2019-12-11 SM Agenda - Item 1 - Attachment 5 - Final New Noosa Plan - Part 1-6 - Clean version

3.2                Strategic Intent
3.2.1              Regional Context
Noosa Shire forms the northern extent of the Sunshine Coast within the greater region of South East Queensland (SEQ). It is the gateway
between SEQ and the coastal and regional centres of the Great Sandy Region. The Noosa River forms the buffer between the urban
areas of Noosa Shire in the south and the Great Sandy National Park to the north. The Shire sits some 120 kilometres to the north of
Brisbane, Queensland's capital city, and covers an area of 869.76 km2. It is located in an area of outstanding beauty, characterised by
sandy beaches, dramatic mountain peaks and a remarkable river and lake system.

Noosa Shire has exceptionally high biodiversity and is a critical stronghold for a wide range of regional ecosystems that include many
threatened species. The Noosa River is the healthiest river system in SEQ and provides an important recreational resource for residents
and visitors. Around 55 per cent of the Shire is covered in native vegetation and over one third of the Shire is in protected reserves, the
largest being the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park.

The Shire serves as a domestic and international tourism destination with particular emphasis on nature­​based recreation
opportunities. Tourism and retail are significant contributors to the local and regional economy and these provide a strong platform of
leverage for other parts of the economy.

It is recognised that larger centres outside of the Shire, including the principal regional activity centre of Maroochydore, fulfil many of the
higher order needs for the Shire. Many residents of Noosa travel outside the Shire for employment, retailing and education. A significant
proportion of employees that work in Noosa live outside the Shire.

Noosa Shire has an estimated residential population of 54,654 (as at June 2017) which swells considerably during holiday periods to
well over 70,000 people. Noosa's high visitor numbers and dispersed, low density settlement pattern put pressure on the local road
network. This requires local and regional transport solutions that prioritise public transport, cyclists and pedestrians over cars and
improved accessibility for local communities and key workers.

The Bruce Highway and North Coast Railway serve as the main transport access to Brisbane and serve an important function for the
movement of freight. An improved railway network would enhance access to Brisbane for Noosa ​based commuters, residents and
visitors.

The Sunshine Coast Airport at Marcoola (outside the Noosa Shire) is the primary airport servicing the Noosa Shire and caters for both
domestic and international flights. It is the only airport in the Sunshine Coast subregion capable of servicing jet aircraft operations. Future
expansion of the airport will allow for increased strategic opportunities in relation to freight and passenger movements.

Noosa Shire has a highly engaged community, high rates of volunteerism, and proactive communities and individuals that make an
active and positive contribution to Noosa Shire and beyond.

Noosa Shire is recognised for its creativity, innovation, vision and entrepreneurship where sustainability underpins development, the
economy, lifestyle and environmental excellence. This offers a genuine global model for sustainability. Both Council and the community
play a responsible part in the global community. This is demonstrated in local efforts towards:
       cutting pollutants
       adopting low carbon alternatives
       promoting and adopting innovative, clean, green responses to business development and technology
       protecting and caring for valued ecosystems and the important services they provide for human wellbeing.

3.2.2              A well managed and sustainable Noosa Shire

Noosa's values, principles and long term approach to planning

Noosa Shire is one of the most desirable places in the world to live and is an internationally recognised tourist destination. This status
has been both the result of good fortune in terms of climate, amenity and natural resources, and good management in terms of how
consecutive generations have cared for the place and evolved a set of community values and planning principles. These long standing
values and principles have shaped the development of Noosa Shire and have been the foundation of Noosa's planning schemes.

The core values of Noosa Shire are derived from its natural resources. This includes the extensive tracts of vegetated open space,
distinctive landscapes, clean waterways and attractive beaches. These values support a lifestyle that benefits from a close affinity to


  **FINAL DRAFT ­ Post Consultation 2019**
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