MACDONALD




                             ARRIVAL ZONE




   ft
           DARY




                                             AMPHITHEATRE
         TY BOUN




 ra
     PROPER




                   THE GREEN




                                                                                         FISH
                                                                                         POND
D
                                                   LILY
          PR




                                                  POND
            OP
              ERT
                 YB
  LA K


                    OU
   EM


                       N




                                                                                       LAKE MACDONALD
                     DAR
     ACD


                         Y
        ON
            AL
               DD
                 RIV
                    E




                                                 PROPER
                                                          TY BOU
                                                                NDARY




                                                                        1:1000 - A1   0 5 10   20   50   75m




                    NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
                    MASTERPLAN
                                                                                                               04   Page 37 of 117

Page 38

Plans                Detail Plan Views



                                                                                                                         Key Design Moves
                                                                          Key Plan
                                                                                                                         VIEW 1 - ARRIVALS ZONE
                                                                                                                         Creation of a legible arrivals experience including:
                                                                                                                         A generously sized area of both soft and hard
                                                                                                                         landscaping including a Community Facility/Kiosk/
                                                                                                                         Shelter with accessible amenities, gathering spaces for
                                                                                View 1                                   large and small groups and an entry lawn
                                                                                                                         1. Creation of a Friends of NBG Multi-use Zone. This
                                              LAKE MACDONALD                                                                area will be a focus in the arrivals zone for botanical
                                                                                                                            education, sharing and storage of specimens.
                                                                                                     View 3              2. Amalgamation of Northern Parklands with the
                                                                               View 2
                                                                                                                            current Botanical Gardens creating a generous lawn
                                                                                                                            connected to the arrivals platform
                                                                                                                         3. Re-alignment of the Boat ramp road to improve
                                                                                                                            pedestrian safety
                                                                                                                         4. A maximum 4m wide accessible ‘Garden promenade’
                                                                                                                         5. Development and consolidation of a climate relief
                              ARRIVAL ZONE
                                                                                                                            zone along the waters edge through the creation of




                                                                          ft
                                                                                                                            terraces below the arrival gathering platform facing
                                                                                                                            the Lake, pockets of lawn, decks and boardwalks
                                                                                                                         6. Rejuvenated Amphitheatre including additional
                                                                                                                            shade, terraforming of embankment to create
                                                                                                                            accessible terraces and an accessible path to the top
                                                                                                                            of the Amphitheatre

                                                                                                                         VIEW 2 - THE GREEN
                                                                                                                         1. Creation of an open, sunny ‘Green’ space
                                                                                                                            incorporating some existing trees and thinning
            ARY




                                             AMPHITHEATRE                                                                   understorey to promote views to the Lake
     Y BOUND




                                                                                                                         2. Multiple opportunities for picnicking on lawn and
                                                                                                                            under accessible shelters
                                                                                                                         3. Additional carparking
                   ra                                                                                                    4. Rainforest Pavillion
   PROPERT




                                                                                            LOWER LAKESIDE               5. Creation of a Botanic Playground adjacent to the
                                                                                                                            lawn and picnic facilities.


                           THE GREEN
                                                                                                                         VIEW 3 - LOWER LAKESIDE
                                                                                                                         1. Multiple opportunities for picnicking on lawn and
                                                                                                                            under accessible shelters
                                                                                                                         2. Broadened pathways and gathering zones to
                                                                                                                            facilitate weddings/other significant ceremonies
                                                                                                                         3. Reduction of pathways creating opportunities for
                                                                                                                            botanical collection consolidation and strengthening
                                                                                                                         4. Creation of a formal accessible path around the Fish
                                                                                                                            pond including a viewing deck
                                                                                                                         5. Creation of a ‘hidden’ bird hide tucked into the
                                                                                                                            lakeside vegetation

                                                                                              FISH
                                                                                              POND

                                                                                                                         KEY
D
                                                                                                                                     North of Maintenance Access Road.
                                                                                                                                     Vegetation character is a mix of sub-
                                                                                                                                     tropical, natives and exotics with some
                                                                                                                                     open woodland in the far north.
                                                     LILY
                                                    POND                                                                             South of Maintenance Access Road.
          PR




                                                                                                                                     Vegetation character is predominantly
             OP




                                                                                                                                     rainforest with some dry sclerophyll
                  ERT




                                                                                                                                     patches in the south-east.
                     YB
  LA K


                    OU




                                                                                                                                     Open Lawn zones with scattered shade
   EM


                       N




                                                                                                                                     trees
                                                                                             LAKE MACDONALD
                      DAR
     ACD


                          Y
        ON
             AL
                  DD
                    RIV
                       E




                                                   PROPER
                                                            TY BOUN
                                                                   DARY




                                                                              1:1000 - A1   0 5 10   20       50   75m




                     NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
                     MASTERPLAN
                                                                                                                                                   05                           Page 38 of 117

Page 39

      Plans                          Proposed Refurbishments and Existing Features




                                                                                                                                                                              Legend
                                                                                                                                                                              NOTE:           Red circles denote
                                                                                                                                                                                              Existing Features
                                         A                                                                                                                                                    Green circles denote
                                                                                                                                                                                              Proposed Refurbishments


                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Lakeside Picnic Lawn -
                                                                                                                                                                               A      Soft Boat Launch Road               1    Pineapple Palm Lawn
                                                                                                                                                                                      Main Vehicular Entry (including
                                                                                    LAKE MACDONALD                                                                            B       Roundabout)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2    Lawn

                                             C                                                                                                                                 C      Lakeside Garden Promenade           3    Wedding Room

                                                                                                                                                                              D       Re-Aligned Boat Ramp Road           4    Wedding Pavilion

                                                                                                                                                                               E      Northern Carpark                    5    Poinciana Lawn

                                      D                                                                                                                                        F      Drop Off and Arrival Node           6    Fish Pond Walk (Accessible)

                   B                         H                                                                                                                                        Community Facility &                7    Shade House




   ft
                                                                                                                                                                               G      Amenities
                                                                                                                                                                                      Terraces - planted & natural        8    Fish Pond
                                                                                                                                                                              H       seating
                                                       H               I
              E                                  G                                                                                                                                                                        9    Rainforest Promenade
                                                                                                                                                                               I      The ‘Little Green’
                                     F                                     17                                                                                                                                                  Accessible Connection To
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          10
                                                      25                                                                                                                       J      Carpark                                  South

                            Y            I                                                                                                                                    K
                                                                                                                                                                                      Friends Of Noosa Botanic            11   Accessible Loop
                                                                                                                                                                                      Garden Zone
                                                                                      17                                                                                                                                  12   Amphitheatre
                                                                                                                                                                                      Accessible Path To
                                                                                                                                                                               L      Amphitheatre
                                                                                          C                                                                                                                               13   Grass Terraced Lawn
                                                                                                                                                                              M       Boardwalk
                                      K                        K                                                                                                                                                          14   Bridal Walk
                                                                           12                                                                                                 N       ‘The Green’ Carpark
                 ARY




                            J
 ra                                                                                                  M                                                                                                                    15
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Noosa Council Depot
          Y BOUND




                                                       X                                                                                                                       O      ‘The Green’                              Storage
                                                                            L            H
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Noosa Council Depot Bulk
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          16
                                                                                                                                                                               P      Hoop Pine                                Materials
                       Y                                                                                 T                                                                                                                     Small decks off Garden
        PROPERT




                                                                                                                                                                                                                          17
                                                                                              S                                                                                Q      Botanic Playground                       Promenade
                                                                                                     Z                                                                                                                    18   Paved Circle
                                O                                                    R                                                                 C                      R       Amenities Block (accessible)
                   N                                                                                                 1
                                                                                                                                                                               S      Accessible Terraces & Path          19   Rainforest
                                             P             I               X                              C
                                                                                                                                                 18                            T      Bird Hide                           20   Tall Palm Grove
                                                                   Q
                                                                                                                    3                                                                                                     21   Lily Pond
                                                                                                                                                                              U       Southern Carpark
                                                                   X                                     2                                                                                                                22   Lake Inlet
            U                                    23                                                                                                                            V      Vehicular Exit
                                                                                                                         4                                                                                                     Maintenance Access Route
                            W                                                                                                                              C                  W       Rainforest Pavillion                23   & Pedestrian circuit
                                                  25                            EXIST
                                                                                     . OVE
                                                                                              RHEA              5                                                              X      Hillside Garden Promenade                Community Cultural
V                                                                                                  D PO                                 7                                                                                 24   Reflection Zone
                                                  10                                                   WER                                                                            Botanic Gardens Drive (One-way
                                                                                X                                                                                              Y
                                                                                                                                                                6
                                                                                                                                                                                      vehicle access circuit)             25   Existing Shelter
                                                                                                                                                      8                        Z      Terraces - natural seating
                                                                                                                    20
D
                                                                           13
                                19                                                    10



                           9                                                                                                       24
                                                                                12                                       11

                                                                                         21
LA K
    EM


                       PR




                                                                            13
                       OP




                                                                                                                                                                              KEY
      ACD




                                                                                                                              22
                          ERTY B




                                                                                              10         9
         ON




                                                                                                                                                       LAKE MACDONALD                       North of Maintenance Access Route.
                                OU




                                                                                                                                                                                            Vegetation character is a mix of sub-tropical, natives
        AL D




                                                                                14
                                ND




                                                                                                                                                                                            and exotics with some open woodland in the far north.
                                             19
                                  ARY
             DR




                                                                                                                                                                                            South of Maintenance Access Route.
                IVE




                                                                                                                                                                                            Vegetation character is predominantly rainforest with
                                                                                                                                                                                            some dry sclerophyll patches in the south-east.

                                                                                     9
                                                                                                         15
                                                                                     PROPER                                    16                                                           Open Lawn zones with scattered shade trees
                                                                                               TY BOUN              15
                                                                                                         DARY

                                                                                                                              1:1000 - A1   0 5 10    20       50       75m




                                     NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
                                     MASTERPLAN
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     06                           Page 39 of 117

Page 40

                                      Plans                   Masterplan Detail 1 - Arrival Zone

                                                                                                                                                                    LAKESIDE GARDEN
                                                                                                                                                                    PROMENADE

                                                                                                                                      RE-ALIGNED
                                                                                                                                      ROAD TO BOAT                                                                  LAKE EDGE
                                                                                                   SHARED ZONE
                                                                                                                                      RAMP




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        LAKE MACDONALD

                                 ROUNDABOUT
                                                                                                ENTRY SIGNAGE &
                                                                                                FEATURE WALLS                         TERRACED                         BOAT RAMP
                                                     VEHICLE                                                                           GARDEN
                                                      ENTRY                                                                             BEDS &
                                                                                                                                       NATURAL                           SHARED ZONE
                                                                                                                                       SEATING
                                                                                                                                                                                                           A

                                                                                                                                                                                                       STEPS CONNECT UPPER
                                                                                                                                                                                                       & LOWER PROMENADES
                                                              EG 91
                                                                                                                              ARRIVAL/
                                                                                                                             GATHERING                                                        SPILL OUT
                                                                                                                               ZONE                                                           LAWN                                         EG 94
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     LAKE EDGE
              CARPARK                                                                                                                          LAKESIDE
              (STAFF &                                                                                                                                                                          LAKESIDE VIEWING/SEATING
                                                                                                                                                 DECK
                PWD)                                                                                                                                                                            TERRACES SEATING - CLIMATE
                                                                                                                                 COMMUNITY
                                                                                                                                                                                                RELIEF ZONE
                                                                                                                                  FACILITY &
               LAKE MACDONALD DRIVE




                                                                                                                                 AMENITIES                         TERRACED
                                                                                                                                                                    GARDEN




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            PR
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              OP
                                                                                                          DROP                                                      BEDS &




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RTE
                                                                                                        OFF ZONE                                                    NATURAL




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 YB
                                                                                                                                                                    SEATING




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     OU
   ft
      A




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ND
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          AR
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Y
                                                                                                                                                  EG 104


                                          EG 91
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     LAKESIDE GARDEN
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     PROMENADE
                                       BOTANIC GARDENS
                                                                                                                                                                                SHELTER
                                        DRIVE (INTERNAL
                                         ONE-WAY ROUTE                                                                           ENTRY LAWN

                                                                                               ARRIVAL/
                                                                                                                                                  EG 103
                                                                                              GATHERING
   RAISED ROAD                                                                                  ZONE
    THRESHOLD
 ra
 TREATMENT FOR
    PEDESTRIAN
       PRIORITY
                                                                                                           SPILL OUT ZONE
                                                                                                           FOR FONBG
                                                                                                                                                                             EG 97

                                                                                                                                                                                                           EG 101



PUBLIC BUS STOP                                                                                                          FRIENDS OF NOOSA
   & ACCESSIBLE                                                                                                          BOTANIC GARDEN ‘HOUSE’
 PATH TO ARRIVAL
                                                      DARY




           ZONE                                                                                                                                            EG 98
                                                                                                EG 89
                                                                                                                                                                                             EG 100
                                                    TY BOUN




                                                                                                                                                       INFORMAL AVENUE OF
                                                                                                                                                       LOCAL TREE SPECIES
                                                  PROPER




                                                                                                                                                           HILLSIDE GARDEN                                                                  AMPHITHEATRE
                                         EG 91
                                                                                                                                                           PROMENADE



                                                               EXISTING                                    EG87
                                                                                                                                                  FRIENDS OF NOOSA                              ACCESSIBLE PATH
                                                              CARPARKS
                                                                                                                                                  BOTANIC GARDEN ZONE                           CONNECTION TO
                                                                                                                                                  INC. SHADE HOUSES                             AMPHITHEATRE
D
          NOTE: EG 63 = EXISTING GARDEN BED NO. 63
                                                                                                                                                                                                               1:250 - A1
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            0 1 2.5       5     10     15m




                                                                                                                                                                                     CLIMATE RELIEF ZONE
                                                  ARRIVAL                                               GARDEN BED                                                                                LAKESIDE GARDEN
                                                  GARDENS &                                             WITH SIGNATURE                                                                            PROMENADE
                                                  SIGNAGE                                               SPECIES                                                                 LAKESIDE
                 LAKE                                             CARPARK                                                          ARRIVAL ZONE INC. COMMUNITY               VIEWING STEPS
              MACDONALD                                           (STAFF &                                 ROAD &                    FACILITY, VISITOR CENTRE,                 & PLANTED              SPILL OUT
                DRIVE                                               PWD)                                  DROP OFF                  LAKESIDE DECK & AMENITIES                   TERRACES                LAWN                                           LAKE MACDONALD
                                                                          PROPERTY BOUNDARY




                                                                                                                                                                                                                       PROPERTY BOUNDARY




               INDICATIVE SECTION AA
               N.T.S



                                                              NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
                                                              MASTERPLAN
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           07                    Page 40 of 117

Page 41

       Exemplar Imagery - Arrival Zone


Community Facility - Shelters - Information Hub - Amenities - Gathering Opportunities




   ft
 ra
Friends of Noosa Botanic Garden Zone
D
Materials and Landscape Intent




                 NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
                 MASTERPLAN
                                                                                        08   Page 41 of 117

Page 42

                         Plans                              Masterplan Detail 2 - The ‘Green’


                                                                                                                                             EG 86




                                               D DRIVE
                                                                                                                                                                                            PATH CONNECTION
                                                                                                                                                                                            FROM UPPER ZONES




                                                                                Y
                                                                                                                                                                                            TO ARRIVAL ZONE




                                                                          OUNDAR
                                         CDONAL
                                                                                                                                                                                            APPROX. 100M




                                                                            TY B
                                                                                                                                                                                   EG 80




                                                                      PROPER
                                  LAKE MA




                                                              EG 91



                                                            BOTANIC GARDENS
                                                             DRIVE (INTERNAL
                                                              ONE-WAY ROUTE                                    SHELTER                               EG 84                                 EG 79



                                                                                                        KICKABOUT SPACE



                                                                                                                                                                                                                           HILLSIDE GARDEN
                                                                                                    CARPARK                                                                                                                PROMENADE
B

                                                                                                                ‘THE GREEN’                                          ‘THE LITTLE
                                                                                                                                                                       GREEN’                                               EG 74




                                                                                                                                                                                                          PATH CONNECTION
                                                                                                            EXISTING HOOP PINE                         SHELTER                                                TO AMENITIES
                                                                                                           PROTECTED BY FENCE
                                                                                                             AND GARDEN BEDS




   ft
                                                                                                                                                                                               BOTANIC                                         EG 72
                                                                                                                                                                                             PLAYGROUND


                                        PATHWAY
                                                                                                                                                                                                             E69,75,76,
          D DRIVE




                                     CONNECTION
                                                                                                                                                                                                               77,79

                          EG 91
           CDONAL




                                                                                                                  PEDESTRIAN CIRCUIT                                                                                                       B
                                                                                                                                                                             ACCESSIBLE
                                                                                                                  MAINTENANCE VEHICLE
                                                                                                                                                                             PATH TO
                                                                                                                  ACCESS ROUTE                                                                                                             EG 70
    LAKE MA




                                                                                                                                                                             LOWER
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                HILLSIDE GARDEN
                                                                                                                                                                             LEVEL
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                PROMENADE
                                                                                                                                      EXIST
 ra                                            SOUTHERN
                                                CARPARK
                                                                                                                                           . OVE
                                                                                                                                                RHEA
                                                                                                                                                     D PO
                                                                                                                                                         WER                                                      EG 69


                                                                                                               RAINFOREST
                                                                                                                PAVILLION
                                                                                                                                                                                                    EG 68

                                                                                                                                                                                                        SHARED ZONE



                                                                                                                                                             EG 22                                                                        EG 64
                                                                                                                                       EXISTING SHELTER

                                                            PATHWAY                                                                                                                                                                         MAINTENANCE
                                                         CONNECTION                                                                                                                                                                         VEHICLE
                                                                                                                                                                                       EXISTING WATER
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ACCESS ROUTE
                    VEHICLE                                                                                                                                                                  FOUNTAIN
                      EXIT


                                                                                                      RAINFOREST
                                                                                                          GARDEN                                             EG 22
                                                                                                      PROMENADE
D
    NOTE: EG 63 = EXISTING GARDEN BED NO. 63                                                                                                                                               1:250 - A1
                                                                                                                                                                                                        0 1 2.5   5        10       15m


                                                                                    CARPARKING
                      BOTANIC GARDENS DRIVE                                           ACCESSIBLE PATH                                                                ACCESSIBLE PATH                                   HILLSIDE GARDEN
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       PROMENADE
                                                                                                                               HOOP PINE
                                                                                                                              PROTECTION             ‘THE LITTLE                BOTANICAL PLAY
                     EXISTING VEGETATION                                                         ‘THE GREEN’                     ZONE                  GREEN’              AMONGST THE EXISTING TREES
                          PROPERTY BOUNDARY




                                                                                                                   EXISTING
                                                                                                                  HOOP PINE




                                                                                                                   EXISTING
                                                                                                                PROTECTION
                                                                                                                     FENCE




                       INDICATIVE SECTION BB
                       N.T.S


                                                            NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
                                                            MASTERPLAN
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      09                               Page 42 of 117

Page 43

        Exemplar Imagery - The ‘Green’



Open Green Space with trees on the perimeter and accessible paths




   ft
Botanic Playground and Learning zone
 ra
D
Rainforest Pavillion, Picnic Facilities and Gathering Spaces




                  NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
                  MASTERPLAN
                                                                    10   Page 43 of 117

Page 44

                    Appendix A

                    Activation Zones and Activities



                                                                            PROPERTY BOUNDARY
                                                                                                                  Northern Parklands
                                                                                                                  Focus on low key activities taking advantage of the close
                                                                                                                  proximity to Lake MacDonald. Activities may include:
                                                                                                                  • Soft boat launch inc. canoeing and kyaking
                                                                                                                  • Soft boat rental pontoon
                                                                                                                  • Promenade pathways
                                                                                                                  • Picnic Facilities
                                                                                                                  • Sloping Lawns

                                   Entrance Zone                                                                                Lakeside Terraces
Focus on legibility and accessibility for the sites                                                                             Focus on views to Lake MacDonald and climate relief.
                         new entrance including:                                                                                Activities may include:
           • Roundabout entry, traffic calming                                                                                  • Steps and accessible path to the Arrivals Zone
    • Signage incorporated into the landscape                                                                                   • Taking in views of the Lake                                             LAKE MACDONALD
                                 • Drop off zone                                                                                • Enjoying cooling breezes
          • Parking inc. Accessibility and Staff                                                                                • Outdoor classroom activities/learning
• Accessible pedestrian entry from the Public                                                                                   • Botanic specimen display beds in terraces
                                    Bus stop




   ft
                                    Arrivals Zone                                                                                                                      Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens Zone
 Focus on pedestrian legibility and accessibility                                                                                                                      Focus on botany, horticulture and plant identification.
                      and gathering including:                                                                                                                         Activities may include:
       • Outdoor gathering zones for informal                                                                                                                          • Growing of stock, potting up.
          activities and learning opportunities                                                                                                                        • Plant sales
            • Small markets and celebrations                                                                                                                           • Education activities
                                                                                                   ARRIVAL ZONE
            • Community events under shelter                                                                                                                           • Demonstration gardens
                              • Information hub
                                                                                                                                                                      Amphitheatre Zone
                                                                                                                                                                      Focus on views to Lake MacDonald, Performances &
                                                                                                                                                                      Weddings. Activities may include:
                                                                                                                                                                      • Theatre
                                                                      ARY




                                                                                                                                                                      • Music
                                                                                                                                                                      • Weddings
                                                               Y BOUND




                                                                                                                                                                      • Contemplation space/views to Water
                                                                                                                        AMPHITHEATRE
 ra                                    The Green
             Focus on picnic activities including:
                                                                                                                                                                      Terraced Natural Seating Zone
                                                             PROPERT




                             • Kickabout space                                                                                                                        Focus on views to Lake MacDonald with an emphasis                        Lakeside Picnic & Wedding Zone
                                                                                                                                                                      on cultural contemplation and bush tucker.
                              • Picnic Facilities                                                                                                                                                                                              Focus on views to Lake MacDonald, Large gatherings
 • Small drop off zone and accessible parking                                                                                                                                                                                                  and Weddings. Activities may include:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               • Bird Watching in Bird Hide
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               • Weddings
                                                                              THE GREEN                                                                                                                                                        • Large gathering opportunities
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               • Picnics on the Lake Lawn
                                     Botanic Play
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               • Taking in views of the Lake
   Focus on botanical & cultural play including:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               • Enjoying cooling breezes
     • Children’s play and education activities
    • Inclusivity , diversity & natural elements                                                                                                                                                                                               Shade House
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Focus on speciality and rare botanical specimens.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Activities may include:
                             Rainforest Pavillion                                                                                                                                                                                              • Education
                                        Focus on:                                                                                                                                                                                              • Storage
                                   • Gatherings
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Fish Pond
   • Access to the Rainforest and observation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Focus on bird watching and science based activities.
                    • Envirnonmental learning                                                                                                                                                                                                  May include:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               • Environmental Education - aquatic, flora, fauna
                                                                                                                                                                                                                FISH                           • Bird watching from bird hide and around quiet
                                       Rainforest                                                                                                                                                               POND                             pond track
D
       Focus on deep shade activities including:                                                                                                                                                                                               • Hatchery activities

       • Walking paths through deeply shaded                                                                                                                                                                                                   Community Cultural Reflection Zone
                                   rainforest
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Focus on Kabi Kabi culture including:
          • Seating for contemplation and rest
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               • Celebrating diversity and inclusivity
• Listening to water moving through the forest
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               • Meeting, gathering, information sharing
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               • Cultural Education - aquatic, flora, fauna
                                                      LA K


                                                                    PR




                                                                                                                                         LILY                                                                                                  Lily Pond Amphitheatre zone
                                                                       OP




                                                                                                                                        POND                                                                                                   Focus on outdoor performances and views of the Lily
                                                       EM


                                                                            ERT




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Pond. Activities may include:
                                                         ACD


                                                                                   YB




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               • Over the water stage performances
                               Music in the Park                                                                                                                                                                  LAKE MACDONALD
                                                                                           OU




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               • Water/Light performances on the Pond
Focus on passive recreation activities including:
                                                            ON


                                                                                              N




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               • Seating
                                                                                                DAR




             • Music events of 100-200 people
                                                             AL




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               • Accessible paths and picnic facilities
              • Food Trucks to support events
                                                                                                    Y
                                                                DD




          • Soft Gathering zones for functions                                                                                                                                                                  LAKE INLET
                                                                  RIV




                             • Kick about space
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Focus on picnicking by the watering. Activities say
                                                                     E




                                                                                                                                                                                                                include:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Seating
                         Bridal Walk and Lawns                                                                                                                                                                  • Accessible paths and picnic facilities
      Focus on wedding and passive recreation                                                                                                                                                                   • Quite contemplation
                          activities including:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                COUNCIL DEPOT & STORAGE
                                    • Weddings                                                                                      PROPER
                                                                                                                                                TY BOUN                                                         Focus on Council storage facilities including:
                        • Wedding photography                                                                                                                DARY
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Powered/Sewered Depot buildings for staff
 • Soft Gathering zones for wedding functions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Locked storage for chemicals
                             • Kick about space
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Mulch bins
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Overflow plant stock/nursery




                                                                                                                                                                       1:1000 - A1        0 5 10     20              50           75m




                                            NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
                                            MASTERPLAN
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 11                                   Page 44 of 117

Page 45

          Appendix A

      Activation
Activation        Plan Botanic Gardens
           Plan - Noosa

Type of Venue       Description                                                  Size                  Location                   Requirements to Enhance / Establish                 Promotion

Passive

Walking             Walking and promenading in the gardens                       -                     Throughout gardens         Improved pedestrian pathway and wayfinding          Improved website
                                                                                                                                  signage.                                            and media
                                                                                                                                  Could be enhanced with organisation of
                                                                                                                                  scheduled walkers group for local residents
Group Gatherings    Family and social groups gatherings including picnics, low   -                     Throughout gardens         Increased number of park shelters
                    key parties, social occasions

Nature              Self guided nature identification of botany and wildlife     -                     Throughout gardens         Improved wayfinding and interpretative signage
Identification      including birds

Child Play          Childrens playground, and supporting facilities for          Medium to Large       “Botanical Play” As        Improved playground facilities
                    parents and carers. Play experience linked to botanical                            indicated on Master Plan
                    collection. Work sheets, treasure hunts and activities
                    linked to flora, fauna, culture and history.




                                                                                            ft
Active

New Community       Located at arrivals zone to provide welcome experience.      Capable of hosting    Part of Arrivals Zone      Requires detailed design but should complement      Improved website
Shelter/            Co-located with Information Hub / Kiosk.                     30 -40 people                                    natural characteristics of setting                  and media
Information Hub
                    Used for community workshops and activities including
                    new audience development

                    Medium size, discrete building, fully enclosed/roofed,
                    electricity and water.
New Large Group     Large Group Shelter with power and water.                    Various up to 10m x   Throughout gardens         Requires detailed design but should complement
Shelter/s                                                                        8m                                               natural characteristics of setting
                    Supplement existing small and medium shelters for
                    general visitor usage
Existing
Guided Tours
                       ra
                    Existing Guided tours by the Friends of the Noosa Botanic
                    Gardens and explore opportunities to include Kabi Kabi
                    cultural guided tours
                                                                                 Existing              Throughout gardens         Improved pedestrian pathway and wayfinding
                                                                                                                                  and interpretative signage.


Existing            Limited plant sales by community volunteers on specified     Existing              Part of Friends of Noosa   Potential to expand to larger scale nursery under
Community Plant     days per year                                                                      Botanic Gardens Zone       community profit mode similar to others on the
nursery                                                                                                                           Sunshine Coast

Programmed Events

New Signature       Program an annual signature event that showcases the         Scale is to be        Throughout the gardens     Requires event funding including co-ordination,     Improved website
Event showcasing    gardens, its features and its activities for new audience    discreet and                                     promotions and staffing                             and media
Botanic Gardens     development.                                                 complementary to
                                                                                 the scale of the
New Garden          Scheduled program of smaller scale workshops and talks       gardens
                                                                                 Capable of hosting    In Community Shelter       Require resources and funding to program
Education           focusing on botanical topics.                                 30 -40 people                                   education and workshops as part of management
Workshops and       Should include children’s workshops linked to botanical                                                       model.
Talks               play
                                                                                                                                  Will require new community shelter to host
                                                                                                                                  program
Re-establish        Scheduled program of small scale music events that are       Crowds of 100- 200    Various locations as       Require resources and funding to program music
Music in the Park   aligned to the peaceful and ambient nature of the            people                determined by music        programming as part of management model.
D
                    gardens                                                                            producers
Existing             Greek-style amphitheatre (a circular structure with rows    Existing              Existing location          Repairs to change rooms. Improved accessibility
Amphitheatre –      of seats)                                                                                                     paths. Utility and amenity lighting
Venue Hire
Existing             10 locations are currently made available in the gardens    Existing              Existing locations          Large groups shelter/s to provide undercover
Wedding             for potential ceremony hire                                                                                   backup.
Ceremonies                                                                                                                        Improved photographic opportunities particularly
                                                                                                                                  water backdrop




                          NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
                          MASTERPLAN
                                                                                                                                                                                      12                 Page 45 of 117

Page 46

Appendix B

Decision Making Matrix
                                                                                                                                           Noosa Botanic Gardens - Decision Making Matrix
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Activity Categories                                                                                              Priority of completion                Timeframes




                                                                                                                                                                        Safety & Accessibility
                                                                                                                               Customer Experience




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Botanical Collection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Infrastructure




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Sustainability
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Development
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Maintenance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Horticultural



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Landscape




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Education
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Short      Medium       Long




                                                                                                                                                                                                        Amenity
                                                                                                                                                         Security
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Term         Term       Term
                                                             Items                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       High    Medium        Low   (1-2 yrs)    (3-5 yrs)   (5+ yrs)   Budget
Existing items for repair/improvement
Security Cameras, additional                                                                                                                                        *                                                                                                                                                                     x                              x
Major paths that have trip hazards to be temporarily repaired prior to finalisation of the Master Plan                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    x                              x            x




                                                                                                                                                                                                 *
Improve current entrance and signage - temporary works to improve the legibility of the entrance for the next few years                                                                                           *                    *                                                                                                             x                                x
Additional electrical plug in points/solar - facilitate temporary food vendors                                                                                                                                                         *                                                                                                             x                                x
Upgrade of Lake Edge for canoe entry point (northern parkland)                                                                                                                                                                         *                                                                                                                        x                                x
Lake interface/stormwater & sediment runoff                                                                                                                                                                                            *                                                                                                             x                                x
Improvements to the dinosaur dig area, needs additional play value                                                                                                                                                                     *                          *                                             *                                    x                                x

Existing trees to be identified for pruning from a horticultural point of view i.e. correct pruning for the specific species                                                                                                                       *                                                                                      x                              x
Clearing out of beds that are marked for a particular genus. Replanting with nominated genus species.                                                                                                                                                                                           *                                         x                              x
Trees to be underprunned to improve views to Lake MacDonald                                                                                          *                                                            *                                *                                                                                                 x
Improvements to educational signage                                                                                                                  *                                                                                                                                                          *                         x                                           x
Improvements to botanical signage                                                                                                                    *                                                                                                                                                          *                         x                              x            x
New items required/desired/planned for
Security Fence, with lockable vehicle and pedestrian gates to the front boundary and northern boundary                                                              *                                                                                                                                                                     x                                                      x
Seating with backs and arm rests to improve accessible seating options                                                                               *                                           *                                                                                                                                                   x                                x
Existing trees to be identified for pruning from a safety point of view                                                                              *                                           *                                                                                                                                        x                              x
Picnic settings that allow for wheelchairs/wheelie walkers to pull up to table                                                                       *                                           *                                                                                                                                        x                                           x




   ft
Lighting to specifically improve safety                                                                                                                                                          *                                                                                                                                                   x                                           x
Hardworks improvements - paving, large boulders, steps, walls                                                                                                                                                                                                     *                                                                                  x                                           x
Internet/qr codes                                                                                                                                    *                                                                                                                                                          *                                    x                                x
Holiday activities/brochures/sheets                                                                                                                  *                                                                                                                                                          *                                    x                   x
Educational Tours/botanical/science/water                                                                                                            *                                                                                                                                                          *                                    x                                x
Green waste/composting                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               *               x                   x
Water/water tanks                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    *                          x        x
Carbon neutral gardens                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               *               x                                x
Solar panels/daisies                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 *               x                                x
Solar panels for electric vehicles/mowers/buggy/small plant/air con.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 *               x                                x
New or adjusted operational processes
Garden plans - planning for specific improvements to garden beds                                                                                     *                                                                                             *                                            *                                         x                              x


                                            Decision making criteria prioritisation                                                                                                                  Priority Mapping
Impact on Activity Category /s
Planned for in the masterplan or included in other Corporate Plans
Security risk improvement
Safety risk improvement
Capital & Resource Cost
 ra
Ongoing operation and maintenance costs, whole of life cost
Budget availability & funding opportunity
Capital New or End of life replacement/renewal/deletion
Revenue / Return on investment
Extension of current operational activities
D
683_O2LA_NBG Decision Making Matrix.xlsx                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Page 1 of 1




                           NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
                           MASTERPLAN
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     13                                           Page 46 of 117

Page 47

           Appendix C

       Small Business
Small Business        Case Study
               Opportunities at Noosa Botanic Gardens
                                                                                                                                                    Cost of          Commercial
Type of Venue        Description                                       Size         Hire        Potential Uses                  Location                                              Process for Approval
                                                                                                                                                    Establishment    Return

Existing

Community Plant      Limited plant sales by community volunteers       Existing        No        Plant propagation and sales.    Existing           Existing         Low return       Existing
nursery              on specified days per year                                                 Could be expanded with          location                             directed to
                                                                                                additional markets stalls /                                          community        Any additional stalls will required vendor /
                                                                                                vendors to complement plant                                          volunteers       events approval from Council
                                                                                                sales
Wedding               10 locations are currently made available in Existing           Yes        Ceremonial family occasions     Existing           Existing          Low return.     Existing
Ceremony Venues      the gardens for potential ceremony hire                                                                    locations                            Offset for
                     https://noosa.bookable.net.au/venues/17/5-                                 Supports destination                                                 maintenance
                     noosa-botanic-gardens                                                      experience.                                                          costs
Amphitheatre –        Greek-style amphitheatre (a circular         Existing           Yes       Live performances. Can be       Existing location   Existing         Low return.      Existing
Venue Hire           structure with rows of seats)                                              supported by                                                         Offset for
                                                                                                                                                                     maintenance
                                                                                                                                                                     costs

Proposed in Master Plan

Mobile Vendor        Space for food vendors. Could be located on       5mx2m        Available   Mobile food vendors can set     Flexible - In       Minimal – use    Low return.      Existing occasional use supporting scheduled




                             ft
                     re-inforced turf or concrete pad. These                           to       up using power and water,       hardstand areas     existing                          events. For more enduring use the site is
                     could be used for scheduled events,                            support     including sufficient            (such as            infrastructure   Offset for       zoned Recreation and Open Space. A “Food
                     advertised as a destination on busier days                      events     surrounding soft space for      carparking or                        maintenance      and Drink Outlet” is code assessable MCU in
                                                                                                tables and chairs               pavements)                           costs            the zone but is to be less than 10m2, less
                                                                                                                                near to power                                         then seating for 10 and for light
                                                                                                Supports destination            supply                                                refreshments only
                                                                                                experience.
                                                                                                                                                                                      Procurement: Vendors will require selection
                                                                                                                                                                                      by Council through procurement processes
Kiosk                Co-located with Community Facilities Small,       5m x 2m      Available Serving coffee/small              Co-located with                      Low to           Noosa Plan: Site is zoned Recreation and
                     discrete building, fully enclosed/roofed with                     to     meals/snacks.                     Information                          Medium           Open Space. A “Food and Drink Outlet” is
                     electricity and water                                          support                                     Hub at Arrivals                      return but       code assessable MCU in the zone but is to be
                     Can be fully locked up and opened when                          events Supports destination                Zone                                 anticipated to   less than 10m2, less then seating for 10 and
                     required.                                                                experience.                                                            increase over    for light refreshments only
                                                                                                                                                                     time with
                           ra                                                                   Could be supported by
                                                                                                information hub.

                                                                                                Provides constant onsite
                                                                                                                                                                     increasing site SEQ Water: structures require Approval
                                                                                                                                                                     visitation      under water supply easement obligations

                                                                                                                                                                                      Procurement: Vendors will require selection
                                                                                                surveillance                                                                          by Council through procurement processes

Over water canoe     Use boat ramp / jetty as a base for non-           Existing    Available Sailing, canoeing, kayaking.      Existing / new      Minimal – use    Low return.      Site is zoned Recreation and Open Space.
hire / tours         motorised watercraft that can be base for                         to                                       boat ramp or        existing                          “Outdoor Sport and Recreation” is code
                     guided tours, or self hire via a 'pay per hour'                support Can be aligned to both              jetty               infrastructure   Offset for       assessable MCU in the zone.
                     system.                                                         events watercraft learning skills, as                                           maintenance
                                                                                              well as environmental                                                  costs            Vendors will require selection by Council
                                                                                              education. Supports                                                                     through procurement processes
                                                                                              destination experience.

Future Possibilities (outside scope of current Master Plan)

Function Room        Medium size, discrete building, fully               20 m x       Yes       Enclosed and climate            As part of          Medium –         Requires         Site is zoned Recreation and Open Space.
                     enclosed/roofed with HVAC, electricity and           15m                   controlled function and         Arrivals Zone       High –           hiring at        A “Function Facility” is likely to be impact
                     water, and catering kitchen                        (approx                 meeting venue. Could be                             requires         commercial       assessment code assessable MCU in the
                                                                         30-40                  integrated with kiosk.                              detailed         rates to         zone due to being new building.
                                                                         people                                                                     assessment       achieve
                                                                                                Supports destination                                                 medium           Vendors will require selection by Council
                                                                                                experience.                                                          return.          through procurement processes
                                                                                                                                                                     Should not be
                                                                                                                                                                     confused with
D
                                                                                                                                                                     Community
                                                                                                                                                                     Meeting
                                                                                                                                                                     Room which
                                                                                                                                                                     is a different
                                                                                                                                                                     profile.
Retail and           Unrestricted days plant sales. Can be               30m x      Available Supports destination              As part of          Medium –         Low –            Site is zoned Recreation and Open Space.
Wholesale Plant      community led supported by paid staff                15m          to     experience.                       Friends of          requires         medium           “Shop” and “Wholesale Plant Nursery” is
Nursery              similar to other community nurseries on the                    support                                     Noosa Botanic       detailed         return.          impact assessable MCU in the zone.
                     Sunshine Coast                                                  events                                     Gardens Zone        assessment       Revenue and
                                                                                              Provides constant onsite          adjacent to                          community
                                                                                              surveillance                      arrivals Zone                        profit model
                                                                                                                                                                     requires
                                                                                                                                                                     detailed
                                                                                                                                                                     consideration.
Commemorative        A wall(s) that allows individuals or groups to     1.2m h x      Yes       Memorial wall                   To be                Medium –        Low return.      Requires detailed assessment
wall                 place plaques for commemorative purposes,         varying in                                               determined by       requires         Payment for
                     including memorials for individuals,as well as      length.                Memorial ceremonies             Master Plan         detailed         placement of
                     venue for ceremonial occasions                                                                                                 assessment       plaques and
                                                                                                                                                                     ceremony
                                                                                                                                                                     hire

                                                                                                                                                                     Offset for
                                                                                                                                                                     maintenance
                                                                                                                                                                     costs




                             NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
                             MASTERPLAN
                                                                                                                                                                                                       14                            Page 47 of 117

Page 48

Appendix D

Stakeholder Engagement Summary




         Noosa Botanic Gardens Engagement Summary


         How we
         engaged




   ft
                                          Online                                  Tourism                2 x Pop-up                                            1-on-1
                                          Engagement                              Noosa                  event                                                 sessions +
                                          101 participants                        Walkaround             engagements                                           submissions




                                                                                                                KEY:
                                                                                                                            Strongly Agree            Neutral   Disagree Strongly Unsure /
                                                                                                                            Agree                                        Disagree N/A
 ra      Primary reasons for visiting
         Noosa Botanic Gardens:
                                                                                             Sentiment
                                                                                             for the
                                                                                                               MOST
                                                                                                          AGREEANCE

                                                                                                                            I would recommend the Noosa Botanic
                                                                                                                            Gardens to a tourist visiting the area
                                                                                                                                           35                         44                   11       8
                                                                                                                                                                                                         12




                                                                                             Noosa                          The botanical plants and trees are varied,
                                                                                                                            interesting and beautiful                  22


                   To look at the                                                            Botanic                                 20                         55                        16        6

            horticultural displays
                       and plants                                                            Gardens:                       I am sufficiently informed about the features
                                                                                                                            and history of the Noosa Botanic Gardens
         I enjoy the atmosphere                                                                                                 11                   41                    22              23            4

                                                                                                                            There is adequate parking nearby
                        Exercise                                                                                                9                    42               15              28             34


                                                                                                                            There are regular and interesting events
           To observe the fauna
                                                                                                                            5                   39                    29                 17         3 8


           I walk my pet(s) there
                                                                                                                            There is suitable artistic presence in the
                                                                                                                            Noosa Botanic Gardens
                                                                                                                       2    4                  38                23                 27              5 8
             I have picnics there
                                                                                                                            There is adequate seating in key
D
                                                                                                                            scenic locations                                                         1
                   To attend the
                   plant markets                                                                                             10                 30               20                  35                  5

                    I/my children/
        grandchildren or children                                                                                           The accessibility of the Noosa Botanic Gardens
             I care for play there                                                                                          is adequate for persons with mobility issues
                                                                                                                       2                  28                    35              15        7         14
        I watch performances at
               the amphitheatre
                                                                                                                            There is adequate signage
             I’m a member of the                                                                                            (wayfinding and educational)
                                                                                                          AGREEANCE




        ‘Friends of the Gardens’
                community group                                                                                        2                  27              15               41                   8       8
                                                                                                          LEAST




                                     0   10   20   30       40   50     60   70   80                                        There are a suitable number of activities
                                                                                                                            for children (less than 15 years)

                                                                                                                            4        12              28               25        7              25




         Top 6                                          1
                                                                      Increased commercial               2
                                                                                                                           Enhance art and
                                                                      offerings, including small kiosk                     cultural offerings
         Improvements:
                                                                      Interpretive signage
                                                        3                                                4                 Improved footpaths
                                                                      and wayfinding
                                                                                                                           More public amenities,
                                                        5             Increased seating                  6
                                                                                                                           including BBQ areas



                                                                                                                                                          noosa.qld.gov.au



          NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
          MASTERPLAN
                                                                                                                                                                                                15            Page 48 of 117

Page 49

Appendix D

Stakeholder Engagement Summary


   Project
   Promotion
     >   Postcard
     >   Poster
     >   Social Media
     >   Local Newspaper




                                                                  ft
     >   Email Promotion




         1:1 Engagement Outcomes
         ra
                     Highlight high quality                 Improve the overall                   Provide a bigger
                      points of difference                  connectivity to and              drawcard for people of
                                                          throughout the precinct            all ages, and families to
                                                                                                  stay in the park




        Incorporate and              Improve the useability                 Increase commercial +              Explore partnerships
     encourage water-based            and conditions of the                  activation offerings to           inc local schools and
        activity on Lake                 amphitheatre                       encourage longer stays                   community
                                                                                                                   organisations
D
            Employ a Garden                     Reconfigure the                 Upgrade toilets                Increase active
                curator                       Gardens, particularly                                         transport connections
                                                where amenities
                                              buildings are located




             Ensure ongoing                    Improve entrance and          Increased carparking              Opportunities for
            maintenance of the                first impressions of the       supply and improved           interpretive signage and
                 Gardens                              Gardens                    configurations                   storytelling




            Enhanced arts and                 Stronger connections                Introduce                  Leverage tourism
          culture opportunities in            between the Gardens               environmental                opportunities from
                the Gardens                     and the northern              protection controls           Noosa and surrounds
                                                 recreation area




          NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
          MASTERPLAN
                                                                                                                                       16   Page 49 of 117

Page 50

Appendix D


Kabi Kabi Stakeholder Engagement Summary
Initial consultation with the Kabi Kabi peoples has been undertaken and the following outcomes are
recognised as important to the Kabi Kabi:
1. Creation of a Community Cultural Reflection zone that facilitates:
   • Quiet contemplation
   • Small group discussions
   • A general meeting/gathering space
   • Being surrounded by nature
   • Inclusivity and Diversity
2. Opportunities for the display of literature, the use of QR codes and/or signage to educate the users of
   the gardens with regard to cultural and botanic themes including treasure hunts and opportunity for
   cultural guides.
3. Expansion of the Bush Tucker gardens and their education of the users, including a natural terraced
   seating zone overlooking the bush tucker gardens and the lake.


Kabi Kabi Reflection Zone Location (no 24. on Masterplan)




   ft
 ra
D

                 NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
                 MASTERPLAN
                                                                                                             17   Page 50 of 117

Page 51

Appendix E

Garden Walks & Themes Map Overlaid With Proposed Masterplan Linework




   ft
 ra
D

         NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
         MASTERPLAN
                                                                       18   Page 51 of 117

Page 52

Appendix F

Existing Site Plan (in red) overlaid on Proposed Masterplan and Rationale
                                                                                           Legend

                                                                                           1   Northern Zone (north of the boat ramp road)

                         1                                                                     Updates may include:
                                                                                               • Amalgamation of the northern parklands with the Botanical Gardens
                                                                                               • Removal of the current internal road
                                                                                               • Re-alignment of the Boat ramp road to improve pedestrian safety
                                                                                               • Additional of maximum 4m wide Lakeside Garden Promenade accessible
                                                                                                 pathway
                                                                                               • Additional of soft boat launch & parking

                                                                                               Arrivals Zone (south of the boat ramp road)
                                                                                           2
                                                                                               Updates may include:
                                                                                               • Creation of a Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens Multi-use Zone including
                                                                                                 Shade House.
                                                                                               • Amalgamation of Northern Parklands with the current Botanical Gardens
                                                                                                 creating a generous lawn connected to the arrivals zone
                                                                                               • Addition of maximum 4m wide Lakeside and Hillside Garden Promenade
                                                                                                 accessible pathway
                                                                                               • Development and consolidation of a climate relief zone along the waters edge
                                      2                                                          through the creation of terraces below the arrival gathering platform facing




   ft
                                                                                                 the Lake, pockets of lawn, decks and boardwalks
                                                                                               • New Community Facility building including amenities and viewing deck
                                                                                                 surrounding by gathering spaces
                                                                                               • Drop off zone for vehicles including parking for staff and PWD
                                                                                               • External bus stop on Lake MacDonald Drive with accessible path into the
                                                                                                 gardens
                                                                                               • Rejuvenated Amphitheatre including additional shade, terraforming of
                                                                                                 embankment to create accessible terraces and an accessible path to the top of
                                                                                                 the Amphitheatre
                                                                                               • New formalised entry including roundabout, entry signage and security fencing

                                                                                               The ‘Green’
                                                                                           3
                                                                                               Updates may include:
                                                                                               • Creation of a medium size open, sunny ‘Green’ space incorporating some
                                                                                                 existing trees and thinning understorey to promote views to the Lake
                                                                                               • Creation of a small size open, sunny ‘Little Green’ space incorporating some
 ra                                                                                              existing trees and thinning understorey to promote views to the Lake
                                                                                               • New accessible shelters and seating
                                                                                               • Additional carparking adjacent to The Green.
                                                                                               • Removal of current New Noosa Council depot to new location on the Southern
                                                                                                 side of the gardens

                             3         4                                             5         • Removal of bus parking
                                                                                               • Retention and protection of Hoop Pine & Poincianas on maintenance access
                                                                                                 road
                                                                                               • Creation of a Botanic Playground adjacent to the lawn and picnic facilities.
                                                                                               • Addition of maximum 4m wide Hillside Garden Promenade accessible pathway
                                                                                               • Consolidation of pathways creating opportunities for botanical collection
                                                                                                 consolidation and strengthening and reduction of maintenance


                                                                                           4   Hillside
                                                                                               Updates may include:
                                                                                               • New accessible seating
                                                                                               • Upgrade of existing amenities improve circulation and aesthetics
                                                                                               • Addition of maximum 4m wide Hillside Garden Promenade accessible pathway
                                                                                               • Additional lower order accessible pathway
                                                                                               • Natural terraced seating zone facing the Bush Tucker Garden
                                                                                               • Consolidation of pathways creating opportunities for botanical collection
                                                                                                 consolidation and strengthening and reduction of maintenance

                                                                                           5   Lower Lakeside
                                                        6
D
                                                                                               Updates may include:
                                                                                               • Additional accessible picnic shelters and facilities
                                                                                               • Addition of maximum 4m wide Hillside Garden Promenade accessible pathway
                                                                                               • Upgraded broadened pathways and gathering zones to facilitate weddings/
                                                                                                 other significant ceremonies
                                                                                               • Consolidation of pathways creating opportunities for botanical collection
                                                                                                 consolidation and strengthening and reduction of maintenance
                                                                                               • Creation of a formal path around the Fish pond including an observation deck
                                                                                               • Creation of a ‘hidden’ bird hide tucked into the lakeside vegetation


                                                                                           6   South of Maintenance access road
                                                                                               Updates will be limited and may include:
                                                                                               • Additional accessible picnic shelters and facilities
                                                                                               • Addition of maximum 3m wide Rainforest Garden Promenade accessible
                                                                                                 pathway
                                                                                               • Consolidation of pathways creating opportunities for botanical collection
                                                                                                 consolidation and strengthening and reduction of maintenance
                                                                                               • Creation of an accessible soft amphitheatre around the Lily Pond
                                                                  7                            • Creation of a Community Culturali Reflection Zone



                                                                                           7   Southern zone
                                                                                               Updates will be limited and may include:
                                                                                               • Additional accessible picnic shelters and facilities
                                                                                               • Addition of maximum 3m wide Rainforest Garden Promenade accessible
                                                                                                 pathway
                                                                                               • Consolidation of pathways creating opportunities for botanical collection
                                                                                                 consolidation and strengthening and reduction of maintenance
                                                                                               • Creation of new zone for all Council depot and storage zone requirements
                                                                                                 including office space




                                                                            NOT TO SCALE




           NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
           MASTERPLAN
                                                                                                                                     19                                      Page 52 of 117

Page 53

Appendix G

Noosa Council Access & Facilities Map




   ft
 ra
D

          NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                         9 SEPTEMBER 2025


7.3          NOOSA CULTURAL PLAN 2025-2030 ADOPTION


Author             Arts and Culture Manager, Paul Brinkman
                   Community Services Department
Index              ECM/Subject/3.10 Arts & Cultural Services/Policy & Planning
                   Document set ID 24060820
Attachments        1.   ATTACHMENT 1_NC_Cultural Plan_final


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this report is to present the final draft of the Noosa Cultural Plan 2025-30 for Council's
consideration and endorsement. The Cultural Plan 2025-30 continues the achievements of
Noosa's Cultural Plan 2019-2023 and provides direction for Council's support of the diverse arts and
cultural sector for the next 5-years.

After extensive consultation with the arts and cultural sector, research into contemporary cultural
development and consideration of current and future Council resourcing, the Noosa Cultural Plan
2025-30 is ready for implementation.

Taking into account the recommendations of the 2023 evaluation report of the previous Cultural Plan,
Council's overall corporate strategy, national level arts and cultural strategies, resourcing parameters
and the outcomes of various sector engagements, the Cultural Plan 2025-2030 is an aspirational
document that seeks to see a cultural landscape in Noosa that is inclusive, connected, accessible,
thriving and engaging.

It is centered around five themes:
1. Valuing our history and heritage
2. Enabling inclusion and access
3. Championing our creative community
4. Activating our places and spaces
5. Engaging our community and visitors

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Arts & Cultural Manager to the Services & Organisation
Committee dated 9 September 2025 regarding the Noosa Council Cultural Plan 2025-2030 and:

A. Adopt the final Noosa Cultural Plan 2025-30 provided as Attachment 1;
B. Authorise the CEO to make any necessary minor changes to the Cultural Plan, if required; and
C. Authorise the CEO to implement the Cultural Plan subject to available resourcing.


REPORT
The Noosa Cultural Plan 2019–2023 provided a strong strategic foundation for Council’s arts and
cultural initiatives during a period of significant challenge and transformation. By the end of 2023,
over 92% of the Plan’s actions were either completed or underway—an outstanding achievement
made possible by the dedication of Council’s Arts & Cultural team, the many volunteers who support
cultural services, and the community groups that partner with Council to deliver meaningful cultural
experiences.

Building on this success, the Noosa Cultural Plan 2025–2030 (Cultural Plan) has been developed
over the past 12 months to reflect the evolving needs of Noosa’s arts and cultural sector. Recognising



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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                       9 SEPTEMBER 2025


the increasing complexity and scope of Council’s cultural activities, this new Plan will be delivered
as part of a broader suite of cultural planning documents, including a dedicated Libraries Plan and
Heritage Plan.

A Cultural Plan is essential for Noosa because it provides a strategic framework to guide Council’s
investment, support, and development of the arts, culture, and heritage sectors. It ensures that
cultural activity is not ad hoc, but aligned with broader community goals, including sustainability,
liveability, economic prosperity, and social cohesion. The Plan helps preserve Noosa’s unique
identity—rooted in its natural beauty, rich heritage, and creative spirit—while also responding to
contemporary challenges such as cost-of-living pressures, changes in audience participation, the
digital explosion and the need for inclusive access to cultural experiences.

It also positions Noosa to leverage partnerships and funding opportunities particularly in the lead up
to the Brisbane Olympics 2032. By setting clear themes, actions, and evaluation measures, the Plan
enables Council to support a thriving, resilient, and inclusive cultural ecosystem that benefits both
residents and visitors.

The Cultural Plan 2025–2030 is structured around five key themes:

1. Valuing our history and heritage – Preserving and promoting Noosa’s history and heritage,
including First Nations heritage, through respectful engagement, education, and conservation.
2. Enabling inclusion and access – Ensuring equitable participation in arts and culture for people
of all backgrounds, abilities, and ages.
3. Championing our creative community – Supporting the professional development and
sustainability of local artists and creative industries through grants, mentoring, and showcasing
opportunities.
4. Activating our places and spaces – Enhancing cultural infrastructure and integrating creative
practice into public spaces to reflect Noosa’s identity and environmental values.
5. Engaging our community and visitors – Increasing participation in arts and culture through
improved promotion, diverse programming, and strategic event planning.

The Plan has been shaped by extensive sector engagement across two phases, including a
dedicated research project led by CRED Consulting in late 2024 and Council-led consultation in early
2025. Council extends its sincere thanks to Noosa’s diverse landscape of artists, arts organisations,
collectives, and cultural communities for their time, insights, and commitment to shaping a Plan that
reflects their aspirations. Relevant feedback gathered through other Council community engagement
processes such as the Pomona Place Plan and Liveability have also been incorporated.

The Cultural Plan is strategically aligned with Noosa Council’s Corporate Plan 2023–2028, ensuring
that arts and cultural development contributes meaningfully to the broader goals of environmental
sustainability, liveability, economic prosperity, innovation, and organisational excellence.
Importantly, the Cultural Plan aligns with national and state cultural frameworks such as the
Australian Government’s National Cultural Policy – Revive and the Queensland Government’s
Creative Together 2020–2030 and Queensland’s Time to Shine: 2025–2035, positioning Noosa to
leverage partnerships and funding opportunities while delivering locally relevant outcomes.

The Cultural Plan outlines the themes, aims, and actions that will guide Council’s support for a
thriving, inclusive, and sustainable cultural sector. This includes reducing barriers to creative
production and presentation, providing resources and spaces for cultural activity, and fostering
stronger connections between creatives, audiences, and economic markets.

With no tertiary arts education institutions in the region, Noosa Council recognises its role in
facilitating professional development and upskilling opportunities to ensure the long-term viability of
the local creative sector. Supporting artists to live and work in Noosa requires Council to champion
new pathways and strengthen links between the arts and other sectors.




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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                          9 SEPTEMBER 2025


Ultimately, this Plan affirms Council’s belief that a vibrant cultural life contributes to a more creative,
connected, and resilient community. Through its implementation, Council will continue to foster a
culturally literate, inclusive, and engaged Noosa—where arts and culture are accessible to all and
celebrated as essential to the region’s identity and wellbeing.

Link to Corporate Plan

The Noosa Cultural Plan 2025-2030 links to the following Corporate Plan objectives:
2.3 - Nurture Arts and culture to enrich the identity and vibrancy of communities, highlight local talent,
celebrate First Nations culture and encourage creative participation and expression.
2.5 - Ensure community facilities and services are inclusive, accessible and meet the evolving needs
and interests of residents across Noosa Shire.
2.6 - Facilitate strong, vibrant, inclusive communities where people have a sense of belonging and
are active participants in a rich community life.
2.8 - Provide opportunities to enhance the health, wellbeing and safety of our communities.
3.2 - Partner with industry and education stakeholders in programs to address workforce and skill
shortages and to develop a suite of initiatives that meet the future workforce skills of Noosa including
pathways to employment.
3.6 - Grow and enhance the cultural and creative economy through partnerships and delivery of
programs, events and the development of a signature regional art gallery.
4.3 - Improve opportunities for increased inclusion of young people in community engagement and
decision making to provide relevant services, activities and opportunities.
5.9 - Ensure that all residents located throughout the Shire, both hinterland and coastal areas, have
equitable access to the provisions of quality assets, facilities and services.




Previous Council Consideration
Ordinary Council 19 September 2024, Item 10.
That Council note the report by the Arts and Culture Manager to the Services & Organisation
Committee dated 10 September 2024 regarding the conclusion of the Noosa Cultural Plan 2019-
2023.

Finance
The Cultural Plan 2025-30 actions have been developed with consideration of future budgets.

While the Plan is an organisation wide document, the majority of actions will be addressed by arts
and cultural services. Projects recommended in the annual operational budgets of Council's gallery,
theatre and cultural development sections will be specifically aligned to supporting the Cultural Plan.
Council officers will also seek additional resource support through grant and partnership
opportunities.

Risk & Opportunities
The success of the Cultural Plan 2025-2030 is significantly predicated on:

1) The availability of Council resources for arts and cultural projects, initiatives and growth
opportunities being maintained and increased.

2) Council appreciating the value of arts and culture in supporting healthy communities and growing
sustainable economies through reflection in operational activities.

3) The arts and cultural sector engaging and partnering with Council to support the ecology of arts




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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                          9 SEPTEMBER 2025


and culture in the region.

There is the risk that the objectives of the Plan are not achieved if the above points are not met.

There are key risks if Council does not have a current Cultural Plan including:

   •   Lack of strategic direction and focus for arts, culture, and heritage activity and investment
   •   Increased fragmentation of industry efforts
   •   Reduced eligibility for state and federal cultural funding
   •   Weakened partnerships and collaboration opportunities
   •   Declining confidence and engagement from the creative sector
   •   Missed opportunities for professional and economic growth through cultural tourism and
       creative industries, particularly in the lead up to the Olympics

Opportunities laid out in the Plan include:

1) Through upcoming master-planning exercises, arts and cultural elements can be integrated
thoughtfully within the planned urban environment. Consideration of performance space, public art,
past histories of place and activations will facilitate both easier logistics for arts event organisers and
better access to arts and cultural activities.

2) Planning for a new regional gallery is underway. This project will greatly improve the capacity of
Council to support the creation and presentation of arts and cultural product in the region.

3) The 2032 Olympics promises a global focus on Brisbane and its surrounds. There is the potential
to access dedicated cultural funding linked to this major international event. The Olympics provides
the opportunity to showcase the region’s culture to a global audience.

4) Noosa Council is embracing the opportunity to meet and exceed sustainability targets through
the development of a Sustainability Policy. The relationship between arts and sustainability is
multifaceted, encompassing the ways in which art can promote environmental consciousness,
advocate for sustainable practices and contribute to the discourse of ecological preservation.

Human Rights
Human Rights Compatibility Statement
In developing this Report, the subject matter has been considered in accordance with the
requirements of the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019. It is considered that the subject matter
does not conflict with any human rights and supports a human rights approach to decision making
by Council. Council representatives will endeavour to act and make decisions under this report in a
manner that is compatible with human rights. This report should be read in conjunction with
Council’s Human Rights Policy.

Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Extensive community consultation was undertaken in the development of the Cultural Plan 2025-30
across two phases. CRED Consulting undertook specific arts and cultural sector engagement in
September/October 2024 and collected feedback through workshops, one-on-one interviews and
surveys. The stakeholder engagement report was provided to Council in November 2024. This initial
information informed the first draft of the Plan.




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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                             9 SEPTEMBER 2025



Key strengths identified through engagement:
   •     A strong and growing interest in First Nations culture and heritage.
   •     A highly engaged and motivated local arts community.
   •     Strong community support for arts, culture, and heritage events.
   •     A diverse range of venues and spaces for cultural activity.
   •     A natural environment that inspires creativity and supports outdoor events.
   •     Well-loved events such as Floating Land and Noosa Open Studios.
Key challenges raised by stakeholders:
   •     Limited affordable, fit-for-purpose spaces for creating and presenting work.
   •     Insufficient professional development opportunities, especially for young, emerging, and First
         Nations artists.
   •     High living costs impacting the viability of creative careers.
   •     Uneven access to funding and support programs.
   •     Poor public transport limiting participation in cultural events.
Council then led a second phase of community engagement in May/June 2025 based on the draft
Cultural Plan to ensure that we had captured the needs, aspirations and priorities of the sector. The
Cultural Plan was further refined to include feedback and suggestions provided through surveys,
workshops (i.e. with Kabi Kabi representatives) and questionnaires. Internal Council consultation
was also undertaken to ensure that the aims and objectives within the Plan were sympathetic of and
complementary to, broader Council planning and activity.

The final Cultural Plan responds to the needs and wants of the arts and cultural sector as expressed
by individuals, groups, collectives and organisations working within the sector across the region.


Internal Consultation
Departments consulted:
    Office of the CEO, Mayor &                Community Services               Corporate Services
            Councillors
 ✔      Mayor & Councillors             ✔    Director                     ✔   Director

 ✔      Chief Executive Officer         ✔    Community Development            Financial Services

 ✔      Executive Officers                   Sport & Active Lifestyles        Fleet

 ✔      Community Engagement            ✔    Arts & Culture                   Revenue Services
        People & Culture                ✔    Community Connection             ICT
        Governance                           Customer Experience              Procurement

                                                                              Commercial Property

       Strategy & Environment               Development & Regulation          Infrastructure Services
 ✔      Director                        ✔    Director                     ✔   Director

 ✔      Strategy & Sustainability            Development Assessment           Infrastructure      Planning,
                                                                              Design and Delivery
 ✔      Economic Development        &        Local Laws                       Civil and Asset operations
        Destination Management
        Environmental Services               Environmental Health             Waste




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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                   9 SEPTEMBER 2025


    Innovation & Digital Hub   Building & Plumbing   Building & Facilities
                               Property / Permits    Disaster Management




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