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2018-08-07 P&E Agenda - Attachment 1 to Item 3 - Noosa Biosphere Reserve 10 Year Periodic Review
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Planning & Environment Committee
7 August 2018
Attachment 1 to Item 3
NOOSA BIOSPHERE RESERVE
PERIODIC REVIEW 2018
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Full text of sections 2 to 90 (of 99)
Section 2
Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
Copyright 2018
Noosa Shire Council
9 Pelican Street, Tewantin, Queensland 4565
and
Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation Ltd.
52 Doonella Street, Tewantin Queensland 4565
The words noosa biosphere® and the logo noosa biosphere depicted on the cover are registered trademarks of Noosa Shire
Council.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to the following people for their generous assistance with background research and preparation of this report:
• NBRF Periodic Review Advisory Group (PRAG)
• NBRF Board and Members
• NBRF contract staff
• Professor Peter Bridgewater, University of Canberra
• Noosa Shire Councillors
• Noosa Shire Council staff
• The Noosa Shire community
Cover photo: Noosa Council
Page 2
Section 3
Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
CONTENTS
PAGE
LIST OF MAPS, TABLES AND FIGURES ................................................................................................... 5
LIST OF ACRONYMS ................................................................................................................................... 5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................................................... 7
PART ONE: SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................ 10
PART TWO: PERIODIC REVIEW REPORT .............................................................................................. 13
1. BIOSPHERE RESERVE ......................................................................................................... 13
1.1 Year of designation ....................................................................................................... 13
1.2 Year of the Periodic Review ......................................................................................... 13
1.3 Actions from previous Periodic Review ........................................................................ 13
1.4 Other observations or comments on above.................................................................. 13
1.5 Process by which the current periodic review has been conducted ............................. 13
2. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES DURING THE PAST 10 YEARS ................................................. 16
2.1 Brief Summary Overview .............................................................................................. 16
2.2 Updated background information about the BR ........................................................... 16
2.3 Authorities in charge of coordination and management of BR ..................................... 24
2.4 Matters of special interest ............................................................................................. 28
3. ECOSYSTEM SERVICES ...................................................................................................... 32
3.1 Update services provided by each ecosystem and beneficiaries ................................. 32
3.2 Changes regarding the indicators of ecosystem services ............................................ 34
3.3 Biodiversity involved in the provision of ecosystems services ..................................... 35
3.4 Recent/updated ecosystem service assessments ....................................................... 37
4. THE CONSERVATION FUNCTION ....................................................................................... 37
4.1 Significant changes in main habitat types, ecosystems, species or varieties of
traditional or economic importance ............................................................................... 37
4.2 Conservation programs over past 10 years.................................................................. 39
4.3 Links between conservation activities and sustainable development issues ............... 42
4.4 How effectiveness of actions or strategies is assessed ............................................... 43
4.5 Influencing factors on conservation efforts ................................................................... 43
4.6 Other comments/observations from a BR perspective. ................................................ 44
5. THE DEVELOPMENT FUNCTION ......................................................................................... 44
5.1 Prevailing trends in each main sector of the economic base ....................................... 44
5.2 Tourism industry in the BR ........................................................................................... 48
5.3 Agriculture, Food and other sectors ............................................................................. 49
5.4 Benefit to local communities of economic activities ..................................................... 52
5.5 Methods of assessing effectiveness of actions or strategies ....................................... 52
5.6 Community economic development initiatives.............................................................. 52
5.7 Local business or other economic development initiatives (green alternatives) .......... 53
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Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
5.8 Changes in terms of cultural values (religious, historical, political, social,
ethnological) ................................................................................................................. 55
5.9 Community support facilities and services ................................................................... 57
5.10 Indicators to assess the effectiveness of activities fostering sustainable
development ................................................................................................................. 58
5.11 Main factors that influenced success of development efforts ....................................... 58
6. THE LOGISTIC SUPPORT FUNCTION ................................................................................. 59
6.1 Main research institutions and programs...................................................................... 59
6.2 Summary of main themes of research and monitoring ................................................. 60
6.3 Traditional and local knowledge ................................................................................... 64
6.4 Environmental and sustainability education ................................................................. 66
6.5 Assessment of effectiveness of strategies ................................................................... 67
6.6 Contribution to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves .......................................... 68
6.7 Main factors that influenced the success of activities contributing to the logistic
support function? .......................................................................................................... 68
6.8 Other comments/observations from a biosphere reserve perspective. ....................... 68
7. GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION .................................................... 69
7.1 Technical and logistical resources for the coordination of the BR ............................... 69
7.2 Overall governance framework and contributions ........................................................ 70
7.3 Assessment tools or guidelines to support Indigenous and local rights and cultural
initiatives ....................................................................................................................... 73
7.4 Main conflicts and solutions .......................................................................................... 73
7.5 Community representation and consultation ................................................................ 74
7.6 Management and coordination structure ...................................................................... 76
7.7 Update on the management/cooperation plan/policy ....................................................... 78
8. CRITERIA AND PROGRESS MADE ..................................................................................... 79
8.1 Mosaic of ecological systems representative of major biogeographic region
including a gradation of human interventions ............................................................... 79
8.2 Significance for biological diversity conservation ......................................................... 79
8.3 Provide an opportunity to explore and demonstrate approaches to sustainable
development on a regional scale .................................................................................. 80
8.4 BR size (appropriate to serve the three functions of BRs) ........................................... 80
8.5 Appropriate zonation to serve the three functions ........................................................ 81
8.6 Organisational arrangements ....................................................................................... 81
8.7 Mechanisms for implementation and cooperative activities ......................................... 81
CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................................ 82
GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................................................ 84
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................ 85
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS..................................................................................................................... 86
ANNEXURES .............................................................................................................................................. 88
Page 4
Section 5
LIST OF MAPS, TABLES AND FIGURES MAPS MAP No. DESCRIPTION PAGE No. 1 Map of the Noosa Shire 17 2 Updated Zonation Map, NBR 19 3 Map of Broad Vegetation Groups (BVGs) and REs, NBR 33 4 Planning Scheme Strategy Map (2006) 47 5 Map of Traditional Owner groups in the SEQ 66 TABLES TABLE No. DESCRIPTION PAGE No. 1 Area and spatial distribution, NBR 10 2 Total population, NBR 11 3 Annual Budget, NBR 11 4 Cardinal points, NBR 18 5 Area of Core, Buffer and Transition Zones, NBR 18 6 Population growth rates, Noosa Shire 20 7 NBRF staff support 25 8 Research projects 30 9 Ecosystem services 32 10 Regional ecosystem services and changes 35 11 Declining species 38 12 NBRF Research Project Partnerships 59 13 Summary of Foundation Project Grants 2015-17 60 14 Summary of Big Ideas Project Grants 2017-18 64 15 Roles and responsibilities of conservation stakeholders, NBR 69 16 Summary of principal legislation affecting the NBR 71 17 Summary of resources and conflicts 73 FIGURES FIGURE No. DESCRIPTION PAGE No. 1 Noosa employment and unemployment rates, 2011-17 45 2 Snapshot of Regulatory Framework, NBR 70 3 UN Sustainable Development Goals 71 LIST OF ACRONYMS ACRONYM DESCRIPTION ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics BBTF Bring Back the Fish BR Biosphere Reserve BVR Broad vegetation types CEO Chief Executive Officer CQU Central Queensland University EPBC Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Aust.) FAN Food and Agribusiness Network GRP Gross Regional Product GSBR Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve HLW Healthy Land & Water KPI Key performance indicator LGA Local Government Authority LiDAR Light Detection and Ranging MaB Man & the Biosphere Program MRCCC Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee NBAR Noosa Biodiversity Assessment Report NBL Noosa Biosphere Limited NBR Noosa Biosphere Reserve NBRF Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation Ltd. NCBA Noosa Community Biosphere Association
Section 6
Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
ACRONYM DESCRIPTION
NDL Noosa & District Landcare
NICA Noosa Integrated Catchment Association
NPA Noosa Parks Association
NRM Natural Resource Management
NSC Noosa Shire Council
PR Periodic Review
PRAG Periodic Review Advisory Group
QGSO Queensland Government Statistician’s Office
RDASC Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast
RE Regional Ecosystem
SCEC Sunshine Coast Environment Council
SCRC Sunshine Coast Regional Council
SEQ South-East Queensland
SFN Slow Food© Noosa
TN Tourism Noosa
TTF The Thomas Foundation
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
UQ University of Queensland
USC University of the Sunshine Coast
Page 6
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Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report is the inaugural Periodic Review (PR) of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve (NBR) in
Queensland, Australia. It contains a description of the first 10 years of operation as a Biosphere
Reserve. The NBR was designated for inclusion in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves on 18
September 2007 under the Man and the Biosphere (MaB) program of the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The NBR equals the area of the Noosa Shire local
government boundary plus a 3 nautical mile marine area. The amount of land protected for conservation
purposes is at 36.5% of the terrestrial cover.
The PR documents the significant changes in the NBR over the past 10 years including: an assessment
of its ecosystem services and biodiversity; a description of the main functions including conservation,
development and logistic support; and governance, management and coordination.
Many individuals and organisations have been involved in creating and maintaining the protected
environment and sustainable community of today's Noosa. A report like this simply cannot do justice to
the efforts of so many people, especially their collective imagination and determination to succeed in
realising a vision.
According to the MaB program, biosphere reserves harmonise conservation of biological and cultural
diversity, and economic and social development, through partnerships between people and nature.
They also contribute to the transition to green societies by experimenting with green development
1
options such as sustainable tourism and training for eco-jobs .
For the local resident or visitor, Noosa in SEQ is simply an exceptional part of the world. It remains one
2
of the top tourist destinations, ranked tenth in Australia in 2018 . This is largely due to a mild climate,
the township’s beautiful north-facing Main Beach, its rich hinterland and the wondrous Noosa National
Park headland with sub-tropical rainforest, rocky capes washed by perfectly-formed surfing waves, and
an abundance of native wildlife. The NBR is also home to species that are under threat such as the
Koala [Phascolarctos cinereus] and the Glossy-black Cockatoo [Calyptorhynchus lathami].
Noosa Shire Council (NSC) remains the principal manager of the NBR and is supported by the Noosa
Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF) and the Noosa Community Biosphere Reserve Association
(NCBA). Over the past decade, two community management models for the NBR have been tried
providing differing levels of participation and engagement.
The report demonstrates that the NBR is a unique learning site for sustainable living. The factors that
have helped shape this site include its landscape, social history, cultural traditions, government and
regulatory systems, as well as its political, social and economic activities. Fundamentally, much of this
has been about people interacting with nature.
The most significant achievements of the NBR over the past 10 years are:
1. An increase in the amount of land protected for its natural values. Creating an extension of
critical habitat for wildlife, including: an additional 6,936 hectares of land protected in National Park;
an agreement developed for safeguarding and rehabilitating 2400ha of Ringtail-Yurol State Forest
by the Queensland Government, NSC and the Noosa Parks Association (NPA); and the purchase
of conservation land through the Council's Environment Levy to add to their bushland reserve
network, now totalling 178 reserves. Currently, the proportion of Queensland’s terrestrial coverage
3
that is protected across the State stands at less than 8% . The United Nations Convention on
Biological Diversity target is 17% terrestrial protected area coverage. The relevant figure for the
Noosa Biosphere Reserve is 36.5%.
1
Biosphere Reserves in Practice, http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-
sciences/biosphere-reserves/biosphere-reserves-in-practice/ (accessed 10/4/18)
2
2018 Travellers’ Choice Awards, Top 10 Destinations – Australia,
https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/TravelersChoice-Destinations-cTop-g255055
3
2017, Queensland Government, Draft Queensland Protected Area Strategy, p.3
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Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
2. The early stages of ‘decoupling’ population growth from economic growth. While Noosa’s
population growth has slowed considerably over the past decade from 2.1% to 0.8%, its economy
has continued to grow. Over the past five years, growth in Gross Regional Product (GRP) has
averaged at 2.4% per annum (above both South-East Queensland and the State), and increased by
4
1% to $2.8 billion in 2015-16 . There is evidence that the population is stabilising, but both the
tourism and non-tourism sectors are increasing in revenue and employment levels. The Noosa
Biosphere Reserve demonstrates it is possible to balance environmental protection with sustained
economic growth.
3. Formal engagement between the NSC and the Kabi Kabi First Nation Traditional Owners.
Following the successful registration by the Commonwealth Government of the Kabi Kabi (also
referred to as Gubbi Gubbi) native title claim over parts of the Noosa Shire the Indigenous people of
Noosa will have the right to formal input into potential development or management decisions
affecting their traditional lands. The ruling that the Kabi Kabi are the appropriate claimants brings
recognition of the unbroken ties to the land and sea country of Noosa to Traditional Owners, who
have occupied the region for many thousands of years.
4. Continued recognition. This includes the recognition of Noosa as a National Surfing Reserve in
2014, and a World Surfing Reserve in 2017. A diligent group of local people in the community,
surfers and others, were successful in their bid for recognition of Noosa’s world-class surfing
breaks. Tourism Noosa has also collected awards for its Welcome to Noosa and EcoCheck
business programs. This Council-funded organisation has twice won the Queensland Tourism
Award for Tourism Marketing and the Australian Tourism Award for Destination Marketing. The
Noosa Visitor Information Centre was also recently voted Queensland’s best.
5. An increase in the area of scientific research. Projects such as the Noosa River Oyster Reef
Restoration project which is an ‘Australian-first’ oyster restoration project in a river system. The
project is jointly-funded by the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF), The Thomas
Foundation, the Noosa Parks Association (NPA), and The Nature Conservancy, and is being
delivered by researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC).
The work of maintaining the Noosa Biosphere Reserve as a unique learning site for sustainable living is
demanding, requiring considerable resources. There are layers of Commonwealth, State and Local
Government regulation covering the terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments, as well as the
wildlife within these ecosystems.
The local government (NSC) is the level of government where most of the monitoring activity occurs.
However, many local governments are finding it difficult to manage the ever-increasing range of
responsibilities and community expectations, with limited budgets. Volunteers in community
organisations provide a highly valuable contribution in this endeavour.
A summary of the likely challenges ahead for the Noosa Biosphere Reserve in the next decade is:
1. Climate change - the greatest threat to people and nature. There is evidence of warmer air and
5
ocean temperatures, and more unpredictability of weather patterns in South-East Queensland
(SEQ). Such climatic shifts are potentially harmful for Noosa, given the local economy’s heavy
reliance upon the Tourism sector. Although the Council is currently engaged in a range of impact
studies, more research is likely needed on the potential impacts of climate change upon people and
nature in the region.
2. Pressure from coastal population growth and increased visitation. In the latest regional plan
for SEQ, the State Government opted to leave Noosa’s future resident population as planned at
approximately 60,000, and in consolidation mode. There is a risk that future governments may
overturn this position. The greatest risk comes from projections that an estimated 500,000 people
will be living on the Sunshine Coast by 2041 which will result in increased tourist day visits to the
NBR area. More work needs to be done on achieving a better distribution of visitors between the
coastal and hinterland areas of Noosa and managing visitor impacts throughout the NBR.
4
2017, Lucid Economics, Noosa Economic Profile, p.1
5
https://www.climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au/en/climate-projections/future-climate/regional-climate-change-
explorer/super-clusters/?current=ESC&tooltip=true&popup=true (accessed 23/4/18)
Page 8
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Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
3. Growing Noosa’s sustainable economy. There is evidence of growing community interest and
investment in renewable energy, sustainable housing design and construction, and the digital
revolution in the Noosa Shire. There is also potential for more sustainable farming practices and
other rural enterprises to meet consumer demand. Further diversification of the local economy into
these sectors will help protect the NBR from future economic shocks.
4. Marketing, communications and building a ‘whole of Biosphere’ brand. A more holistic and
integrated approach to communications and branding in partnership with local industry (e.g.
tourism, sustainable development, agricultural food production, environmental protection and
service industries) would improve the brand value of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve. Attracting
investment from philanthropic organisations, social entrepreneurs, private landholders and the
business community into protecting natural assets and sustainable living requires an ongoing focus
on best communications practice.
On balance, this review indicates that the Noosa Shire deserves to retain its world-class status as a
Biosphere Reserve and valued part of the World Network of Bisophere Reserves.
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Section 10
Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
PART ONE: SUMMARY
a) Name of the Biosphere Review Noosa Biosphere Reserve (NBR)
b) Country Australia
c) Year of designation 2007
d) Year of Periodic Review 2018
e-g) Previous recommendations by the Not applicable
ICC and follow-up actions
h) Periodic Review process
The PR process was conducted over the period March 2017 to April 2018. A Periodic Review Advisory
Group (PRAG) was established in March 2017 by the NBRF – the current management group - to
oversee the review process. Membership of the PRAG was drawn from elected members of the NSC,
Council staff and representatives of local environmental groups.
A Consultant was employed on a part-time contract basis to coordinate the PR process, facilitate the
PRAG and to research and write the PR report. A Strategic Advisor was also employed to conduct
extensive interviews with key stakeholders in the NBR, and to advise the NBRF Board on future
strategy for the NBRF.
Formal meetings were held between the NBRF and the NSC to discuss progress with the PR as part of
normal strategic and budgetary planning, monitoring and reporting sessions. The NBRF receives
funding from the NSC under a triennial funding agreement, based on the achievement of key
performance indicators (KPIs).
The methodologies used in the PR process included the following:
• Desktop research
• Strategic planning discussions
• Stakeholder identification sessions
• Face-to-face interviews
• Group meetings
• Presentations
• Field visits to revegetation sites
• Inspections including botanical walks/ boat trips.
i) Area and spatial configuration
Table 1: Area and spatial configuration, NBR
AREA DESCRIPTION NOMINATION PERIODIC CHANGE
FORM 2007 REVIEW 2017
Area of terrestrial Core Area(s) 24,870 ha 42,282ha Now includes Bushland
Reserves and water bodies
Area of terrestrial Buffer Zone(s) 28,050 ha 17,717 ha Improved mapping
Area of terrestrial Transition Area(s) 28,820 ha 26,979 ha Improved mapping
Area of marine Core Area(s) - - No defined marine core area
Area of marine Buffer Zone(s) 5,853 ha - Re-classified to transition Area
Area of marine Transition Area(s) - 23,750 ha Increase due to inclusion of
marine area 5.5 km offshore.
TOTAL 87,593 ha 110,728 ha Noosa Shire is 86,978 ha
(est.) (plus marine transition area)
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Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
j) Human population of the NBR
Table 2: Total population, NBR
ZONATION COMPONENT POPULATION POPULATION
2007 2017
Core Area (s) (permanent & seasonally) 0 0
Buffer Zone (s) (permanent & seasonally) 500 500 (est.)
Transition Area (s) (permanent & seasonally) 50,000 53,533 (permanent)
6
2.032M per annum (visitors 2016)
TOTAL 50,500 (est. from 54,033 (2016 Census)
2001 Census)
k) Budget for the NBR
There has been millions of dollars in funding that flow from the various environmental and other
programs of Commonwealth and State Governments, NSC, university research, philanthropists and the
NBRF towards enhancing and protecting the NBR. Total funding amounts are difficult to quantify as
these activities are not always reported in a way that relates directly to BR activities.
The NBRF management, administration and grants program is funded by NSC, with operational costs
funded from general rates revenue and the grants program funded from an Environment Levy charged
to rateable properties. NBRF funds that have been expended to date on research projects have
managed to leverage funds from other sources on an approximate 1:3 basis. The figures provided in
Table 3 below only refer to funds that have been provided to NBRF and represent a small portion of the
monies that have been spent to benefit the NBR.
Table 3: Annual Budget, NBR
BUDGET 2006-07 BUDGET 2017-18
An expected annual budget for management of The annual budget provided by NSC for the NBRF totalled
the NBR was not included in the Nomination $390,000 (comprised of $250,000 from Council’s
report. Environment Levy, and $140,000 for operational
expenses).
l) International, regional, multilateral and bilateral framework of cooperation
The NBR is an important component in the implementation of a number of international, regional,
multilateral and bilateral cooperative frameworks aimed at the protection of natural environments and/or
ecological species, and to the promotion of sensitive, sustainable development within urbanised coastal
areas.
International
Noosa is the northern extent of a critical priority Endemic Bird Area identified by Birdlife International,
which extends along Australia’s eastern coast. There are over 2,500 species of bird that are restricted
2
to an area smaller than 50,000 km. Endemic Bird Areas are globally recognised areas that provide
7
habitat for these endemic species . The NBR serves as an important habitat for migratory birds that visit
coastal shores and wetland areas to rest and breed. The Noosa Shire hosts some 35 species of birds
listed in the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) and the China-Australia Migratory Bird
Agreement (CAMBA).
National
The NBR contains two Threatened Ecological Communities that are recognised and protected at the
Commonwealth Government level. These are:
• Critically Endangered Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia (“Lowland rainforest”)
• Vulnerable Subtropical and Temperate Salt Marsh (“Saltmarsh”).
6
Source Tourism Research Australia – Noosa Local Government Area Profile 2016
7
Birdlife International, 2010.
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Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
8
The acidic and freshwater wetlands and streams of the Cooloola sand mass (Noosa North Shore)
comprise part of the Noosa River catchment. The Great Sandy Strait region immediately to the north of
the Noosa Shire is recognised as a wetland of international importance and is listed under RAMSAR.
Sunshine Beach, on the southern part of the Noosa headland, is a successful turtle breeding site. The
natural beach and dune system remains largely unaffected by habitat loss and other damaging effects
of coastal development seen elsewhere along the Queensland coastline. The beach provides a critical
nesting habitat for the endangered Loggerhead Turtle [Caretta caretta] and less frequently, the
vulnerable Green Turtle [Chelonia mydas].
In terms of sustainable development, the NSC is a signatory to the Cities Power Partnership launched
9
in 2017 by the Climate Council of Australia . The national partnership is comprised of 70 Local
Government Authorities (LGAs) who have pledged to undertake specific local action to accelerate
emissions reduction strategies. Each authority has agreed to promote clean energy within their shire
boundaries, as part of their sustainable development programs. The NSC has set its own organisational
target of Zero Emissions by 2026.
State
There are a number of State agencies that are involved with the governance and management of the
BR. The Department of Agriculture & Fisheries, Department of Natural Resources, Mines & Energy and
Department of Environment & Science (including Queensland National Parks) are responsible for the
management of large areas of land in the BR. Plans of management developed through community
consultation processes help protect the environment, economic and socio-cultural values of the land.
10
For example, the Great Sandy Region Management Plan consultation process assists in the
development of cooperative frameworks between business, industry, environment and Indigenous
groups. The plan is under review.
Regional
In addition to State agencies such as Queensland National Parks, there are two main regional groups
undertaking natural resource management (NRM) activities in the NBR: Healthy Land & Water (HLW), a
relatively new non-profit organisation (combining previous agencies Healthy Waterways and South-East
Queensland (SEQ) Catchments); and the Burnett Mary Regional Group.
The HLW monitors the health of waterways and catchments across the SEQ, one of the fastest growing
regions in Australia. The organisation brings together landholders, community groups, government,
industry and university-based scientists to monitor water quality, sediment load, environmental
conditions, and to develop common approaches to measurement. The Noosa River recently received
an ‘A minus’ rating in the Healthy Waterways and Catchments Report Card 2017, indicating excellent
water quality. The report card indicated that the local community places a high value on the NBR
waterways.
The NSC is a member of Regional Development Australia’s Sunshine Coast (RDASC) committee,
comprising representatives from all tiers of government, business and community in the region. The
RDASC acts as an infrastructure and major projects network. The latest RDASC publication - Regional
Roadmap 2016-17 - lists Tourism, Sport and Leisure; Clean Technologies; Aviation and
Aerospace;Agribusiness; Health and Wellbeing; Knowledge Industries & Professional Services; and
Education and Research as key priority areas for action over the coming decade.
8
2016, Department of Environment and Energy (DoEE)
9
http://citiespowerpartnership.org.au/power-partners/ (accessed 2/5/18)
10
https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/managing/plans-strategies/great_sandy_region.html
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Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
PART TWO: PERIODIC REVIEW REPORT
1. BIOSPHERE RESERVE
1.1 Year of designation
The Shire of Noosa is a local government area 143 kilometres (81 miles) north of Brisbane in
the Sunshine Coast district of Queensland SEQ, Australia. The NSC is the Local Government Authority
(LGA) administering the shire. The shire covers an area of 86,978 hectares. The shire was designated a
th
Biosphere Reserve (BR) under the UNESCO MaB program on 18 September 2007. The 2006
nomination report for the NBR was the result of two years’ dedicated work by a small group of elected
Councillors, staff and community environmental representatives. All members of the International
Recognition Working Group had a common vision to see Noosa celebrated for its world-class natural
beauty and long-time commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable lifestyles.
Photo: NBRF, Road signs at entry to the NBR erected by NSC in 2008.
1.2 Year of the Periodic Review
The NBR’s first PR is due 10 years after 18 September 2017.
This review commenced during the later part of 2017 and was completed mid-2018.
1.3 Actions from previous Periodic Review
Not applicable.
1.4 Other observations or comments on above
Not applicable.
1.5 Process by which the current periodic review has been conducted
1.5.1 Which stakeholders were involved?
In preparation for the PR process, the Board of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF) – the
current management body for the NBR - approved the establishment of a Periodic Review Advisory
Group (PRAG) in March 2017, to oversee the review process. Membership of the PRAG comprised
representatives from the following organisations:
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• NBRF Board of Directors (1)
• NSC elected members (2)
• NSC staff (2)
• Noosa Community Biosphere Association (1)
• Noosa Integrated Catchment Association (1)
• Noosa & District Landcare (1)
The PRAG provided a mechanism to undertake broader consultation with the community for example
Traditional Owners, environment and nature resource management groups and tourism associations.
Link to Terms of Reference and Minutes of the PRAG meetings.
1.5.2 What methodology was used to involve stakeholders in the process?
The main methodologies employed to involve key stakeholders in the PR Process were workshops and
meetings with key stakeholders as well as face to face conversations with individual community
members.
Internal organisational consultation
The PRAG members, being representatives of key stakeholder organisations, were able to inform and
consult with other colleagues in their organisation to ensure information within the PR was accurate and
thorough.
Invitation of key representatives
The PRAG meetings provided an opportunity to invite key stakeholders to have input into the review.
Special guest speakers were invited to attend selected PRAG meetings to share their expertise about
BRs, or to discuss topics relevant to the future of the NBR. For example, Professor Peter Bridgewater,
Chair of the Australian National Commission MaB Working Group, visited Noosa twice to share his
knowledge with the NBRF Board and PRAG. In addition, Ms Juanita Bloomfield, Industry Development
Manager for Tourism Noosa, was invited to attend a PRAG meeting to speak about the central role of
Tourism in Noosa’s economy.
Face to face interviews
Broad consultation by the NBRF Strategic Advisor was conducted with key people who have an interest
in the Noosa Biosphere. Senior staff from the NSC was consulted on a regular basis for current data
about local council programs related to the health of the NBR and/or its management, including
sustainable economic development.
Two examples of key stakeholder consultation processes undertaken by the PRAG are shown below:
Tourism Noosa
On the meeting of 25 of August 2017 a representative of Tourism Noosa attended the PRAG. Topics of
discussion centred on:
• Partnerships between the NBRF and Tourism Noosa
• Promoting sustainable tourism
• Cultural tourism
• Tourism Noosa’s vision for the NBR over the next 10 years
Traditional Owners
NBRF and PRAG members have engaged with Traditional Owners at various times and on a range of
matters. This has helped inform the PR:
• On 22 September 2017 the PRAG undertook an Art, Culture and Heritage Planning Workshop
and an indigenous representative from Red Centre Enterprises discussed their vision for
indigenous food production on the Sunshine Coast.
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Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
• In 17/18 the Biosphere Foundation funded the Marine Ecology Education Indigenous Corporation
to develop an Environmental and Cultural Learning Trail for the Noosa River & lakes. It is
anticipated to support indigenous led economic opportunities for Kabi Kabi people.
• In July 2017 Council staff and councillors (including one Councillor member of the PRAG) met
with Kabi Kabi on Noosa North Shore to discuss how council and Kabi Kabi could work together
and to identify areas of common interest. The NBRF part-funded Noosa River Oyster Reef
Project was also discussed at this meeting.
• On 6 July 2016 a representative from the Goombuckar Corporation (an indigenous education &
cultural group) gave a talk to Councillors and council staff (including PRAG members) on Kabi
Kabi cultural awareness.
• The Noosa Community Biosphere Association engaged a Kabi Kabi representative to develop a
11
“Welcome to Country” message through a biosphere promotional video .
It is acknowledged that the NBRF would like to have closer working relationships with Traditional Land
owners. Kabi Kabi First Nation Traditional Owners are registered as Native Title Claimants for the entire
NBR area. NSC is also a party to negotiations with the State Government and other Councils within the
Native Title claim area to develop an Indigenous Land Use Agreement with Kabi Kabi First Nation
Traditional Owners.
1.5.3 Number of meetings, workshops
The PRAG met on a total of 10 occasions during 2017-18, facilitated by the Consultant employed by the
NBRF to coordinate and prepare the PR. The PRAG discussed various aspects of the NBR and its
management since the 2007 designation, including:
• Major geographical features
• The status of Noosa’s terrestrial and marine ecology
• Historic development patterns
• Economic trends
• Demographic profile
• Past and current BR management structures
• Funding sources
• The role of the NSC and various local community members and conservation organisations in
shaping NBR governance structures and operations
• Traditional Owner knowledge and engagement
• The range of funded research projects and outcomes to date and
• The future outlook for the NBR.
At the executive level, regular meetings were held between the Chair of the NBRF Board and the CEO
of NSC on strategic directions and operational planning for the NBR (presenting quarterly to half-yearly
progress reports); as well as informal discussions held with the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and various
elected Councillors on assorted BR-related topics.
The Strategic Advisor to the NBRF Board conducted over 100 interviews with a diverse array of people
in the community who have been involved in the activities of the NBR since 2007. The purpose of these
meetings was to seek their views, and to engage broad sections of the community with specific interests
in the biosphere (for example, businesses, commercial fishers, farmers, and teachers) in shaping future
directions of the NBRF.
1.5.4 Attendance and representation
All meetings were well attended by a range of genders and demographics within the community all with
varying levels of involvement, experience and responsibility for activities within the NBR.
Targeted community consultation was also effective in informing the development of the PR. The
following key stakeholders were consulted throughout the process of developing the PR:
• NBRF Board of Directors
• NSC elected members
11
NCBA Noosa Biosphere - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7str9D0vrtc
Page 15
Section 16
Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
• NSC staff
• Noosa Community Biosphere Association
• Noosa Integrated Catchment Association
• Noosa & District Landcare
• Tourism Noosa
• Kabi Kabi Traditional Owners
These formal meetings were supplemented by the NBRF Strategic Advisor meeting individually with
over 100 people from a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise also helped to inform the
development of the PR.
Within NSC consultation occurred with relevant officers, managers, senior directors as well as with
some elected members of Council.
2. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES DURING THE PAST 10 YEARS
2.1 Brief Summary Overview
The most significant changes during the PR period 2007-2017 have been:
• An increase in the protected area estate of 6,936ha with a further 2400ha of State Forest
proposed to be transferred to National Park over the next 10 years.
• Sustained economic growth with a stable population and employment levels.
• Registration of Kabi Kabi First Nation as Native Title Claimants (traditional owners) for the entire
Biosphere Reserve area.
• Recognition of Noosa Heads as a National Surfing Reserve in 2014 and a World Surfing Reserve
in 2017.
• Work in the area of scientific research and on ground projects has increased including the Noosa
River Oyster Reef Restoration project is an ‘Australian-first’ oyster restoration project in a river
system.
• A change in institutional arrangements for the NBRF based on a ‘two part model’ and delivery of
a community grants program.
2.2 Updated background information about the BR
The NBR is located within the SEQ Bioregion, one of Australia’s biodiversity hotspots. The reserve
boundaries are the whole of the Noosa Shire (see Map 1 on next page), plus a marine zone extending
5.5km out to sea. The Noosa local government area is located 143 kilometres north of Brisbane, the
capital city of Queensland. In geophysical terms, the area is located where tropical and temperate land
zones overlap (Macpherson-Macleay Overlap). The landscape is comprised of rainforests, beaches,
woodlands, wetlands, lakes, rivers, forests and mountains. Noosa lies at the intersection of the
Torresian and Bassian geographic bioregions, supporting endemism, speciation and biodiversity.
The SEQ region of Queensland is also one of the fastest growing areas in the nation, with over 500,000
12
people expected to be living along the Sunshine Coast by 2036 (1.9% growth rate per annum) .
12
ABS, Queensland Regional Profiles: Noosa and Region, (accessed 19/7/17)
Page 16
Section 17
Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
Map 1: Shire of Noosa, Queensland
Source: NSC
Page 17
Section 18
Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
2.2.1 Updated coordinates
Table 4 below provides update coordinates to include the 3 nautical mile marine area off the coast of
Noosa.
Table 4: Cardinal points, NBR
Cardinal points: Latitude Longitude
Most central point -26.3305 South 152.952 East
Northernmost point -26.1384 152.9739
Southernmost point -26.5008 153.3935
Westernmost point -26.3748 152.763
Easternmost point -26.4091 153.4213
2.2.2 Updated Zonation map
Under the MaB program, BRs are defined as having three interrelated zones that aim to fulfil three
13
complementary and mutually reinforcing functions :
• The Core area(s) comprises a strictly protected ecosystem that contributes to the conservation of
landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation;
• The Buffer zone surrounds or adjoins the core areas, and is used for activities compatible with
sound ecological practices that can reinforce scientific research, monitoring, training and
education;
• The Transition area is the part of the BR where the greatest activity is allowed, fostering
economic and human development that is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable.
Table 5 summarises the changes to the NBR zones and is depicted in Map 2.
Table 5: Area of Core, Buffer and Transition Zones, NBR
AREA DESCRIPTION NOMINATION PERIODIC CHANGE
FORM 2007 REVIEW 2017
Area of terrestrial Core Area(s) 24,870 ha 42,282ha Now includes Bushland Reserves and
water bodies
Area of terrestrial Buffer Zone(s) 28,050 ha 17,717 ha Updated mapping
Area of terrestrial Transition 28,820 ha 26,979 ha Updated mapping
Area(s)
Area of marine Core Area(s) - - No defined marine core area
Area of marine Buffer Zone(s) 5,853 ha - Reclassification to marine transition area
Area of marine Transition - 23,750 ha Increase due to inclusion of marine area
Area(s) 5.5 km offshore.
TOTAL 87,593 ha 110,728 ha Noosa Shire is 86,978 ha (plus marine
(est.) transition area)
13
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/biosphere-reserves/
Page 18
Section 19
Map 2: Updated Zonation Map, NBR
Source: NSC
Page 19
Map 2: Updated Zonation Map, NBR
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Page 19Section 20
2.2.3 Changes in the human population
The population of Noosa grew steadily from 2011-15, but has since slowed. The population growth rate
14
of Noosa in 2016-17 was positive at 0.8% (down from a high of 2.1% recorded in 2008). Table 6
below shows population figures from 2011 to 2016. The nomination report provided the 2007 figure
(based on an extrapolation of the 2001 Census data). According to the 2016 Census data provided by
the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the population of the Noosa Shire was 54,033 at 30 June
15
2016. The South East Queensland Regional Plan 2017 projects Noosa’s population to be 63,000 at
2041 at a growth rate of less than 1%.
Table 6: Population growth rates, Noosa Shire
Year Noosa Population (Shire) % growth
2011 51,038 1.3
2012 51,703 1.4
2013 52,407 1.3
2014 53,085 1.3
2015 53,629 1.0
2016 (latest data available) 54,033 0.8
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, November 2017, 1410.0 Data by Region 2011-16.
2.2.4 Update on conservation function
The significant changes in conservation function are detailed in Section 4 of this report. In brief the main
changes to landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation are:
• Landscape: There have been some marginal changes to landscape amenity in designated
natural resource areas such as quarries and plantations, but overall there has been little change
to Noosa landscape values.
• Ecosystems: There has been a reduction of vegetation cover by 122 ha across the biosphere,
but regional ecosystems are still represented with 61 different ecosystem types, plus waterway
and marine ecosystems. There have been changes in regional ecosystem classifications and
numbers but this is largely due to improved science and mapping. Threatened Ecological
Communities, such as sub-tropical lowland rainforest, remain relatively intact.
• Species: Table 10 in Section 3.3 summarises changes at a species level. Again, most of these
changes are due to improvements in knowledge through research and reclassifications of
conservation status and species numbers. Most noticeable changes are in urban areas where
some native species appear to be on the decline (koalas, frogs, snakes, gliders) while other
native bird species are on the increase (lorikeets, plovers, magpies, scrub turkeys). Pest species
such as feral cats, dogs and pigs are known to impact on wildlife. It is unknown what the actual
extent of predation is across the biosphere, but it is likely to be having a significant impact on
native species. A study on beach fauna by USC indicates that 4WDs are impacting on the
number and diversity of intertidal beach fauna. HLW monitoring indicates that fish populations
have fluctuated over the last 10 years. Some fish species are at risk. For example the Estuary
Stingray [Hemitrygon fluviorum] is now listed as “Near Threatened” under the Nature
Conservation Act 1992.
• Genetic variation: There have only been limited studies of genetic variation in Noosa. The NBRF
has provided grant funding to USC to assess and map the health of koala populations across the
NBR. Preliminary studies indicate that coastal koalas may be suffering from genetic isolation
because of development and rural koala populations are potentially healthier. The results of this
study are yet to be finalised.
In 2017, the proportion of terrestrial coverage in the NBR that is protected was 36.5% - well above the
17% target of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, and the estimated 8% of terrestrial
16
coverage in Queensland . Meanwhile, land clearing of woody vegetation in Queensland increased to
14
ABS (2015a), QGSO (2015)
15
https://planning.dsdmip.qld.gov.au/planning/better-planning/state-planning/regional-plans/seqrp
16
2017, Queensland Government, Draft Protected Area Strategy, p.3
Page 20
Section 21
Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
296,000 ha in 2013-15, 3.8 times the rate in 2009-10. Scientists are warning of the devastating impacts
17
of land clearing on wildlife habitat and reef areas .
While Noosa’s spectacular biodiversity has continued to be protected and preserved since 2007, it is
coming under increasing threat from a variety of factors. The key threats to the NBR are:
• Climate change
• Weeds and pest species
• Vegetation clearing
• Habitat fragmentation (caused by urban development)
•
18
Degrading processes (erosion and sedimentation; litter; declining soil health) .
While less than 1% of native vegetation has been cleared in Noosa since 1997, human pressure
(largely due to increasing visitor numbers) is beginning to impact negatively on the NBR. Traffic
congestion is increasing in the main tourist areas during peak holiday periods, and beaches and
national parks are often crowded with visitors. The NSC and Tourism Noosa have begun meetings to
address these issues through a Sustainable Tourism Stakeholder Reference Group. One focus is to
encourage optimal distribution of visitors between the coast and hinterland areas. More detailed
information on conservation efforts can be found in Ch. 4.
Photo: NBRF, Noosa National Park Headland, 2018
2.2.5 Development update
The Noosa economy has grown steadily over the past decade, however the rate of growth has slowed
in recent years. The GRP was up 1% per annum to $2.8 billion in 2015-16. Growth in average annual
household income in Noosa was 4.6% (compared with 2.6% Queensland). There is evidence that the
population is stabilising, yet the tourism and non-tourism sectors are increasing revenues and
employment, slowly decoupling the link between population growth and economic growth.
17
2017, Queensland Government, Herbarium, Scientific review of the impacts of land clearing on the species in
Queensland
18
Biodiversity Assessment, Noosa Council - NRM group workshop, presentation, 16/6/17
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Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
According to the latest economic figures, Rental, hiring and real estate services were up 8% in 2017,
19
Education was up 5%, Healthcare up 3% and Financial services up 2%. The Health sector has
recently overtaken Retail as the largest employment sector in Noosa, following trends in other parts of
Australia where an ageing population is the dominant demographic feature. Also, a record number of
20
visitors came to Noosa last year (over 2 million) . In terms of key industry sectors, the economic profile
of Noosa has changed somewhat over the past decade. Health and Wellness now represents 54% local
income generation, Education and Training 47.8%, and Professional Services 31.8%. These have
become the top three highest growth industry sectors.
The Tourism sector in Noosa – comprising hospitality services Accommodation (22%) and Food (20%) -
remains an important employer, with more than 2.2 million visitors in the year to March 2016. In
contrast, rural enterprise has undergone a sharp contraction of 13.4% since 2006-7, although there is
21
growing interest in sustainable farming practices and innovation . More detailed information on the
Development function in the NBR can be found in Ch. 5 of this report.
2.2.6 Update on logistic support function
The size and scope of logistic support to the NBR has grown over the past decade. In addition to the
NSC and the NBRF, these organisations are working together with a range of academic, business and
community partners to gather information and scientific data on the health of the physical environment
including wildlife, and on the promotion of sustainable development in the Shire.
Among the research partners in the NBR are:
• Philanthropic organisations
• Universities
• Industry associations
• Business organisations
• Community groups
• Environmental organisations
• Schools.
A number of funded research projects have been conducted between 2007 and 2017. These have
included one-off, short and longer-term projects, co-funded by the NBRF and its partners. The funding
criteria for research projects include the ability to source funds from other areas, including government
and the private sector. Key research themes were identified by the NBRF Board, prior to funding rounds
being advertised publicly.
Over the last decade NBRF grant funded a number of projects:
• Soil erosion in riparian zones
• Impact of soil erosion on fish stocks, downstream
• Koala tracking and health status
• Understanding the NBR – community awareness video
• Indigenous ecological knowledge and cultural trails
• Recovery of prawn stocks
• Artificial oyster reefs
• Rural enterprises and a new hinterland economy
• Botanical guide
• Environmental education
• Renewable energy.
19
2018, Lucid Economics, Noosa Economic Profile 2017 (prepared for Noosa Shire Council), p.2
20
https://www.tra.gov.au/Research/Regional-tourism/local-government-area-profiles
21
Ibid.
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Section 23
Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
Since 2014 NSC has prepared various plans and undertaken studies to inform preparation of the New
Noosa Plan including:
• Centres Hierarchy
• Local Economic Plan
• Agricultural Land
• Flood Management Plan
• Housing Needs Assessment
• Riparian study
• Social Strategy
• Cultural Plan
• Transport Strategy
• Biodiversity Plan
• Koala Plan.
NSC was also awarded a Queensland Government grant to prepare a Climate Change Action Plan.
More detail on research projects, associated information and links to progress reports can be found in
Ch. 6 of this report.
2.2.7 Update on governance management and coordination
The Noosa Shire was first established as a separate local government entity in 1910. In March 2008,
the Queensland Government amalgamated Noosa with the Shire of Maroochy and the City of
Caloundra to form the new Sunshine Coast Regional Council (SCRC). This was part of an efficiency
drive to reduce the number of local governments in Queensland. The amalgamation occurred despite
the 2007 referendum in Noosa Shire conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission where 95% of
voters rejected amalgamation.
A successful campaign was run during the next five years to de-amalgamate the Shire resulting in the
State Government agreeing to conduct a referendum on the issue. At this referendum 81% of residents
voted to leave the amalgamated regional council. On 9 November 2013, a local election resulted in a
new mayor and councillors being elected to take office on 1 January 2014. Accordingly, the Shire of
22
Noosa was re-established on 1 January 2014 .
These changes to the Noosa local government have also resulted in changes to the governance
arrangements for the NBR. Under the SCRC the model was a Council-managed company with a board
of 11 directors that had oversight of seven community-based sector boards (all volunteers) supported
by Council staff.
Under the new NSC this has changed to a ‘two-part’ model. The new arrangements include the NBRF
Company (limited by guarantee) which is managed by an eight-person voluntary Board of Directors with
a skills-based membership that administers a public charitable trust.
In addition, there is a community membership-based volunteer organisation, the Noosa Community
23
Biosphere Association (NCBA) that provides on ground support to achieving the objectives of the
NBR.
The PR has provided a catalyst for reviewing progress in all areas of activity, including governance. The
NBRF is committed to a process of continuous improvement. More details on the governance,
management and coordination of the NBR can be found in Ch.7.
22
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shire_of_Noosa
23
http://ourbiosphere.com.au/about-our-biosphere/
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Section 24
Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
2.3 Authorities in charge of coordination and management of BR
2.3.1 Updates to cooperation/management policy/plan, including vision statement, goals and
objectives
As the principal manager of the NBR, NSC vision is “Different by Nature”. The NSC Corporate Plan
24
2017-2037 includes a key focus area to support the community’s aspirations for the NBR. NSC has
also developed a number of strategies and plans for areas such as the environment, economic
development, cultural & social areas. The management plan for the biosphere has lapsed and is to be
reviewed.
The NBRF mission statement and vision set out below is complimentary to NSC’s overall strategic
direction.
MISSION
“Support projects and ideas that enhance biodiversity conservation and promote sustainable living in
Noosa.”
OUR VISION
Our community is internationally recognised for its relationship between Noosa’s environment and its
people.
OUR GOALS
The Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation will engage with the Noosa community to:
1. Preserve and enhance our biodiversity;
2. Encourage and support sustainable living throughout the community;
3. Help deliver projects and research to achieve the above;
4. Increase understanding about the Noosa Biosphere Reserve through communication and
education.
5. The Noosa Biosphere Reserve, through fundraising efforts and project delivery under the
UNESCO MaB program, aims to promote the “Noosa Soft Footprint” as a global benchmark.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
1. Achieving legally protected biodiversity conservation corridors that span the Noosa Biosphere
Reserve.
2. Achieving sustainable resident and visitor actions across the Noosa Biosphere Reserve -
progressing towards a Zero Emissions Noosa.
3. Establishment of a university supported research centre or institute.
4. Develop and promote Noosa Biosphere Reserve to be globally recognised as outstanding – KPI
being progress towards global recognition as World Heritage listing of Noosa and Cooloola.
The NBRF is currently reviewing its mission statements, vision, goals and objectives through the
development of a new strategy and implementation plan, currently in draft.
2.3.2 Budget and staff support
Budget
In 2017-18, the Council has an annual budget expenditure of $116 million, up from $74 million in 2007-
08. The protection of the environment and sustainable development is a key theme in NSC’s Corporate
Plan. The NSC collects a special Environment Levy of $60 per annum from its ratepayers, in addition to
annual general property rates. The purpose of the levy is to raise funds to conserve and improve
biodiversity in the Noosa Shire. The levy provides an important source of funding for a range of strategic
environmental management initiatives across the Shire, including funding for the NBRF, and the
purchase of land for environmental protection.
In 2015-16, a three-year funding agreement was established between NSC and the NBRF. This
provided $250,000 for projects and $140,000 for operations in each of the three years. A grant of
$40,000 was provided for initial start-up costs and an extra $80,000 for economic projects. In addition,
24
https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/documents/40217326/40227860/Corporate%20Plan%202017-2037-FINAL.pdf
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Section 25
Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
in 2015, $350,000 was provided to cover agreed multi-year projects. Annual NBRF budgets are
dependent upon regular reporting and achieving satisfactory outcomes under agreed KPIs. This was a
change from previous arrangements under SCRC where approx. $171,200 per annum was allocated to
NBL in addition to Council’s direct costs of $90,000 per annum for a full-time project officer and other in-
direct staff costs.
In the most recent report to Council in February 2018, the NBRF had total expenditure in 2016-17 of
$308,638 comprised of $202,645 (first grants round projects) and $105,933 (operational costs - $86,852
staffing and $19,141 administrative expenses). Amounts for agreed projects that have not yet been
disbursed (but have been funded) are held on the balance sheet as a cash asset and a balancing
project liability. A new funding arrangement is proposed for the next three years commencing 1 July
2018.
Resourcing
The NBRF is managed by volunteer directors, and one paid part-time administrative assistant. This is
supplemented by use of paid specialist consultants as required. Refer to details Table 7 below:
Table 7 NBRF staff support
Staff Status Number Role Contributions
NBRF Directors Volunteer 8 Management and reporting Monthly board meetings as
of NBRF well as various additional
meetings/workshops as
required
NCBA Volunteer 390 Advocacy to the Noosa Monthly meetings,
members community on direct action activities/projects and
approx. on biosphere related matters community events
Consultants Contract Varies Communications Part-time contract consultancy
& other technical advisory positions as required
services as required
Administrative Contract 1 Administrative support Part-time (office
support administration, meeting
support, accounts etc.)
2.3.3 Communications strategy
The communications strategy over the past 10 years has seen the use of a mix of marketing and
promotional media to reach different audiences. The following communication mediums have been
employed over the review period:
• Branding of various merchandise and publications with the Noosa Biosphere® trademark.
• Regular radio program “Voices of the Biosphere”.
• The production of a suite of NBR-related publications, including brochures, maps, fact sheets.
• An external Noosa Biosphere website http://noosabiosphere.org.au/.
• An external Noosa Community Biosphere Association website http://ourbiosphere.com.au/.
• Attendance and displays at events such as World Environment Day.
• Celebration of Noosa Biosphere Day.
• One on one meetings with various stakeholders from a diverse range of audiences.
• Joint venture branding on websites and promotional material with other organisations such as
NSC and Tourism Noosa.
Some examples of NBR publications can be found in the Annexes section of this report.
In 2017-18, the NBRF Board has identified that it needs to refocus attention on stronger
communications in order to raise understanding of the NBR in the community as well as to assist its
fundraising activities. The Big Ideas Grants Round for project funding proved to be an effective vehicle
for promotion of the work of the NBRF resulting in:
• Active promotion of the NBR in community news outlets;
• Several media releases and media stories about grants submissions and deadlines; and
• Positive relationships with extended media, and local businesses.
Page 25
Section 26
Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
2.3.4 Strategies for fostering networks of cooperation
NSC has been instrumental in bringing together a diverse group of people through:
• The Community Roundtable: The roundtable meets quarterly to discuss issues and make
recommendations on the way forward on social and cultural issues and initiatives.
• The Enviro/NRM forum to bring together a diversity of interest groups. The purpose of this forum
is to also raise issues and recommendations on environmental matters, but more recently the
group is helping to inform the development of a Noosa Environment Strategy. The NCBA are key
stakeholder members of the forum.
• Sustainable Tourism Stakeholder Reference Group: to provide advice to Council and Tourism
Noosa on a more sustainable approach to tourism in the NBR in the future.
For NBRF the Big Ideas Grants Rounds have proven to be a strong ‘bridging’ mechanism with diverse
groups and helped strengthen cooperation, in particular with grant recipients including:
• Noosa & District Landcare
• The University of the Sunshine Coast and University of Queensland
• Kabi Kabi Traditional Owners
• Noosa Integrated Catchment Association
• Country Noosa
• Noosa Parks Association
• Zero Emissions Noosa
• Tourism Noosa
Similarly NSC has established a Heritage Levy Working Group who make decisions on the spending of
heritage levy funds raised through a charge on rateable properties. The working group meets regularly
and consists of a diverse range of stakeholders including architects, State Government representatives,
a Councillor and an Indigenous person.
2.3.5 Particular vision and approaches for addressing socio-cultural context
The vision “Our community is internationally recognised for its relationship between Noosa’s
environment and its people” is a foundation for the NBRF and defines its role in the community. Specific
examples of NBRF’s approach to recognising socio-cultural values include:
• Welcome to Country: The NBRF and NCBA developed a ‘Welcome to Country’ video with Kabi
Kabi to acknowledge Traditional Owners during meetings, events and celebrations.
• Support for Traditional Owner projects: NBRF have funded an Environmental and Cultural
Learning Trail and a bush tucker garden.
• Rural enterprises: The NBRF has funded a project to review current land use practices and
develop strategies for sustainable rural production.
• Tourism Noosa: Consistent engagement with Tourism Noosa on the biosphere and its values
• This approach to support traditional projects and educational programs has helped foster closer
working relationships with important socio-cultural sectors.
2.3.6 Use of traditional local knowledge in the management of the BR
There are a number of areas where traditional local knowledge is used in the management of the NBR:
Statutory: The purpose of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 is to provide effective recognition,
protection and conservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage. Development applications and capital works
can trigger a cultural resource assessment to ensure that there are no impacts on cultural heritage.
Non-statutory: The NBRF plays a role in promoting and educating the Noosa community on the
traditional knowledge and the importance of land and sea country to Traditional Owners. This is done
through:
• ‘Welcome to Country’ introductions at events.
• Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners on promotional materials such as websites, information
sheets and displays.
• Invitations to Traditional Owners to attend NBRF meetings and events.
• Supporting grant applications for indigenous projects such as the Environment Learning Trail and
bush tucker garden.
Page 26
Section 27
Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
Working groups: Indigenous representation on the Heritage Levy Working Group and invitations to the
PRAG and NRM/Enviro Forums
Land title claim: Kabi Kabi Land title claimants will have a say on the management of their traditional
land.
2.3.7 Community cultural development initiatives
The “Welcome to Country” video provides an opportunity to promote the importance of the Kabi Kabi
(GubbI Gubbi) language at events, meetings and forums and can be viewed on the NCBA website.
Many local place names are from the Traditional Owners language including Mount Tinbeerwah, Lake
Cootharaba and Lake Cooroibah and are important and permanent land marks in the NBR.
In terms of community development, the NSC and local business partners fund a large range of regional
cultural festivals that celebrate the natural environment, for example the Booin Gari indigenous festival,
Noosa Festival of Water, Floating Land, Noosa Food and Wine Festival, and Noosa Alive. These
events help to showcase the natural environment, local knowledge of the land, as well as local artistic
talent and creativity.
The Noosa Regional Art Gallery (part of the NSC) performs an important role in promoting the arts,
25
often with NBR-related theme ssuch as the Floating Land arts festival. The diverse terrestrial and
marine environments of the NBR serve as a backdrop for celebrating people living sustainably with
nature. Many thousands of people attend these events, forming a popular program of events for the
tourist calendar.
Photo NSC: Floating Land Arts Festival on Lake Cootharaba
25
http://www.noosaregionalgallery.com.au/floatingland (accessed 3/5/18)
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2.3.8 Spoken and written languages
Based on the 2016 census English is the most frequently spoken language in Noosa (88.3%),
compared with 81.2% in Queensland and 72.7% in Australia. Other languages spoken at home included
26
German 0.9%, French 0.5%, Italian 0.4%, Dutch 0.3% and Spanish 0.3% . There has been little
change over the past few decades.
Other spoken languages include, but are not limited to, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and
Indonesian. The traditional language of the Kabi Kabi First Nations people is less spoken but is
preserved through many local names such as Mt Cooroy, Mt Tinbeerwah, Wooroi Creek, Lake
Cootharaba and Lake Cooroibah.
2.3.9 Management effectiveness
The main challenge remains with gaining widespread community understanding of the meaning of a
“biosphere” and the need to continue to strive for a sustainable future by investing in research and
education.
Funding and limited resourcing also remain a considerable challenge although progress has been made
in attracting funding partners for biosphere related projects through the NBRF grants program.
Without NSC funding support the NBRF would be entirely reliant on generating its own income by
attracting philanthropic contributions and public donations which can be very difficult to attract. Effective
operation of the NBR requires a regular income stream and will always be reliant on the goodwill of
numerous community volunteers.
2.4 Matters of special interest
2.4.1 Is the biosphere reserve addressed specifically in any local, regional or/and national
development plan? If so, what plan(s)? Briefly describe such plans that have been
completed or revised in the past 10 years.
The biosphere reserve is considered in a range of planning/policy documents. Integration of biosphere
principles and concepts provides consistency across community and environmental programs. Key
planning documents that address NBR are:
• 2006 Noosa Plan
• 2017-2037 NSC Corporate Plan: Setting Council’s long term strategies and priorities
• 2015 Noosa Design Principles: Principles to preserve and enhance Noosa’s built environment
• NSC Draft Noosa Environment Strategy: protecting and enhancing Noosa’ natural environment
(commenced 2017, expected to be adopted 2018)
• 2017-2027 Noosa Transport Plan: A plan for sustainable transport solutions
• 2015 Noosa Social Strategy: A framework to improve community well being
• 2016 Local Economic Plan: A plan to broaden Noosa’s economy with growth in ‘smart’ industry
sectors
2.4.2 Outcomes of management/cooperation plans
Having biosphere status raises the profile and significance of Noosa Shire as a leader in sustainable
development and environmental protection. The outcomes of co-operative planning and management
with government agencies and other organisations are as follows:
• A robust Noosa Plan (town planning scheme) with a development cap and strong sustainable
development focus.
• A requirement for developers to demonstrate a commitment to Noosa Sustainability Principles
and minimise impacts to the natural environment.
• A foundation for investment and grants where applicants need to demonstrate consistency with
NBRF and Council principle and objectives.
• An agreed ‘way forward’ between Council, the NBRF, the community and key stakeholders
towards achieving sustainable development and conservation outcomes.
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2016 Census QuickStats: Noosa, SED 30065
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• Community support for the Environment Levy to fund environmental grants, land acquisition and
private landholder conservation initiatives.
2.4.3 Involvement of local people in the work of the BR (communities, groups)
There are a range of community groups that have been instrumental in protecting Noosa’s special
qualities even before biosphere status was granted and continue with those endeavours. Examples of
local organisations involved in the work of the biosphere reserve in the areas of NRM include:
Organisation Involvement in NBR
Noosa Community Biosphere Association On ground action to support and promote the mission and
objectives of the NBR.
Country Noosa Promoting sustainable rural production.
Bushland care groups Local action to protect and enhance bushland reserves.
Mary River Catchment Coordinating Promote sustainable and productive land use within the Mary
Committee (MRCCC) River catchment.
Noosa & District Landcare (NDL) Promote sustainable natural resource management through
education, advocacy, environmental programs and
collaboration with other groups and landholders to restore
ecosystems.
Noosa Integrated Catchment Association NICA has a mission to foster responsible land and water
management in the Noosa River Catchment, resulting in a
clean and healthy river system.
Sunshine Coast Environment Council (SCEC) SCEC is leading Sunshine Coast advocacy group with a
mission to encourage community environmental sustainability.
Noosa Parks Association (NPA) NPA is a local advocacy group with an interest in protecting
Noosa from over development, conserving Cooloola and
Noosa National Parks and consolidating vegetation and
wildlife corridors across the Biosphere.
Healthy Land & Water (HLW) Supports the sustainable use of land and water through
collaboration with landholders, community groups, industry,
Traditional Owners and government.
Queensland Koala Crusaders Advocacy group to support the conservation protection of
koalas.
Koala Tracker Online citizen science website and database to record koala
sightings.
Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital Wildlife care of sick, injured and orphaned fauna.
RSPCA (and Eumundi Wildlife Care and Wildlife care of sick, injured and orphaned fauna.
Rehabilitation Centre)
Wildlife Volunteers Association Inc. (Wilvos) Wildlife care of sick, injured and orphaned fauna.
Wild Care Australia Wildlife care of sick, injured and orphaned fauna.
Some of these groups are represented on the NBRF Board of Directors or on the PRAG. At times
invitations are extended to representatives of various community groups concerning specific focus
areas. Sometimes these community groups are recipients for grant funding for NBRF projects. This
close working relationship with key stakeholders through NBRF membership and project works is
expected to continue.
2.4.4 Women’s participation (community organisations/decision-making processes)
Within Noosa community organisations there is equal opportunity for women to participate or be part of
management committees. The nature of the community organisation can often determine the gender
balance. For example the Noosa Community Roundtable, with an interest in social issues is largely
female dominated but other associations may be male dominated due to the nature of their special
interest.
There are no specific gender diversity initiatives as all groups are accommodating of all genders.
2.4.5 Changes in the main protection regime of the core area(s) and of the buffer zone(s)
There are a number of changes to the core area and buffer zone due to:
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• Expansion of the protected area estate. This has increased the conservation protection regime
through the dedication of new national parks and bushland reserves have increased the size of
the core area by 6,936 ha.
• Better mapping. The extent of the buffer zone has decreased by 17,412 ha due to changes in
mapping methodologies and updated mapping.
2.4.6 What research and monitoring activities have been undertaken in the biosphere reserve by
local universities, government agencies, stakeholders and/or linked with national and
international programs?
Research activities undertaken in the NBR are summarized in Table 8 below:
Table 8: Research activities
Research Project Project manager Linkages
Noosa Biodiversity Assessment Report NSC Local
ZEN Carbon Accounting NSC National
Koala Road Infrastructure Project NSC Local
Bushland Reserve Fuel hazard assessments NSC Local
Pest species monitoring (e.g. Fox dens) NSC Local
Bushland Reserve Strategic Plan and Vegetation NSC Local
Rehabilitation Plans
Generic threatened species management plans-frogs NSC Local and State
Development Assessment - Ecological Assessments NSC Local
Climate change adaptation plan and supporting data and NSC Local and State
mapping
An investigation into stormwater pollution from Noosa’s NSC Local
industrial activities and the impact on Noosa waterways –
ERA project, Council
Glossy-black Cockatoo Conservancy Program GBC Conservancy Local and National
and NSC
Flying-fox Management and monitoring NSC, Flying-fox Local
Rescue and Release,
Bat Rescue and DES
Waterways and Wetlands Mapping NDL and NSC Local
Burnett Mary Regional Biopassage Strategy (for the Mary MRCCC, NDL, NSC Regional
River system)
Lake Cootharaba Nitrogen Study – Stage 2 USC, UQ SEQ, NDL, Local
NSC
Fish (including other biota) Passage Assessment of Noosa NSC, NDL Local
River system – by Landcare
Finding a Frog in February (Citizen Science Project) NSC, MRCCC Regional
Biosphere Projects Noosa Biosphere Local
· Noosa River Bring Fish Life Back
· Keep it in Kin
· Koala Health mapping project
Water Mouse Recovery Plan Australian Local, State
Government,
Universities, DES,
local government
Healthy Land and Water (Economic System Health Healthy and Land and Regional
Monitoring Program) Water
Waterwatch water quality monitoring NDL Local
Coxen’s Fig Parrot monitoring Project NDL Local
Noosa River Mangrove Watch – (photographic record of NICA Local
mangroves throughout the river system & an interpretation of
the data.
Seagrass Watch – (data forwarded onto Seagrass Watch HQ NICA Regional
in Cairns; an old map of seagrass extent supplied to Council
by NICA)
Noosa River Migratory Bird Survey NICA and Wader Local
Group Volunteers
Faunawatch fauna monitoring Faunawatch Local
Association
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Research Project Project manager Linkages
Mary River Cod Recovery Plan, including the Fish Hatchery MRCCC Local
at Lake Macdonald, Cooroy
Threatened Species Recovery Plan MRCCC Regional
Turtlewatch Coolum Coastcare Regional
2.4.7 How have collective capacities for the overall governance of the biosphere reserve (e.g.
organisation of new networks of cooperation, partnerships) been strengthened?
With the establishment of the new management model in 2015 there have been new networks of co-
operation and partnerships developed between various universities and community environmental
organisations particularly through the NBRF grants program.
In addition, NSC has also established an Enviro/NRM Forum that includes a wide section of community
groups within the biosphere that meet quarterly to discuss a wide range of issues and to help inform
development of the shire wide Environment Strategy. The NCBA attend the Enviro/NRM forums. The
Sustainable Tourism Stakeholder Reference Group is also another initiative that will ensure NSC, TN
and the community are aligned in the pursuit of a sustainable level of tourism for the future.
Governance of the NBRF has been strengthened through cooperative relationships with Council and
the development of a Funding Deed and regular reporting to Council. One Councillor from NSC is a
board director enabling a close working relationship between Council and NBRF.
2.4.8. Please provide some additional information about the interaction between the three zones.
The Core Area consists of protected areas including National Park, Conservation Park, Nature Refuge,
Bushland Reserve and Environment Reserve. Largely these areas are set aside for conservation
purposes and low key nature based facilities are provided for eco-tourism opportunities.
The Buffer Zone experiences greater tourism use and edge effects, while protecting the significant core.
Recreation facilities are also provided to meet high demand for nature based activities such as four
wheel driving, camping, horse-riding, boating, beach activities and bushwalking.
The Transition Zone provides areas for human settlement, business and industry but uniquely these
areas are interspersed with corridors and patches of vegetation and habitat. These corridors provide
important linkage with buffer and core areas and can be seen on Map 2. The Noosa planning scheme
has a ‘development cap’ to constrain future development and strong vegetation protection mechanisms
such as the Biodiversity Overlay and shire wide-tree protection provisions helps Noosa maintain
vegetation networks and scenic landscape.
2.4.9 Participation of young people. How were young people involved in the organisations and
community decision-making processes? How were their interests and needs considered
within the biosphere reserve? What are the incentives or programs in place to encourage
their participation?
NSC consultation is inclusive of all demographics on matters affecting the community within the NBR.
Young people were represented on forums such as the Community Juries in 2014 and 2015 dealing
with waste management and management of the Noosa River. On line capability “Your Say Noosa” is
also available for comment on important strategy and this is particularly attractive to the younger
generation.
It is acknowledged that there have been limited opportunities for young people to be involved in NBR
formal decision making processes. Most decisions are made by elected councillors and NBRF directors
who are mainly mature people who have a range of experiences that qualify them to be on the board or
council.
Most engagement with young people by the NBRF has been through events, educational talks and
student work placements programs. It would be beneficial to investigate opportunities for young people
to take a more influential role in NBR decision making.
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3. ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
3.1 Update services provided by each ecosystem and beneficiaries
Ecosystem services
The NBR has 61 identified terrestrial Regional Ecosystems which are defined as “vegetation
communities in a bioregion that are consistently associated with a particular combination of geology,
landform and soil. In addition marine and freshwater ecosystems are highly dependent on the condition
27
of the terrestrial ecosystems” (Sattler & Williams).
With reference to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Framework and the Economics of
Ecosystems and Biodiversity, there has been no comprehensive assessment to economically quantify
the value of each ecosystem type in NBR. The latest biodiversity assessment report – Noosa
Biodiversity Assessment Report (NBAR) prepared by EcoLogical Australia in 2016 – notes ‘the value
the Noosa shire residents and visitors place on ecosystem services, particularly in regards to
recreational tourism and cultural services is significant. This is an important element in considering the
overall value of biodiversity in this area’.
The services that ecosystems provide to the tourism industry are a strong economic indicator and in the
year ending 2015 tourists spent $700 million in the NBR (Noosa Shire Local Economic Plan 2016).
The NBAR groups regional ecosystems into Broad Vegetation Types (Map 3), each BVG providing
ecosystem services to the Noosa community as summarised in Table 9 below:
Table 9. Ecosystem services provided by Broad Vegetation Types (BVGs)
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https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/plants/ecosystems/about
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Map 3. - Type of vegetation communities, NBR
Source: NBAR, 2016
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3.2 Changes regarding the indicators of ecosystem services
The most significant changes to the way indicators of ecosystem services are evaluated have been
through:
• SEQ HLW Program
• State environmental values and water quality objectives
• Noosa Biodiversity Assessment Report (NBAR).
SEQ Healthy Land & Water Monitoring Program
Since 2000, HLW (formerly Healthy Waterways) has been delivering comprehensive freshwater,
estuarine and marine monitoring programs in the Noosa River catchment. The Monitoring Program
provides a regional assessment of the ecosystem health for each of South East Queensland’s major
catchments, river estuaries and Moreton Bay zones. HLW synthesise the data and information to
produce an annual Report Card, which provides a clear understanding of the health of our waterways,
and highlights any issues that require intervention.
In 2015, the Monitoring Program and Report Card evolved to provide a deeper understanding of the
current pressures on waterway condition and, importantly, what needs to be done to enhance the social
and economic benefits they provide. The new report card:
• Includes additional indicators in the environmental condition assessment that now measure the
amount and impact of mud (sediment) entering the waterways, and the extent of key habitats
(such as riparian vegetation).
• Introduces a new Waterway Benefits Rating, which measures the level of social and economic
benefits our waterways provide to local communities.
• Begins to explore the 'actions' and the willingness and ability of landholders and community
groups to help protect and improve the waterways.
State environmental values and water quality objectives
The health of our waterways is strong indicator of the condition of ecosystems that provide services to
the community. The environmental values and water quality objective have been reviewed to meet the
requirements of the Environment Protection Act (Water) 1994. Water quality targets are being kept at a
high standard. Each of the waterways have been mapped for the ecosystem service they provide
including fishing, irrigation, farm supply, stock water, aquaculture, human consumption, recreation,
drinking water, industrial use and cultural and spiritual values.
For specific water quality objective details refer to - https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/water/guidelines/
Noosa Biodiversity Assessment Report (NBAR)
Over the last 10 years there have been a number of changes in the way that biodiversity values are
assessed:
• Status changes. Based on expert review, some regional ecosystems have been upgraded and
some have been downgraded (Endangered, Of Concern, Least Concern). Similarly, the status of
some threatened species (Endangered, Vulnerable, Near-threatened) has also changed;
• Data sources. Previous flora and fauna data sources were wide and varied. There has been an
28
emphasis on using verifiable data sources such as the State Government Wildlife Online , the
29
Atlas of Living Australia and review by a local panel of experts;
• Technology. The use of improved data collection and mapping such as LiDAR to verify Broad
Vegetation types and their extent across the shire; and
• Greater knowledge. Further research and data collection over the last 10 years has expanded
our knowledge of ecosystems, species and impacts across the Shire.
28
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/species-list
29
https://www.ala.org.au/
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A number of peer-reviewed reports, studies and surveys have to be considered to gain a
comprehensive understanding of the overall biodiversity status of the NBR. The most recent study was
the NBAR which utilises a number of data sets and information sources to build a spatial map of
biodiversity scoring based on:
• Conservation status
• Under-represented REs
• Presence of significant species
• Stream order condition
• Wetlands classifications
• Threatened Ecological Communities, and
• Vegetation connectivity.
Other reports, studies and surveys also add value to information contained in the NBAR, including:
• Noosa Waterways Assessment report
• Noosa Fish Passage Study
• The Reefcheck Australia annual reports on nearshore reefs
• Species lists gathered by local interest groups (NPA Bird Observers Group, Botany Group)
• Wallum Aquatic Fauna (Dr Tim Howell), and
• Specific advice from experts on frogs, birds, reptiles and mammals.
The change in conservation status of the various REs within the NBR was fully documented in the
NBAR, 2016 (pp96-104) as summarised in Table 10.
3.3 Biodiversity involved in the provision of ecosystems services
Table 10 below summarises the biodiversity elements involved in the provision of ecosystem services
and also lists the changes to these indicators that have happened over the past decade.
Table 10: Biodiversity ecosystem services and changes, NBR
INDICATOR - NBR 2007 2018 COMMENTS ECOSYSTEM
SUBMISSION PR REPORT SERVICE
Total area – 40,611 ha 40,265 122ha lost to urban Water quality,
remnant development and clearing tourism, recreation,
vegetation for agriculture; flood mitigation, soil
224ha change due to conservation,
improved vegetation nutrient cycling,
mapping. visual, spiritual
Total change: -346ha
% remnant 50.6% 46.8% As for row 1 above As above
vegetation
% regrowth 7.6% 7.8% Improved vegetation Water quality, flood
vegetation mapping and additional mitigation, soil
regrowth. conservation,
nutrient cycling,
visual
Total no. of REs 60 61 Updated RE mapping
Total REs - 10 8 Upgrade of two Water quality, flood
Endangered ‘Endangered’ REs to ‘Of mitigation, soil
Concern’ and 1 mapped conservation,
RE removed through nutrient cycling,
improved mapping. visual, spiritual
Total area - 5,449 ha 4,317 ha As above As above
Endangered
% remnant 13.4% 11% As above As above
vegetation – RE
Endangered
Total REs – Of 24 24 Some REs up-graded, Water quality, flood
Concern some downgraded, total mitigation, soil
number of REs is the conservation,
same. nutrient cycling,
visual, spiritual
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INDICATOR - NBR 2007 2018 COMMENTS ECOSYSTEM
SUBMISSION PR REPORT SERVICE
Total area – Of 12,839 ha 11,144 ha Change to area (ha) due to As above
Concern updated mapping.
% remnant 31.6% 28% Upgrades, improved As above
vegetation – RE Of mapping, and some lost to
concern clearing.
Total REs – 19 REs had 12 NBAR identifies 12 REs Water quality, flood
Regionally limited extent in (State listed as being No mitigation, soil
significant (i.e. Noosa Shire Concern at present) that conservation,
limited extent 2 Endangered have limited extent nutrient cycling,
within Noosa 12 Of Concern including pre-clearing visual, spiritual
Shire) 5 No Concern at extent. This does not
Present include listed Endangered
and Of Concern REs.
Total plant species 1365 2346 Updated flora species list Water quality, flood
Includes native now includes fungi, mitigation, soil
and introduced mosses, ferns, conifers, conservation,
plant species cycads, dicots, monocots, nutrient cycling,
mosses and algae. visual, spiritual
Total bird species 303 313 Updated bird list. Tourism, research,
spiritual
Total mammal 63 75 Includes marine and Tourism, research,
species terrestrial mammals. spiritual
Total reptile 75 67 verified Tourism, research,
species species and 8 spiritual
potential species
based on habitat
availability and
local records
(unconfirmed)
Total marine fish 121 Marine fauna Food, tourism,
species study currently research, spiritual
underway with
the Biosphere
Oyster Reef
Project
Total freshwater 22 36 native Work completed by Dr Tim Food, tourism,
fish species species Howell, Aquatic Ecologist. research, spiritual
4 translocated
from outside
biosphere
3 introduced
Total of 43
species
Total butterfly 78 78 Tourism, research,
species spiritual
Total frog species 30 35 Includes one introduced Tourism, research,
species. spiritual
EPBC Nationally- 73 80 Changes due to Tourism, research,
listed species downgrades of certain spiritual
species based on current
science.
NCA State-listed 66 48 Changes due to upgrade Tourism, research,
species of certain species based spiritual
on current science.
Note 1: Unless otherwise stated the following data sources were used to update listings: Queensland Government Wildlife Online,
Noosa Biodiversity Assessment Report, Noosa Biodiversity Expert Panel.
Note 2: Regional Ecosystems or REs are defined as vegetation communities in a bioregion that are consistently associated with
a particular combination of geology, landform and soil.
Note 3: % vegetation cover figures do not include water bodies.
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3.4 Recent/updated ecosystem service assessments
As mentioned in 3.1 there has been no comprehensive assessment to economically quantify the value
of each ecosystem type. However there has been an assessment of land and waterway health and
water quality objectives (as mentioned in 3.2) which identifies and maps specific ecosystem services
that our waterways provide. Measuring the health of our waterways is strong indicator of the health of
terrestrial ecosystems.
Noosa River’s most recent health assessment was an ‘A minus’ rating based on water quality condition
and the economic and social benefits of the waterway to the Noosa community. This rating is an
indicator of good water quality and it is the highest rating for SEQ rivers. The State environmental health
and water quality objectives for the Noosa River identify the Noosa River catchment as having a range
of environmental values including fishing, irrigation, farm supply, stock water, aquaculture, human
consumption, recreation, drinking water, industrial use and cultural and spiritual values.
4. THE CONSERVATION FUNCTION
4.1 Significant changes in main habitat types, ecosystems, species or varieties of traditional
or economic importance
The significant changes to habitat, ecosystems, species or varieties are summarized in Section 3.3
Table 10. Other changes to note:
• Expansion of the protected area estate and bushland reserve network: 3 new National Parks
(6,743 ha), 1 new Conservation Park (163 ha) and 1 new Nature Refuge (30 ha) - a total addition
of 6,936 ha.
• Memorandum of Understanding dated October 2017 between the Queensland Government, the
NSC, and the NPA to buy out a State Forest timber harvest licence and to progressively transition
approximately 2400 ha of State Forest to protected tenure by 2028.
• Purchase of environmentally significant land on Cooloothin Creek (106 ha) and at Johns Landing
(49 ha) and the dedication of Cooroibah Conservation Park. These land parcels are on the Noosa
River and protect important riparian habitat and help maintain water quality, and
• Expansion of the Bushland Reserve estate, now 178 reserves in total.
The main environmental impacts on the NBR over the past decade were:
• A loss of approximately 122 ha of remnant vegetation cover due to urban development and
agricultural clearing.
• Continued erosion and sediment runoff into rivers and creeks, particularly Kin Kin Creek in the
upper catchment of the Noosa River.
• The expansion of transformer weeds such as Singapore Daisy [Sphagneticola trilobata] and
Asparagus Fern [Asparagus sp.] which are impacting on natural ecosystems and habitat.
• The changes in distribution and abundance of fauna species such as koalas - less common in
coastal areas, potentially more common in rural areas and flying-foxes - more common in urban
areas, and
• Anecdotally, litter entering waterways appears to be increasing and there is concern that this will
continue to impact on marine fauna such as turtles and birds.
Factors affecting changes to NBR ecosystems
Weeds and invasive species:
Local observations indicate that some ecosystems have been invaded by ‘transformer’ weeds.
Examples such as Cats Claw Creeper [Macfadyena unguis-cati] and Madeira Vine [Anredera cordifolia]
smother the canopy, killing tree species. Other weed species have a deleterious effect within the
understorey. It is unknown how significantly this has impacted on fauna species that utilise these
habitats; however it is likely biodiversity of species will be reduced by these weeds. These weeds can
dominate the native endemic species.
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Vegetation clearing and fragmentation:
Although the 2006 Noosa Plan has been effective in controlling development, there is still clearing of
vegetation particularly within the urban footprint. For example, koala habitat trees are sometimes
cleared on approved development sites or from illegal clearing. In collaboration with the Queensland
Government and NPA, NSC is coordinating the development of a significant land conservation project
that will protect and enhance a total of 2400ha of koala habitat within the NBR. The project also helps
aid the conservation of many other significant species and habitats. A number of other community
groups are expected to become involved in this project that will take the next 10 years to deliver.
Erosion and sediment:
It is estimated that a significant amount of sediment, particularly from the Kin Kin catchment, has
washed into the Noosa River as a consequence of land management practices. Through LiDAr
analysis, erosion hotspots have been identified and riparian restoration projects aim to help reduce
sediment washing into waterways.
Direct impacts on wildlife:
Impacts on wildlife include entanglement with fishing lines, nets and plastic, as well as collision with
vehicles and boats. Some species such as turtles and koalas are very vulnerable to these types of
hazards resulting in a gradual population decline.
There have also been changes to migration and mobility of certain species. Natural habitat elsewhere is
diminishing so fauna species such as flying-foxes are becoming more urbanised, taking advantage of
backyard gardens. Recently, flying-foxes have moved into two urban areas within the Noosa Shire.
Predation, vehicle strike and changes to natural fire regimes can also affect the survival of certain fauna
species.
Declining species:
Some experts advise that the NBR can still be subject to species decline consistent with other areas of
the SEQ. For example, Table 11 below identifies a number of species that appear to be on the decline
over the last two decades. The declines in the SEQ region could be due to development, or disease.
Secondly, some of these species are at the margin of their northerly extent in Noosa and populations
can fluctuate.
Table 11. – Declining species, NBR
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME QLD NCA STATUS EPBC STATUS
Green tree frog Litoria caerulea Least concern -
Eastern tiger snake Notechis scutatus Least concern -
Common death adder Acanthophis antarcticus Vulnerable -
Stephens banded snake Hoplocephalus stephensii Least concern -
Bearded dragon Pogona barbata Least concern -
Frilled neck lizard Chlamydosaurus kingii Least concern -
(note: local population at
Noosa Heads)
Nobbi Dragon Diporiphora nobbi Least concern -
Gould’s Monitor Varanus gouldii Least concern -
Greater glider Petauroides volans Vulnerable Vulnerable
Northern quoll Dasyurus hallucatus Least concern Endangered
Spotted-tailed quoll Dasyurus maculatus Vulnerable Endangered
Koalas (potentially Phascolarctos cinereus Vulnerable Vulnerable
declining in coastal areas)
Source: (Presentation by Dr Scott Burnett, University of Sunshine Coast, Noosa Parks Association, 2/3/2018)
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Increasing species:
It is also noted that some species are becoming more common in urban areas where there is greater
food security. Some bird species in particular are now more common:
• Rainbow Lorikeet [Trichoglossus moluccanus]
• Masked Lapwing Plover [Vanellus miles]
• Australian Magpie [Cracticus tibicen]
• Butcherbird [Cracticus sp.]
• Magpie Lark [Grallina cyanoleuca]
• Scrub Turkeys [Alectura lathami]
• Noisy Miners [Manorina melanocephala]
Some arboreal species are also more common in urban areas:
• Brush-tailed Possum [Trichosurus vulpecula]
• Ringtail Possum [Pseudocheirus peregrinus].
4.2 Conservation programs over past 10 years
The following list sets out the main agencies, tools and programs that have supported conservation in
the NBR over the past decade:
Local government activities:
The Noosa Plan
The 2006 Noosa Plan identifies the appropriate use of land across the shire and protects high
biodiversity areas from development. Strict controls apply to ecologically significant areas such as
remnant vegetation and riparian corridors along waterways.
Noosa Biodiversity Assessment Report (NBAR)
This environmental assessment is one of the most important studies that identified the biodiversity
values of the Shire, to help inform the review of the Noosa Plan. The assessment provides the basis for
the biodiversity overlay which limits development in areas of ecological significance in the NBR.
Pest Management program
Guided by the NSC’s Pest Management Plan 2015-2019, the program focuses on the management of
priority pest species such as feral deer, foxes, wild dogs and pigs. These activities are undertaken by
the Queensland Government, the NSC, private landholders and volunteers. Declared pest plants such
as Groundsel [Baccharis halimifolia] and Giant Rat’s Tail [Sporobolus pyramidalus and natalensis]
continue to be contained and reduced as required by Council and landholders. In addition, many other
weed eradication activities are undertaken on private land by landholders, and by volunteer bush carers
on council reserves.
Threatened species management
Noosa is known as a hotspot for Glossy-black Cockatoos. The Glossy-black Cockatoo is listed as a
‘Vulnerable’ species. Every year, volunteers undertake a survey to determine the distribution and
abundance of local populations. Koalas are also listed as Vulnerable. Council and environment groups
are refocusing their efforts to conserve koalas and their habitat in rural areas where there are fewer
risks such as car strike and dog attack.
Community Environmental Partnership Programs
Council works with the community to support conservation efforts on public and private land. The
Bushcare Program has up to 300 volunteers who are involved with conservation efforts in parks and
reserves. The Land for Wildlife Program has a strong membership of over 600 individual landholders
with an interest in the ecological restoration of their land. Some of these landholders have voluntarily
placed a protective vegetation covenant on their land to ensure that vegetation is protected forever.
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Healthy Land & Water (HLW) Report Card
Council is a member of the HLW Consortium. The Noosa River is monitored for freshwater, marine and
estuary health. Each year, rivers in SEQ are rated against environmental, social and economic benefits.
The Noosa River has maintained an ‘A minus’ rating, the highest rating of any river in the SEQ region.
The annual HLW Report Card identifies recommended actions to improve the waterways, including:
protection of riverbank vegetation and freshwater wetlands; maintaining natural assets to maintain
ecosystem services; and efforts to minimise erosion and sediment from construction sites.
Environmental organisation activities:
Noosa has over 300 community groups. Many of these groups have an environmental focus and
undertake a number of projects to support environmental stewardship of the NBR. Some noteworthy
groups are:
Noosa Parks Association (NPA)
NPA has been advocating for the conservation and protection of Noosa’s natural assets for many years.
Most recently, it has been successful in lobbying the State government and NSC to develop a financial
partnership to buy out the forestry harvest licence in the Yurol-Ringtail State Forest area. This will result
in nearly 2400 ha has being transitioned to National Park over a 10 year period with a substantial timber
harvest area being rehabilitated.
Noosa & District Landcare (NDL)
The NDL promotes sustainable natural resource management and is active in bush regeneration,
propagation, education and more recently consulting services on natural resources and environmental
management.
Photo: NBRF: Work experience with the NDL
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Noosa Integrated Catchment Association (NICA)
NICA is a catchment management association with a mission to foster responsible land and water
management in the Noosa River Catchment, resulting in a clean and healthy river system. NICA runs a
number of environmental programs including Noosa Riverwatch to provide a presence on the river,
monitor its health and coordinate litter collection and sand island weeding.
Photo: NICA, River Clean-up
Environmental programs:
Noosa Shire Council (NSC)
Yurol-Ringtail State Forests Conservation Project
Glossy Black Cockatoo Conservancy Program
Koala Conservation Plan
Environment Levy program - including land acquisition
Land for Wildlife Program
Voluntary Conservation Agreement Program
Bushcare Program
Zero Emissions Policy and Strategy
Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan
Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF)
BBTF funded research project – including oyster reef installation; Keep it in Kin Kin riparian zone
rehabilitation; Fish Passage Study; Waterways Condition Assessment; Koala Health Mapping.
Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee (MRCCC - Burnett-Mary Region)
Mary River Threatened Species Program
Waterwatch Program
Mary River Cod Recovery Program and Hatchery
Find a Frog in February
Koala Action Group
Burnett-Mary Regional Group
Catchment Management for Reef Protection
Indigenous engagement programs
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USC/ NSC - Environmental Work Placement Program
The NSC has commenced a joint work placement program with the USC Engineering and Science
Faculty. The students’ coursework or research programs helps to provide data and information to
Council staff to inform environmental management programs. Current projects include a Bird of Prey
monitoring and conservation program, a Bushland Reserve weed mapping project, the production of an
environmental induction program and the development of Geographical Information System mapping
layer that links to ecological data and information.
NDL Programs
Environmental workshops
Environmental consultancy
Training programs
Native plant nursery and advisory program (free advice to the public)
Weed management
Riparian vegetation projects
Koala projects
Kin Kin planting and carbon offset projects
Waterwatch program
Department of Environment & Science
Private landholder Nature Refuge program
NRM and recreation management of the Great Sandy, Noosa, Tewantin, Woondum and Tuchekoi
National Parks.
University of Sunshine Coast (USC)
Environmental Work Placement Program (partnership with NSC)
Koala Health Mapping project – training ‘sniffer’ dogs to detect koala scats
BBTF project – manufacture and monitoring of artificial oyster reefs.
4.3 Links between conservation activities and sustainable development issues
Conservation activities are largely statutory and managed through legislation and the Noosa Plan which
controls land use activities in the biosphere reserve.
The NBR has benefited over the past decade from a strong commitment by both the NSC and the local
community to conservation of the environment. Unlike other parts of Queensland, land clearing has
been minimal (approximately 122 ha). The Noosa Shire retains strict policies on development zones,
retention of natural vegetation corridors and building heights. The Council has a development strategy
of low-rise development nodes interspersed with waterways and areas of natural bushland. This has
had a significant impact on the urban environment and has limited development that is ‘out of scale’ with
the natural environment. Other local government areas adjoining the NBR are developing rapidly, as the
population across the Sunshine Coast region is set to be more than half a million by 2036.
Sustainable living
The Noosa Plan - Noosa Shire’s town planning scheme - provides a strong regulatory framework to
ensure design principles of sustainable development continue into the future. The Noosa Plan has
established a population ‘carrying capacity’ for the Shire – an optimum population that can live
sustainably within the Shire. This is a unique policy position for local government throughout Australia,
30
although there are renewed calls for a national population policy . The Noosa Plan also confines
development to specific zones, thereby protecting ecologically-important areas such as core habitat and
vegetation corridors.
The Noosa Plan has specific provisions to protect and enhance biodiversity through:
• A confined urban footprint
• Shire-wide tree protection provisions
• An extensive vegetation network protected by the Biodiversity Overlay and Riparian Buffer to
protect waterways
30 https://theconversation.com/australia-doesnt-have-a-population-policy-why-78188 (accessed 3/5/18)
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• Requirements for developers to meet strict codes in relation to vegetation protection, erosion and
sediment controls and contributions for park and bushland reserve
• Requirements for thorough ecological assessment prior to development particularly in relation to
(E) Endangered, (V) Vulnerable and (NT) Near-Threatened fauna, and
• Integrated design for connectivity with wider open space networks.
The environment is a central theme in town planning and urban development in the NSC. Council has
adopted a raft of policies that focus on sustainability. These include:
• Carbon Reduction (Zero Emissions) Strategy
• Energy and water efficiency standards
• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategy (under development).
Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan 2016-2024
This plan aims to recycle 55% of domestic, commercial and industrial waste and 80% construction and
demolition waste. A key priority is diverting green waste from landfill to compost. In 2016, the NSC
distributed green waste bins to all urban residents.
Zero Emissions Organisational Strategy 2016-2026
The NSC aims to have zero net carbon emissions by 2026. Baseline carbon-emission calculations have
been undertaken for all Council facilities and activities. Actions that have been taken to reduce Council's
carbon footprint through behaviour change, installation of solar panels on Council buildings, capturing
methane from landfill, and by minimising green waste to landfill.
Housing Needs
There is an increasing need for more affordable housing in the NBR. Noosa has very high median
house prices (approximately nine times average annual income) and median rents, well above the State
average. However, median household income is 14% lower than the State average. As the NSC Mayor
31
suggested recently, this is a potent mix for housing affordability in the Shire .
A recent housing assessment found that many residents on low incomes are struggling with high
housing costs. The report recommended that the Shire promote small innovative dwellings, smaller lots,
secondary dwellings, greater housing diversity and development incentives. These changes would lead
to more sustainable use of existing development areas rather expanding the urban footprint.
4.4 How effectiveness of actions or strategies is assessed
There are a number of indicators demonstrating that environmental activities, advocacy and
conservation programs have been effective in meeting the NSC and the NBR’s objectives:
• Expansion of protected area estate and bushland reserves in the NBR’s core zone
• An expanding volunteer base active in environmental programs
• The maintenance of an ‘A’ rated healthy Noosa River system, and
• Continued strong planning controls including the mapped biodiversity overlay, riparian zone and
shire-wide tree protection provisions
• NSC implementation plans have a number of objectives and KPI to measure their effectiveness
• Healthy Land & Water annual ecosystem health report card
4.5 Influencing factors on conservation efforts
The main factors that have influenced the success of conservation efforts in the NBR are a long period
of community activism resulting in large tracts of land being protected for conservation purposes as well
as strong development controls. The Noosa community have a long history of working together to live
sustainably within the NBR environment.
31
Tony Wellington, Housing squeeze, From the Mayor, Noosa News, 6/4/18
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NSC has continued to facilitate these community aims through:
• A strong Noosa Plan, with Shire-wide vegetation protection provisions and extensive biodiversity
and riparian overlays which contain development away from ecologically-significant areas
• An Environment Levy program which supports funding for acquisition of environmentally-
significant land, conservation programs on private land and support for the NBR grants programs
for community conservation projects
• Council-supported Bushcare Program with up to 300 volunteers who undertake conservation
works on public land
• Council-supported Land for Wildlife and Voluntary Conservation Agreement programs with a
membership of over 300 landholders who undertake conservation works on privately owned land,
and
• An an expanding estate of protected lands including National Parks, Conservation Parks, Nature
Refuges and Bushland Reserves.
Important conservation lessons in the NBR have been learned over the past 10 years. New strategies
and approaches have been adopted in order to be more effective with conservation efforts. Equally,
sustainable development objectives have been maintained and expanded, including:
• Greater understanding of ecosystems, species and habitats and re-focusing efforts areas where
there is a greater chance of long term and sustainable conservation. For example, koala habitat
conservation efforts are being re-focused to rural areas where there are fewer risks.
• In consultation with the Noosa community, adopting and implementing environmental strategies
and plans such as the Koala Conservation Plan, the Pest Management Plan, the Waste
Reduction and Recycling Plan and the Zero Emissions Strategy to help guide priority and cost
effective actions.
• The development and adoption of NSC’s Sustainability Principles so that environment, economic
and social elements are integrated when considering Council and community plans, policies and
programs.
• Working closely with Indigenous stakeholders who have a close connection and understanding
with the land and water.
• Planning for the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and assessing the resilience of
ecosystems to sea level rise and more severe weather events.
• A connected and informed community through targeted stakeholder consultation and use of the
‘Your Say’ Noosa community engagement program. This program utilises a mix of media
including newspapers, online resources and showcase events.
• Enhanced knowledge of what the most significant impacts are in the NBR. For example, LiDAR
mapping in the upper Kin Kin catchment indicates that a very significant amount of sediment is
being mobilised into waterways and is therefore a target for remedial works.
4.6 Other comments/observations from a BR perspective.
The NBR is a demonstration of what can be achieved when an informed and engaged community works
together to achieve a sustainable future.
5. THE DEVELOPMENT FUNCTION
5.1 Prevailing trends in each main sector of the economic base
Population growth
Population growth in the NBR is slowing, currently at 0.8% per annum. This compares with 2.5% per
annum (Sunshine Coast), and 1.3% per annum (Queensland). The South East Queensland Regional
Plan 2017 forecasts Noosa’s population to grow from 54,000 in 2016 to 63,000 in 2041 at a rate of less
than 1% per annum. The slowdown is primarily due to an ageing population structure, limited land for
residential development and fewer jobs in Noosa compared with other areas.
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Despite slowing population growth, there are signs of a growing economy. The median weekly
household income has risen steadily in Noosa over the past decade from $900 per week in 2006 to
32
$1200 - but still below the State average of $1402 per week in 2016. The median house price in
Noosa for September 2017 was $615,000 (up 25% in 5 years). This compares with the State average of
33
just $470,000 (up 19% in 5 years) . In the December 2017 quarter, the unemployment rate in Noosa
was 4.4% compared with 6.1% for the State. For the first time in a decade, the jobless rate in Noosa
has fallen below the State average of 6.2%.
Figure 1. - Noosa employment and unemployment rate, 2011-17
28,000 8
27,000 7
26,000 6
Unemployment rate (%)
Employment (no.)
25,000 5
24,000 4
23,000 3
22,000 2
21,000 1
20,000 0
Sep-11 Sep-12 Sep-13 Sep-14 Sep-15 Sep-16 Sep-17
Noosa (lhs) Noosa (rhs) SEQ (rhs) QLD (rhs)
Source: QGSO (in Lucid Economics Noosa Economic Profile 2017, p.3)
Major growth sectors
According to the latest economic report by Lucid Economics for the NSC, the Noosa economy has
performed well with GRP in 2016-17 increasing by 1% p.a. to a total of $2.8 billion. This growth has
been driven by a combination of factors: the ageing population profile, increasing revenues from tourism
and non-tourism sectors, and economic diversification:
• Rental, hiring and real estate services (up 8% or $12.6 million)
• Education (up 5 % or $7.5 million)
• Healthcare (up 3% or $8.5 million), and
•
34
Finance and insurance services (up 2% or $4.1 million) .
The key economic trends for Noosa between 2011 and 2016, based on ABS Census 2016 data are:
• Noosa’s median age continues to grow, increasing from 46 years (2011) to 48 years (2016),
which is far above the median age at the State level (37 years).
• Education and Healthcare continued to demonstrate strong growth, increasing local employment
by 15% (2011) and 23% (2016).
• The Accommodation sector had the strongest employment growth overall with 25%,
demonstrating growth in the Tourism sector since 2011.
• Growth in Retail employment (another sector heavily influenced by Tourism) was much slower at
1.7%.
• There was strong employment growth across Agriculture, Construction, Transport, Professional
services, Arts and Recreation as well as Rental, hiring and real estate services, Administrative
services and other services which would confirm growing diversification in the local economy.
• Noosa’s self-containment rate (the percentage of local resident workers that are employed
locally) increased from 63% (2011) to 66.4% (2016).
32
2016, ABS Quick Stats
33
Tony Wellington, ‘Housing squeeze’ in From the Mayor, Noosa News, 6/4/18
34
2018, Lucid Economics, Noosa Economic Profile 2017 Update (prepared for NSC), p.1
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35
An analysis of Expected Employment Growth 2017-2022 for Noosa by Lucid Economics shows the
significance and importance of the existing Accommodation and Food services, Healthcare, Education
and Professional services for future growth. All of these sectors are forecast to grow strongly. The study
also shows that Financial and Insurance services as well as Information, Media and
Telecommunications are sectors that are expected to grow into the future, but are not currently well-
represented in Noosa.
In response to these trends, the NSC’s Local Economic Plan identifies several economic sectors to be
supported and developed in the future. Both the NSC and the NBRF will be working together with other
key partners to ensure that sustainable economic development occurs in the NBR within the following
sectors:
• Health and wellness
• Digital economy
• Rural enterprise
• Environmental industries
• Education and training
• Tourism
• Creative industries
• Professional services
Planning and development
The NBR and the local community face interesting times ahead. Conservation and protection of the
natural environment has brought considerable benefits to the region to date. In the coming decades, the
goals of sensitive urban growth, a greener economy and more sustainable lifestyles will continue to be
important.
The existing development form has evolved from a long period of thoughtful planning and community
activism. This process has contributed a common vision for Noosa including low-key appropriately
styled development that is respectful to the setting and local environment. Typical urban symbols of tall
buildings, expansive signage and traffic lights are avoided. Landscaping using mostly endemic species
is a key feature of new development. NSC and the Noosa community have historically fought many
development battles at great cost to protect this vision.
Consequently, the Noosa urban form currently looks different to the rest of the Sunshine Coast with
controlled low rise development. Housing and shopping precincts in the NBR are confined to specific
zones, interspersed with areas of bushland and waterways. The Noosa Plan 2006 (current town
planning scheme) continues to implement this vision and is supported by a strong community
commitment to protect the environment.
Since the launch of the 1997 Strategic Plan there has been: ‘strong community support for a defined
limit on development, particularly for coastal areas where potential for decline in the quality of the
environment, character and lifestyle was identified if development increased significantly. The 1997
Strategic Plan estimated a population carrying capacity for Noosa Shire of 61,350 people: 40,150
people on the coast and 20,200 people in the hinterland and rural areas. That population capacity was
expected to be reached by now, however population growth slowed and if current levels remain, could
36
be twenty years away. Many remaining sites are perhaps those that are more complex to develop’ .
The NSC is currently preparing a draft New Noosa Plan to be ready in 2019. The plan must be
approved by the State Government.
Map 4 (see next page) is the Strategy Map within The Noosa Plan 2006 that sets out the broad land use
intentions for Noosa Shire. It illustrates the extent of areas of ecological significance that surround
existing urban areas and which thereby limit any significant expansion of planned committed to urban
development.
35
Ibid. p17
36
NSC, New Noosa Plan – Discussion Paper, p12, 2017
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Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
Map 4 Planning Scheme Strategy Map (2006)
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Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
5.2 Tourism industry in the BR
Noosa is a top tourist destination on the Sunshine Coast and Queensland. The NBR attracted more
37
than two million visitors in 2016. Tourism is the largest contributor to Noosa’s economy, bringing in a
38
record $940 million in the year to September 2016. The typical international visitor is drawn to Noosa
as a ‘fly and flop’ destination – with a year-round warm climate, attractive beaches and coastal
hinterland in which to relax. Research indicates that domestic tourists are mostly from Brisbane,
Melbourne and regional areas of Queensland.
The Noosa community benefits significantly from the tourism industry through employment and year-
round diverse cultural activities. But this level of popularity also brings with it some negative impacts, as
39
many other tourist destinations around the world have discovered (for example Dubrovnik or Venice).
Some of the current threats to this idyllic holiday town (especially during peak holiday periods) are
crowded thoroughfares and lack of affordable accommodation for service industry workers and people
on lower incomes. Transport gridlock and carparking issues are also causing problems for local
40
businesses and the community. Accommodation that is designated for residential purposes is being
used for short-term stays because of higher returns and ease of letting through on line booking
platforms.
Tourism Noosa is the organisation charged with marketing the NBR both domestically and
internationally. The NSC collects a Tourism and Economic Levy from commercial, industrial and
transitory accommodation property owners who offer accommodation to tourists. This revenue goes
towards Tourism Noosa activities as well as implementation of Noosa’s Local Economic Plan with its
focus on diversifying the Noosa economy.
Tourism and sustainability
One of the main strategic priorities in TN’s Tourism Strategy 2017-2022 is to increase the focus upon
41
sustainability. Importantly, this means advocating for the NBR, further developing the Noosa
EcoCheck brand program and establishing benchmarks for sustainable tourism.
There is room to increase the number of certified Ecotourism and Nature-based Tourism activities on
offer in the NBR. The current TN strategy has identified future opportunities for the tourism industry in
the following areas:
• Building the number of eco-accredited tourism operators
• Facilitating product development that meets consumer demands for authenticity and nature-
based experiences
• Developing opportunities that flow from the designation of Noosa as a World Surfing Reserve,
and
• Promoting hinterland experiences to help disperse visitors throughout the region.
The Noosa EcoCheck is a brand that helps eco-friendly businesses based in Noosa to showcase their
commitment to the environment. Businesses that have adopted energy-saving appliances, water
efficiency measures, waste minimisation, shared transport options and more effective communications
strategies can access a specialised professional development program for their staff. After completion
of the course, staff and the business can benefit from the ‘eco-brand’ identity. To date, more than 500
businesses have enrolled in the Noosa EcoCheck program.
A recent study of sustainable tourism in Noosa found that only 5.8% of Noosa businesses had some
form of recognised eco-certification. Most of those surveyed (21 businesses) had EcoBiz Queensland
42
certification, and five businesses (10 products) held the national Eco-tourism Australia credentials.
The study found that many Noosa tourism operators wished to improve their knowledge about
sustainability, and to understand more about the nomination processes and benefits of eco-tourism
37
2016 Noosa Local Government Area Profile, Tourism Research Australia
38
TN, Tourism Strategy Noosa 2017-2022, p.4
39
http://www.traveller.com.au/overcrowded-tourist-cities-dont-send-anymore-tourists-to-dubrovnik--city-considers-
limiting-number-of-visitors-gy2k9w
40
2017, local news clippings
41
2017, Tourism Strategy Noosa 2017-2022, p.3
42
2016, Cathie Withyman, A case study of sustainable tourism certification within a Biosphere Reserve (ppt)
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Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
certification. The study author concluded that there was also an opportunity to develop a local branding
program that utilised the NBR’s own BR logo.
In November 2017, Noosa became the tenth World Surfing Reserve – joining the east coast of
Australia’s Snapper Rocks (Gold Coast) and Manly Beach (Sydney). It is expected that the award will
give surf-related tourism in Noosa a major boost. World Surfing Reserves are nominated for having
43
consistent good surfing conditions, preserving wave breaks and protecting their surrounding environs.
Photo: NSC, Noosa World Surfing Reserve
5.3 Agriculture, Food and other sectors
Agri-Food sector
The Agriculture and Food sector is a steadily growing economic sector in SEQ, set to play a much
larger role in the future. The rich soils and generally good rainfall of the Noosa hinterland support many
organic farms (fruit, vegetables, beef), supplying both local and overseas markets. There is also strong
interest in developing more sustainable farming practices among rural landholders, producing good
foods and taking care of the land around Noosa for future generations.
The Sunshine Coast’s Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) includes Noosa in its activities. Other
groups are located at Moreton Bay and Gympie. FAN is a membership-based industry network that
aims to promote knowledge about quality food in the region. Currently, it has 163 members including
primary producers, food manufacturers, retailers, restaurants and exporters. With agribusiness currently
providing $670 million per annum, FAN’s vision is to ‘connect the value chain from production to
consumption’. FAN holds network events and information workshops for its members, and is growing
44
strongly.
43
16/11/17, Noosa Today, Noosa World Surf by Phil Jarrat; and 21/11/17, Noosa News, Noosa joins world’s best
by Alan Lander.
44
https://foodagribusiness.org.au/ (accessed 4/5/18)
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In 2017, the NSC produced the report A Taste for Noosa that establishes the links between being a BR
45
and the adoption of best management practices in food production and consumption. The report
provides a snapshot of current agribusiness activities in Noosa, and future opportunities.
Source: NSC, A Taste for Noosa
45
2017, NSC, https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/documents/40217326/40227843/A%20Taste%20for%20Noosa.pdf
(accessed 13/4/18)
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Consumers worldwide are beginning to demand food that is grown locally – with low food miles. Noosa
is already well-known for its resident, internationally-renowned chefs and as a ‘foodie-destination’. It is
well-placed to capitalise on these trends, with an array of new products including mushrooms, black
garlic, tea, subtropical fruits and seasonal vegetables in production.
Food and farming sustainability is also promoted enthusiastically by local organisations such as Slow
46
Food Noosa (SFN). SFN has endorsed 62 business recipients with their special recognition brand, the
Snail of Approval. The brand recognises and rewards businesses that promote sustainable food
production, from growers to retailers. There are also many cultural festivals that occur throughout the
47
year (such as the Noosa Food and Wine Festival ) where healthy, fresh and local foods are
showcased for their superior quality and low food miles.
In 2017, SFN featured a young local high school student won many admirers with his 20-minute video
entitled The Future of Food Production in Noosa. The film was presented at an information and
networking event hosted by SFN. The piece features local permaculture methods and the benefits of
sustainable farming practices.
Local producers and SFN members are all about promoting low food miles to their customers. They
48
confirm strong demand from Noosa consumers for local and fresh food products. The Noosa Farmers
Market held each week on Sunday mornings in Noosa is a prime venue for sourcing and supporting
locally-grown natural food products from within the NBR.
Country Noosa is another local institution that supports beef and other rural producers in the hinterland
to promote their products in the marketplace. These industries are heavily dependent upon climate and
landscape, and will be important to the populations along the coastline of the NBR for years to come.
Photo: NSC: NBR rural area
Property sector
46
http://www.slowfoodnoosa.com/ (accessed 2/3/18)
47
http://www.noosafoodandwine.com.au/ (accessed 2/3/18)
48
Amber McPherson, From paddock to plate, Noosa News, 13/6/17
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Property ownership comprises nearly 18% of GRP in Noosa. Accommodation is a major growth sector
in Noosa, driven by continuing high demand for holiday rental accommodation over peak holiday
periods, and new residents moving permanently to the region. Building approvals were up 26% in 2015-
16. Selected suburbs house prices (including Sunshine Beach at 26% per annum growth in 2016)
produced some of the highest annual increases in property values in Australia in 2016-17.
Rental, hiring and real estate services grew by 8% or $12.6 million in 2015-16. Jobs growth of 25% from
2011-16 in the Noosa Accommodation sector delivered 607 new jobs.
Growth in property values and increased availability of properties for short-term visitor accommodation
is resulting in a lack of affordable housing for lower and average income residents. As a result
residential rents in Noosa are much higher than other regional areas in Queensland. According to the
Queensland Government Statistician, median weekly rent for a three-bedroom house in Noosa in 2016
was $380, compared with $330 for the rest of Queensland. Projections show Noosa rents increasing
more steeply than the State average over the coming years.
Education & Health
These sectors are a good fit with the sustainability aspirations of this community and offer growth
potential in industry sectors that have high economic value and low environmental impact.
Education is a growing economic sector with a presence by two universities (USC and UCQ) as well as
an English language school catering for international students.
While the ageing population may imply that a shrinking workforce could produce less in gross economic
terms, it also indicates that there will be demand for a range of goods and services specific to an older
demographic. Our ageing population is looking to remain active and healthy for longer providing further
opportunities for economic growth in wellness and health services.
5.4 Benefit to local communities of economic activities
The NSC local government area has a low level of unemployment compared to the Queensland State
average (refer 5.1). Economic activity benefits the NBR community through access to employment
opportunities and improved standard of living. The community also enjoys a high standard of essential
infrastructure and services provided by all levels of government as a result of economic prosperity and
responsible financial management.
Economic growth also has some negative aspects such as the impact of tourists during peak periods
and the need to get the balance right between economic development, environmental sustainability and
resident needs in areas such as housing, transport and access to public areas and key facilities.
5.5 Methods of assessing effectiveness of actions or strategies
NSC has a long term corporate plan, an annual operational plan, and many key strategies and
association implementation plans. There is a quarterly reporting process to monitor implementation of
actions associated approved strategies and plans with many also including performance measures to
monitor effectiveness of the approach. Council also provides a detailed annual report on its activities
and financial performance.
NSC also regularly reviews available data on economic, environmental and social indicators and
analyses the latest trends. This data includes population growth, median individual and household
income, rates of employment and unemployment, and growth rates for various industries. The results of
these reports help to guide future strategies and action plans.
5.6 Community economic development initiatives
NSC’s Local Economic Plan 2016 provides the overall strategy for economic innovation and adaptation.
Funding is provided each year to deliver programs aimed at ensuring that the economy is robust,
diverse and innovative.
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A recent initiative is the construction of a state-of-the-art digital hub at Peregian Beach where innovative
49
businesses can access new technologies. The Shire aims to attract high value, low environmental
impact, knowledge-based industries and entrepreneurs to the Noosa region. The Council also offers an
Innovation Masterclass where members of the public can learn the skills necessary for innovation.
It is clear from many global economic commentators that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is already
underway, and that knowledge and creative industries (using the internet as a vehicle for the creation of
50
new products and services) will provide major employment opportunities in the future. People living
within the NBR can be connected into this activity.
Photo: NSC, Digital Hub Peregian Beach
Innovate Noosa is a collective of local entrepreneurs seeking to develop economic development for the
community whilst also tackling problems and challenges identified for the Noosa area. Innovate Noosa
holds ideas driven workshops and young starters pitch competitions.
51
Similarly, Create Noosa brings talented people together to facilitate collaboration and help Noosa
become a centre of excellence for the development and use of creative technologies.
Just to the south of Noosa, the SCRC local government area is earmarked to become a Smart Region.
The rollout of new digital infrastructure, digital capacity and innovation skills is being supported by
52
government, universities, training providers, business and the community. The NBR will also become
a beneficiary of this activity. It will be interesting to see how quickly new and faster internet, the
introduction of coding and other digital technology learning tools in school and university curriculums
benefits younger (and older) generations, and creates new regional employment opportunities in the
future.
5.7 Local business or other economic development initiatives (green alternatives)
The popularity of the NBR as a tourist destination has focused local community attention on transport
and energy issues. Like many other regional towns around the world that attract millions of visitors each
year, Noosa suffers from traffic congestion along its major roadways. Hastings Street - the major retail
shopping and tourist accommodation strip which runs parallel with Noosa Main Beach - is routinely
clogged with cars during the peak summer holiday season. Workers and local residents find it difficult to
move easily around their town with the number of visitors. The NSC is working closely with TN to find
49
https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/whole-lotta-love-for-the-3m-peregian-digital-hub/3355849/
(accessed 23/4/18)
50
https://www.weforum.org/projects/fourth-industrial-revolution-and-environment-the-stanford-dialogues
(accessed 13/4/18)
51
http://createnoosa.com/ (accessed 22/5/2018)
52
2015, Digital Sunshine Coast – Smart Region, Smart City http://digitalsunshinecoast.com.au/
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long-term solutions to this problem. A range of working groups and consultants are developing plans for
53
an exciting, environmentally-friendly integrated transport system for Noosa.
The introduction of electric vehicles may offer one solution. In a very positive move, an electric vehicle
charging station has been introduced at the Cooroy railway station, as part of the Queensland
54
Government’s Electric Super Highway initiative. This program supported by LGAs and completed in
January 2018 provides the longest electric vehicle charging route in a single State in Australia.
Photo source Plugshare, Cooroy electric vehicle charging station
Council also provided grant funding to support an Electric Vehicle Expo held in May 2018 in conjunction
with local community organisation, Zero Emissions Noosa. Opened by the State's Transport Minister,
the one-day expo was attended by close to 2,000 locals. The introduction of electric vehicles into the
Australian car market (and potential price drops over the next 5-10 years with volume of sales and
popularity), is a sign that transport sustainability is achievable at scale.
The NSC has also adopted a goal for the organisation to be carbon neutral by 2026 with major
initiatives underway to increase solar installations from 30kw to 262kw on key Council buildings bringing
the total output per annum to 425200 Kwhr.
Noosa's approach to sustainable economic development is underpinned by the NSC’s Draft New Noosa
Plan (town planning scheme) and its 2016 Local Economic Plan. The overarching vision for the local
Noosa economy is ‘a dynamic and resilient economy for generations to come’.
The Local Economic Plan 2016 outlines the current economic profile and regional context. The SEQ
region has a GRP of $2.5 billion per annum, with average growth rate of 2.7%. Construction is the most
valuable industry delivering $267.8 million to the SEQ region annually, followed by Retail trade ($263.3
million) and Healthcare & Social Assistance ($219 million). Most of the 7,206 businesses in the Noosa
Shire (62%) are non-employing businesses. Most of the growth in the future will come from the
Healthcare and Education and Training sectors.
The Environmental and Professional Services industries together include:
• Professional, scientific and technical services
• Manufacturing
• Electricity, gas, water and wastewater services
• Building materials, and
53
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-10/noosa-council-considers-vehicle-free-zone/8173488 (accessed
23/4/18)
54
https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/projects/electricvehicles/super-highway (accessed 3/5/18)
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• Engineering and business support services.
These industries align well with the NBR values and offer further scope for the application of technology
and innovation to help support more sustainable living. Noosa’s BR status can be leveraged further to
attract world-class talent and experienced leaders to develop, research and pilot projects that align with
the NBR status.
55
The NSC has an impressive Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan 2016-2024 designed to reduce
waste and salvage more materials that can be re-used or up-cycled. The goal is a 55% reduction in
waste to landfill by 2024, set by the Queensland Government.
Council recently appointed Resource Recovery Australia to run its ‘tip shop’ at the Shire’s local waste
management facility. They will run ‘tinkerage’ workshops that will teach residents how to repair furniture,
bicycles and other common household items that normally find their way into landfill. Community
training and education programs will form a large part of the waste program in the NBR, leading to more
employment opportunities for many disadvantaged groups (including Indigenous people and those on
low incomes).
There is much scope for new green business ideas in the NBR. The NSC has demonstrated its
commitment to supporting new avenues for raising community awareness of ecological sustainability
and appropriate economic development in the Shire.
5.8 Changes in terms of cultural values (religious, historical, political, social, ethnological)
There have been few changes in cultural values over the past 10 years. In order to help preserve the
Shire’s heritage, NSC imposes a Heritage Levy on all rateable properties with funds used for a range of
heritage initiatives such as the library heritage collection (incl. print, newspapers, digital images, digital
resources, oral histories and online content) as well as a broad range of activities and works to maintain
and preserve heritage assets.
An example of use of this levy was the recent collaborative approach to restoration of the Cooroy
Memorial Hall where the community and Council joined forces to undertake essential works to allow the
hall to be utilized again by the community and ensure it returned to community ownership. The hall
forms an important part of the cultural heritage of the area having been built following World War 1 as a
memorial to local soldiers and to provide recreation facility for returned servicemen and the community.
In September 2017, Sunshine Coast-based councils along with the State Government celebrated 50
years since the Sunshine Coast region was officially named. The historic photographic displays and
other community arts exhibitions held around the Noosa region provided a unique community record of
the NBR’s development over this period.
Cultural heritage
56
The traditional custodians of the land are the Kabi Kabi people who inhabited an area from as far
north as Fraser Island, south to Pumicestone Passage and west to the Conondale and Blackall Ranges.
The number of Indigenous people living in the Noosa area before settlement is unknown but early
accounts by explorers and journalists in the 1860s indicate that there were several hundred Indigenous
people living on the Noosa waterways. This number dropped significantly after European settlement as
th
a result of illness and massacre. Early in the 20 century many of the remaining Indigenous people
were moved to the Cherbourg mission, but their resilience has ensured that their important connection
to the Biosphere Reserve is ongoing today. This connection is represented by a display at the entry of
the Noosa National Park that helps educate park visitors of the indigenous association with the local
landscape.
Many of the landscapes and places that are protected by the park have been part of the creation stories
of special importance to Aboriginal people. Further information on the role of the Kabi Kabi people in the
NBR is contained in Chapter 6.3 Traditional and Local Knowledge.
55
https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/documents/40217326/40227890/Noosa%20Council%20Waste%20Reduction%20R
ecycling%20Plan%202016-2024.pdf
56
2017, State Library of Queensland, Indigenous Languages map,
http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/resources/atsi/languages/indigenous-languages-map
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Photo NSC: Indigenous educational display at entry to Noosa National Park
The original NSC administration building built in 1911 in Pomona has housed the Noosa Shire Museum
since 1985. The museum is managed by volunteers and promotes itself as the “historical centre of the
57
Noosa Biosphere Reserve” . It is unique in being a small regional museum that contains a separate
indigenous people’s display that was developed in collaboration with the local Kabi Kabi people. There
is also a reconciliation island in the adjoining park providing a point of reflection of the original first
people and their association with the area.
The museum also has an extensive collection of items associated with early European settlement and is
active in the community through events and providing an educational role about our history and the
biosphere through visits by students and general visitors. The period of European settlement remains
evident in the current population with the latest data from the ABS, indicating that English is the most
frequently spoken language in Noosa (88.3%).
The Noosa Library also maintains a Local Studies Collection that includes a wide range of items relating
to the history and heritage of the Noosa region. Resources include books, photographs, maps,
newspaper cuttings, magazines, CD-ROMs, videos, DVDs, pamphlets, oral histories, and organisational
records.
Picture Noosa is an online collection of images that depict the history and development of the Noosa
region. They are an excellent source for local history research, school assignments or for anyone
interested in seeing how the area looked in days gone by. View or search for images on the Noosa
Library Service catalogue.
Recently the Picture Noosa collection has been boosted by the donation of the Griffiths Photographic
Collection, a collection of images taken by photographs of the local newspaper the Noosa News during
the period 1960s to 1990s.
Cultural Planning
In 2017, the NSC conducted a series of forums and community engagement activities to inform the
development of a Noosa Cultural Plan.
Following this consultation process a draft Cultural Plan has been developed that aims to assist Council
• Provide a diverse range of cultural venues, experiences and activities that reflect local needs and
interests
• Support creative expression and participation in a variety of formats
• Enhance the unique creative character, liveability and aesthetic appeal of individual towns and
villages
• Increase the role that arts, culture and heritage play in regards to the environment, economy and
community
• Increase awareness and understanding of local indigenous cultural heritage
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Noosa Shire Museum http://www.noosamuseum.org.au/
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• Increase the skills and knowledge of people in the cultural sector in order for them to adapt to
changes, improve sustainability and harness new opportunities
• Improve the recognition and reputation of Noosa as a cultural destination
The draft cultural plan has a five year horizon and identifies six key themes. History and Heritage;
Places and Spaces; People and Participation; Knowledge and Learning; Growing the Cultural Economy;
and The Digital Future Begins Now.
After public consultation, the Plan is expected to be adopted mid-2018.
Festivals and cultural events
Some of the cultural events on Noosa’s annual Festival and Events calendar include:
• Booin Gari – a local indigenous festival that celebrates indigenous culture and heritage with the
2018 event having a theme of uniting land and the river. The event is held in April each year and
is run under the auspices of United Synergies with funding support from NSC.
https://www.unitedsynergies.com.au/booin-gari-celebration-unites-land-and-river
• Noosa Festival of Water – A family-focused community event organised annually in June by the
MRCCC & NDL. It celebrates water quality and environmental protection of Noosa’s waterways
(rivers and lakes) with a focus on improving community awareness, children’s activities, fishing
clinics, water sports, wildlife exhibits, art activities; boat trips etc. The Festival is sponsored by
local and regional businesses – SEQ Water, Unity Water, NSC, Burnett Mary Regional Group &
Cooroy Bendigo Bank. http://noosafestivalofwater.org/
• Floating Land – An art event featuring the work of local and overseas artists based on themes
relevant to the relationship between art and the environment. It has included digital media,
workshops, exhibitions, and talks by artists. https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/floating-land
• Wallum Festival – Is a program of special community events celebrating local natural bushland
care. The event includes nature walks and advice on care for local vegetation species.
http://noosariver.com.au/event/noosa-wallum-festival-2017/
• Noosa Alive – Formerly the Noosa Long Weekend is a 10 day annual festival of music, theatre,
food and thought. It was founded by prominent Australian playwright David Williamson, author
Kristin Williamson, internationally renowned violinist Brett Dean, environmental activist Dr Michael
Gloster, restaurateur Leonie Palmer-Fisher together with Rick Clayton and Ros McCauley.
http://www.noosaalive.com.au
• Noosa International Film Festival – Established in 2016 NIFF has three key festival streams –
World Cinema presenting new release feature length films, an international short film competition,
and an Inside Cinema stream with special guests. https://www.niff.com.au
• Noosa Open Studios – Noosa Open Studios is an annual free event which provides locals and
visitors the unique chance to visit artists in their private studios over several days in August.
Whilst there, visitors can learn about the artists’ creative processes, see their work and even
make an art investment to call their own! https://www.noosaopenstudios.com.au
5.9 Community support facilities and services
Noosa is well served by a broad range of facilities and services provided by various levels of
government, private business and over 300 not for profit community organisations.
All essential services are catered for within the Shire including a hospital, allied health services and a
broad range of state and private schools.
Other facilities that serve the communities cultural, sport, active and passive recreational needs include:
• A Regional Art Gallery
• 2 Libraries one at Noosaville and one at Cooroy and a mobile library service
• An aquatic Centre at Noosa Heads which includes a 50m, 25m and heated toddler pools
• The J - a community multi-purpose entertainment centre at the Junction
• An indoor leisure centre at Noosaville
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• 8 Community Halls
• 3 Community Centres at Peregian, Pomona and Tewantin
• 68 Community buildings servicing a range of community needs
• 39 Commercial/privately owned sport & recreation facilities (incl. not for profit freehold sites)
• 29 Council controlled (trustee/freehold) sport & recreation facilities including 3 multi-use sports
complexes.
• 18 Other Government controlled/managed sport & recreation facilities
In 2015 Council adopted a Social Strategy to provide a framework to continue to improve community
wellbeing and cohesiveness while addressing the social challenges facing the Shire over the coming
years. The Strategy highlights the Noosa community’s strengths as a community and commits to
supporting and building on these while at the same time identifying priority social issues and challenges
for action.
5.10 Indicators to assess the effectiveness of activities fostering sustainable development
In 2010 the Australian Conservation Foundation applied a sustainable cities index across Australia’s 20
largest cities. The Sunshine Coast (including the NBR at the time of the amalgamated Councils), was
nd
rated 2 based on the following indicators:
• Air quality
• Ecological footprint
• Green buildings
• Water
• Biodiversity
• Health
• Density
• Wellbeing
• Transport
• Employment
• Climate change
• Public participation
• Education
• Household repayments
• Food production
With its extensive protected area network and strong planning controls, Noosa was a significant factor
in achieving such a high rating.
5.11 Main factors that influenced success of development efforts
The main factors that have positively influenced the success of sustainable development efforts in NBR
are:
• A long history of community activism and support for conservation and sustainable development.
• A planning scheme with a development cap and strong sustainability provisions.
• A supportive community, willing to support regulatory frameworks and investment in community
environmental programs such as the Environment Levy and the NBRF.
• A strong community engagement program through mechanisms such as Council’s ‘Your Say’
Noosa where the community is invited to comment on a range of plans and programs across the
biosphere.
Council is currently developing an Environment Strategy. This will provide an opportunity to align NBRF
strategic priorities with Council’s plans, policies and programs. Whilst statutory provisions are in place
through State legislation and the Noosa planning scheme, the strategy will help identify key focus areas
across the biosphere. The NBRF are identified as key stakeholders in the consultation process in
developing the strategy.
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6. THE LOGISTIC SUPPORT FUNCTION
6.1 Main research institutions and programs
Since 2014 there has been an increasing focus on research largely due to funding totalling $1.58 million
provided by NSC to the NBRF. A total of $919,900 has gone largely to funding of grants towards
58
research projects that will help to protect biodiversity and enhance the Noosa community. NSC also
sponsors plans and studies that contribute to addressing conservation, development and advancing the
community.
The NBRF currently works in partnership with a range of organisations to conduct research and
monitoring projects related to the NBR, and to help build awareness of the environment and sustainable
living within the local community. These organisations generally fall into the following categories:
• Philanthropic institutions
• Universities
• Businesses and industry groups
• Community and environmental organisations, and
• Other non-government bodies.
Table 12 below summarises the NBR partnership organisations.
Table 12. - NBRF Research Project Partnerships
TYPE NAME RESEARCH THEME/S RELATIONSHIP
Philanthropist The Nature Conservancy Fish/ oysters/ prawns Funder
The Thomas Foundation (TTF) Fish/oysters Funder
Universities University of Queensland (UQ) Prawns Research
University of the Sunshine Coast Koalas/ fish/oysters Research
(USC)
Murdoch University, WA (Murd) Prawns Research
Central Queensland University (CQU) Rural enterprise/ Energy Research
Business/ Tourism Noosa Tourism/ Nature Trails Advisory
Industry Chamber of Commerce & Industry Innovation/ Business Advisory
Qld
Environment Noosa & District Landcare (NDL) Reforestation/ Carbon Research/Nursery/
Groups offset/ Soil regeneration Planting/ Fieldwork/
Education
Country Noosa Hinterland/ rural enterprise Funder/Research/
Education
Noosa Parks Association (NPA) World Heritage Funder/Research/
Education
Noosa Integrated Catchment Botany/ Waterways Research/Fieldwork/
Association (NICA) Education
Zero Emissions Noosa Renewable energy Research
Queensland Koala Crusaders Koalas Research
Indigenous Marine Ecology Education Indigenous Cultural learning Research
Group Corporation
Individuals Joel Fostin (Horticulturalist) Pandanus disease Research
eradication
Dr Tim Howell (Aquatic Ecologist) Marine biodiversity Research
Community Peregian Beach Community Pandanus disease Research
Groups Association eradication
Schools Sunshine Beach State School P&C Environmental Education Partner
Association
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Noosa Museum- www.noosabiosphere.org.au
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6.2 Summary of main themes of research and monitoring
Over the past decade, there have been two major rounds of funded research projects undertaken in the
NBR by the NBRF and its partners: Foundation Project Grants 2015-17 and Big Ideas Project Grants
2017-18.
The main themes have been:
• Identifying and preventing soil erosion in the upper catchment of the Noosa River
• Re-stocking of the Noosa River – oysters, prawns
• Maintaining the health of koalas
• Raising community awareness of the NBR, and
• Encouraging new sustainable hinterland enterprise.
(A) Foundation Project Grants 2015-17
In 2015-16, the NBRF held its inaugural grants round for scientific research projects that help to secure
better knowledge and understanding of the NBR. Council provided the NBRF with $250,000 per annum
for grants to fund projects focused on the environment, plus $80,000 for projects on economic
development. A summary of the funded projects 2015-17 appears in Table 13 below.
Table 13. - Summary of Foundation Project Grants 2015-17
PROJECT PROJECT PROJECT TITLE GRANT CO- TOTAL PROJECT SUMMARY
SIZE RECIPIENT AMOUNT INVESTMENT PROJECT
(Cash & In VALUE
Kind)
Large USC, UQ, Bring Back the $513,516 $1.13 million $1.65 million A multi-year, multi-strand
Murdoch Fish (including project designed to
University Keep It in Kin Kin restore fish stocks in the
component) Noosa River.
Medium University of Mapping Koala $59,500 $200,000 $259,500 The tracking of koalas by
the Health using ‘sniffer’ dogs;
Sunshine genetic analysis of scats
Coast to determine health
(USC)
status of the species..
Small Noosa Understanding the $20,000 $39,000 $59,000 Production and
Community NBR distribution of an
Biosphere introductory video on the
Association NBR.
(NCBA)
Small Noosa Sedges, Rushes $14,900 $40,000 $54,900 A high quality botanical
Integrated and Restiads guide to native
Catchment vegetation in Noosa.
Association
(NICA)
$607,916 $1.41 million $2.02 million
TOTAL GRANTS CO-FUNDS PROJECT
VALUE
Details of all projects are available at www.noosabiosphere.org.au. Examples of significant case
examples include the following:
Bring Back the Fish (BBTF)
Total project value: $1,474,804
NBRF funding: $441,304
In the past, the Noosa River was known as a place bountiful with fish and oysters. After decades of
commercial and recreational fishing, this is no longer the case. The depletion of fish life in the estuary is
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Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
thought to be the result of a number of factors, including population pressure, agricultural and urban
59
development, overfishing, loss of critical fish habitat and changes in the ecosystem. The BBTF project
is a multi-year, multi-partner, multi-strand project aimed at restoring fish stocks in the Noosa River by
halting soil erosion from the upper reaches in the Kin Kin area of the Noosa hinterland, and repairing
riparian zones. The project has several components:
BBTF - Oyster Reef Project – This project is a partnership between the NPA, TTF and the USC to
place a trial of 14 oyster reefs (artificial) in the Noosa River to provide a structure for oysters spat to
settle on and provide food and habitat to encourage fish growth and diversity. In October-November
2017, 15 large coconut bags filled with oyster shells were placed at eight different sites around the
Noosa River in an attempt to attract oyster larvae and seed new oyster reefs. The bags were
constructed by the USC using world-class methodologies. In order to identify the best sites for the
artificial reefs, sampling of fish life in the lower Noosa estuary was undertaken at 125 locations (using
GoPro cameras) to establish baseline information of fish distribution. The oyster reefs will be monitored
for 3 years by the University. A link to the project can be found here:
http://noosabiosphere.org.au/posts/bringing-fish-life-back.
Photo: NBRF, Dr Ben Gilbey (USC), Attaching oyster shells to coconut fibre bags
BBTF – Encouraging prawn stocks – This project is a partnership between the UQ, Murdoch
University, the NPA and TTF. The project is focused on research associated with prawns in the Noosa
River which are at a fraction of their historic levels. Little historical evidence is available on the causes
with the following being listed as possibilities:
• Overfishing (insufficient adult stocks to provide the next generation)
• Poor water quality reducing larval prawn survival (low plankton food)
• Ror water quality affecting early life of prawns (pollutants)
• Sediment pollution including run-off from catchments, and
59 2015, Thurstan, R. Historical Ecology of the Noosa Estuary Fisheries (Report prepared for NSC, The Nature
Conservancy, TTF), University of Queensland
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• Changed habitat (loss of seagrass or mangroves).
To assess the likely cause of the decline requires a comprehensive scientific examination of the
physical and biological conditions within the river system. The first part of the study which commenced
in 2016-17 involves an assessment through fieldwork, sampling and analysis. A profile of the prawn
population is being produced. Following this analysis, further study will be undertaken to identify what
actions can be taken to encourage the regrowth of the prawn population. Prawns are an important
component in developing fish population. This is a 3.5year project. The University of Queensland has
provided a milestone 2 report - An Integrated Baseline Ecological Assessment of Biodiversity in the
Noosa River, Lakes & Estuary.
BBTF – Keep it in Kin Kin
Total project value: $172,150
NBRF funding: $74,212
This project is a partnership between NDL with support from TTF and Country Noosa. It aims to identify
how erosion from the Kin Kin catchment can be reduced, thereby limiting the amount of sediment
passing into the Noosa River and improving water quality for biodiversity. It should also enable
agricultural productivity to be improved. Stage 1 was completed in 2016-17, involving:
• Over 200 hectares of riparian vegetation surveyed along a 50 kilometre lineal creek line
• LiDAR imagery post-capture processing with a report prepared on change analysis from 2009-
2016
• Over 850 metres of fencing and 2,300 trees installed with resounding survival success
• Meetings held with various partners, including Country Noosa and Kin Kin Community Group
• 284 weed infestations have been mapped and 92 sites treated, and
• Workshops held with private landholders on topics including weed management, slump and slip
management, and creek bank erosion.
This component of the overall BBTF project has been completed. A project overview can be found at
https://landcareaustralia.org.au/lets-keep-it-in-kin-kin/. Further funding has also been secured by NDL
from the NBRF for the next stages of revegetation.
Photo: NDL, Keep it in Kin Kin revegetation group
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Mapping Koala Health to Inform Better Management
Total project value: $259,500
NBRF funding: $59,500
Koalas are an iconic species in the NBR. They were listed as a Vulnerable species in Queensland in
2012, however continuing major population declines have cast doubt on current koala conservation
practices, with an urgent need to collect better data. A major scientific investigation into the health of
koalas within the NBR has been underway since January 2016. It is a joint project between the NBRF
and researchers from the USC to measure important koala health indicators: genetic diversity; extent of
Chlamydia disease; thyroid and reproductive hormones; gut bacteria, and to inform evidence-based
management interventions for koalas in the NBR. The project uses non-invasive methodologies,
including the use of ‘sniffer’ dogs to locate koala scats that are then collected for further genetic
analysis.
The initial project stage - sniffer dogs specially trained by USC researchers to locate koala scat enabling
mapping of Noosa koala habitat areas – was completed in mid-2017. The second stage - using DNA
techniques to identify individual koalas based on scat samples – was completed in late 2017.
Major outcomes were:
• 103 sites out of a total 250 surveys contained koala scats (41.2% koala habitat)
• 94 of the 250 surveys were conducted on private properties
• A total of 128 scats were deemed fresh enough to be collected and utilised
• Genetic testing of the scats is underway
• Public information talks provided (NICA, NPA)
• 7 community events attended (including libraries), and
• A range of local and regional (print and digital) media stories generated.
Photo: NBRF, USC Researchers with sniffer dogs
A project update can be found at http://noosabiosphere.org.au/posts/mapping-koala-health.The USC
has recently been awarded a further $40,000 to continue its ground-breaking research on tracking and
keeping koalas safe and healthy.
(B) Big Ideas Project Grants 2017-19
In mid-2017, the NBRF Board held a further Big Ideas Project Grants Round. The Foundation
committed $330,000 to supporting projects that enhance Noosa's long-term prosperity and increase
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protection of the environment. Successful applicants were announced in late 2017 and early 2018. A
summary of the successful projects can be found in Table 14 below.
Table 14. - Summary of Big Ideas Project Grants 2017-18
PROJECT PROJECT PROJECT GRANT CO-INVESTMENT TOTAL PROJECT
SIZE RECIPIENT TITLE AMOUNT (Cash & In Kind) PROJECT SUMMARY
VALUE
Large Noosa & District Keeping On $123,700 $148,330 $272,030 Implementation of
Projects Landcare (NDL) Keeping it in repair works in areas
(over Kin Kin – Stage identified by LiDAR;
$20,000) 2 trial of new water
quality monitoring.
University of the Koala Forever $40,000 $90,000 $130,000 Further work on koala
Sunshine Coast Noosa mapping and health
(USC) status of Noosa
koalas.
Country Noosa Rural $65,000 $74,000 $139,000 Development of a new
Hinterland Plan rural enterprise
roadmap and
informing local
landholders of
sustainable farming
opportunities.
Small Marine Ecology Environmental $19,500 $11,000 $30,500 Collection and
Projects Education and Cultural distribution of
(under Indigenous Learning Trail Indigenous Ecological
$20,000) Corporation Knowledge within the
NBR.
Peregian Beach Pandanus $20,000 $50,000 $70,000 Research into
Community Preservation Pandanus tree
Association Project dieback disease and
its eradication.
Sunshine Beach Bush Tucker $2,500 - $2,500 Bush Tucker garden
State School Garden and development and
Parents & Citizens Outdoor refurbishment for
Association Classroom environmental
education in a local
primary school.
Tourism Noosa Noosa Trail $19,500 $30,720 $50,220 Establishment of a
Master Plan master plan and
network for local eco-
trails.
Zero Emissions Roadmap to $19,800 $20,900 $40,400 Identification of the
Noosa 100% best way forward for
Renewable Noosa to be a ‘Zero
Energy Emissions’ Shire.
$310,000 $424,650 $734,650
TOTAL GRANTS CO-FUNDS PROJECT
VALUE
(C) Noosa Council
Further research has been undertaken by NSC Consultants in the areas of Climate Change Hazard
Adaptation Strategy and Biodiversity Assessment. The purpose of the research was to determine future
strategy and inform the development of the new Noosa Plan.
6.3 Traditional and local knowledge
Indigenous knowledge
The Queensland Planning Act 2016 is the first planning legislation in Australia to explicitly acknowledge
the importance of valuing, protecting and promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge,
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60
culture and tradition . The active participation of Indigenous Queenslanders in the planning and
development of regions throughout the State is a key theme under the planning implementation
framework allied to the Act. The State Planning Policy is the overarching planning document that sets
out the goals and priorities for development of the State.
The Federal Court of Australia recognises that Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders have rights
and interests to land and waters associated with their traditional laws and customs. Traditional Owners
have this connection to Country (including Land and Sea) recognised under Australian law through the
61
Native Title Act 1993.
Local and traditional knowledge of the land and waterways throughout the NBR is an important adjunct
to the scientific knowledge of the ecosystems gathered to date. For Noosa’s key institutions, working
more closely with local Indigenous leaders in the future, and tapping into the vast knowledge of both
land and sea country is high on the priority list.
For example:
• The NSC has just established links with Traditional Owner families following a successful native
title claim by the Kabi Kabi First Nation.
• The NBRF will follow this lead and seek to become involved in potential joint activities within the
NBR with Council and the Kabi Kabi representatives.
• The NBRF Board has provided funding for a research project to develop an Environmental and
Cultural Trail using Indigeneous local knowledge.
• NDL utlise long-term knowledge and operations in revegetation of natural bushland and riparian
zones.
• In 2018, NICA will work with Traditional Owners on seeking funding from the Queensland
Government for Indigenous Rangers for the Noosa River and related catchment areas.
Kabi Kabi First Nation - Native Title Claim Registration
62
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have occupied Australia for millennia. As noted in the
2007 nomination report, there are many sites around the Noosa region that hold special significance for
Indigenous people, past and present. This Indigenous cultural heritage is unique, and requires ongoing
care and protection. The Queensland Government and the Noosa Shire Council each play a part in this
task, working closely with local indigenous groups to protect and enhance our understanding of their
history and culture.
In March 2017, the National Native Title Tribunal Ruling QUD280/2013 found that the Kabi Kabi First
Nation had the right to lodge a claim of about 11,700 square kilometres including Noosa and the rest of
the Sunshine Coast. Refer to Map 5 showing the traditional Indigenous cultural lands in Queensland
(next page). The decision means that the Kabi Kabi has the ‘right to negotiation, the right to oppose
63
non-claimant applications, and certain other procedural rights while their claim is pending’. The ability
to negotiate with local developers about developments that may impact on native title gives local
Indigenous groups an important ‘say’ in the future of the NBR.
In light of this ruling, the NSC has begun regular discussions with a group of seven Indigenous families
representing Traditional Owners of the Noosa areas. In late 2017, the Mayor of Noosa and several
Councillors held an informal camp on the Noosa North Shore. The group chatted, fished and ate
together, symbolising the foundations of a future productive and ongoing relationship. Representatives
from the Kabi Kabi people have applied for State Government funding to introduce Indigenous Land and
Sea Rangers in the Noosa area. A school-based project funded in the Big Ideas Grants Round 2017-18
will establish a Bush Tucker garden and Outdoor Classroom for primary-school aged children and their
families.
60
Shaping SEQ, 2017, p.24
61
Ibid.p.25
62
http://shareourpride.reconciliation.org.au/ (accessed 6/3/18)
63
Noosa News, Business as usual as native title claim proceeds, 17/2/17
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Map 5 - Map of Traditional Owner groups in SEQ
Source: Queensland Government, Shaping SEQ 2017
6.4 Environmental and sustainability education
Formal education institutions such as schools and universities are the main providers of environmental
and sustainability education in Noosa. There are many primary schools where school children and their
families are encouraged to learn about growing vegetables, recycling and reducing the use of plastics in
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the home. Community groups like Boomerang Bags Noosa advertise in the local newspaper for
volunteers to sew cloth grocery bags to replace single-use plastic bags. Zero Emissions Noosa is
leading a community-based project that has received funding from the NBRF to develop a ‘Roadmap for
Renewable Energy’ in Noosa by 2026.
Local university course offerings change regularly, as do primary and secondary school curricula. A
small sample of Environmental and Sustainable Development education initiatives on offer within the
NBR includes:
• USC, Sustainability Research Centre - marine studies links, koala genetics researchers
• Sunshine Beach State School – funded project for Bush Tucker garden
• SFN featured local student Bayley Pilling’s video - The Future of Food Production in Noosa
• Noosa District State High School supported student Elliot Styles’ work experience at the NBRF
• Private sector primary schools – various sustainability education activities, and
• Proposal for a potential repurposing of the Noosa TAFE College building into a scientific
education venue.
6.5 Assessment of effectiveness of strategies
To date, there has been no formal evaluation of the effectiveness of logistic support in the NBR.
The NSC and the NBRF recognise that an NBR Communications Strategy is an important tool to raise
community awareness and understanding. From 2008-2014, the NBL undertook an extensive
communications brief to help raise awareness of the NBR and to leverage business partners in NBR
activities.
6.5.1 Main internal and external communication mechanisms/systems
In addition to the information provided at heading 2.3.3 the following communication
mechanism/systems are in use:
• Website www.noosabiosphere.org.au
• Radio and television
• Electronic emails
• Production of a suite of information sheets, maps and brochures (see copies in Annexes section).
• Youtube video e.g. Understanding the Biosphere (refer to link in Annexures section of this
report).
• Teleconferencing and face to face meetings
• Local newspapers including the Noosa News & Noosa Today, community and commercial radio
networks
• Regional radio interviews
• National & regional television news broadcasts
6.5.2 NBR website
Currently, the NBRF operates an external website that is updated as regularly as possible, containing
reports to Council and information about funded research projects. The website can be found at:
www.noosabiosphere.org.au.
6.5.3 Electronic newsletters
NBRF has an online newsletter http://noosabiosphere.org.au/contact.htm
6.5.4 Social media
The NBRF has a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/noosabiospherereserve/
6.5.5 Other internal communication systems
Email and Dropbox are commonly used platforms for file sharing and communication.
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6.6 Contribution to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves
The NBR is model of sustainable living with its extensive protected area network, pristine waterways
and engaged community. These representative models contribute to a global network of high value
biosphere reserves.
Over the past 10 years international delegations have been received from Indonesia, China,
Netherlands, Canada, Chile, Vietnam, New Zealand and Cambodia. Numerous visits have also
occurred from American Universities including Virginia Tech and Georgia as well as one from Greece.
Links to videos of those visits are provided in the Annexures to this report. This sharing of knowledge
and experience is expected to continue.
6.6.1 Describe any collaboration with existing biosphere reserves at national, regional, and
international levels, also within regional and bilateral agreements.
From 2008-2014, the NBL undertook an active role in liaison with other BRs:
• Receipt of delegations of visitors from Indonesia, China, Netherlands, Canada, Chile, Vietnam
and Cambodia, many from other BRs
• Invitations to attend and present at UNESCO MaB meetings in various locations, and
• Liaison with the World Network of Biopshere Reserves and invitations to international
symposiums.
6.6.2 What are the current and expected benefits of international cooperation for the biosphere
reserve?
The current and expected benefits include shared understanding of biosphere challenges and
successes and appreciation of reserves particularly in less developed countries than Australia.
6.6.3 How do you intend to contribute to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in the future
and to the Regional and Thematic Networks?
The NBRF has kept a watching brief on other BRs, but focused its resources and attention on activities
within Noosa. While rtravelling in the United Kingdom recently, the current Chair of the NBRF visited the
North Devon BR. Talks have been held with the Great Sandy BR, adjoining the NBR. There is potential
for more collaboration to take place, given the necessary resources. The GSBR is planning a national
BR conference to be held early in 2019.
6.7 Main factors that influenced the success of activities contributing to the logistic support
function?
The major success factors in the Logistic Support area of the NBR have been:
• Developing trusted partnerships with universities and research staff and achieving good
outcomes through grant funded projects
• Developing trusted partnerships with community-based environmental and sustainable
development organisations
• Ongoing commitment to increasing the knowledge and understanding about the unique
ecosystems and species within the NBR
• Recognition of the need to leverage additional funding from its research partners
• Adopting clear priorities for research funding, and
• Communication to the public of the importance of research projects investigating different aspects
of the NBR.
6.8 Other comments/observations from a biosphere reserve perspective.
As part the NBRF community engagement plan a key component will be the increasing collaboration
with other national and international biosphere reserves.
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7. GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION
7.1 Technical and logistical resources for the coordination of the BR
Under the UNESCO MaB program, there are three major functions of a BR:
• Conservation of biodiversity and cultural diversity
• Economic Development that is socio-culturally and environmentally sustainable, and
• Logistic Support through research, monitoring and education.
These functions are dependent upon good coordination and solid collaborative arrangements between
multiple regulatory agencies and actors, including all tiers of government, and also non-government
organisations. In the case of the NBR, the NSC manages the ecological biodiversity and conservation
within its boundaries according to Commonwealth and State legislation, and local policies and plans.
Key stakeholders
The NBR landscape is comprised of biodiversity (including land, waters, vegetation, wildlife and cultural
heritage) governed by one or more of the three tiers of Australian government: commonwealth, state
and local government. The overall picture of regulation and coordination is complex. It is worth noting
that in Noosa, community-based organisations also play a significant role in assisting with monitoring
and caring for various aspects of the NBR, in conjunction with state and local government.
Table 15 below presents a summary of the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies with an
interest in conservation, land use and management in the NBR.
Table 15. – Roles and responsibilities of conservation stakeholders, NBR
ORGANISATION ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Commonwealth Government
Commonwealth Department of Design and implement Australian Government policy, legislation and
Environment & Energy programs to protect and conserve the environment, water and heritage,
promote climate action, and provide adequate, reliable and affordable
energy.
State Government
Queensland Department of Environmental management and legislation, coastal management, heritage
Environment & Science protection, national parks, wildlife and ecosystems, science and innovation;
includes Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
Queensland Department of Promote sustainable and innovative agriculture, fisheries and forestry
Agriculture & Fisheries through policy, plans and programs including minimizing biosecurity risks.
Queensland Department of Sustainable management of Queensland’s land and water resources.
Natural Resources and Mines
Local Government
Noosa Shire Council Overall management of the NBR; manages national and local parks; NRM;
regulates waterways; develops local strategies and policies on urban
planning, development.
Community stakeholders
Mary River Catchment Promote sustainable and productive land use within the Mary River
Coordinating Committee (MRCCC) catchment.
Noosa & District Landcare (NDL) Promote sustainable natural resource management through education,
advocacy, environmental programs and collaboration with other groups
and landholders to restore ecosystems.
Noosa River Integrated Catchment NICA has a mission to foster responsible land and water management in
Association (NICA) the Noosa River Catchment, resulting in a clean and healthy river system.
Sunshine Coast Environment SCEC is leading Sunshine Coast advocacy group with a mission to
Council (SCEC) encourage community environmental sustainability.
Noosa Parks Association (NPA) NPA is a local advocacy group with an interest in protecting Noosa from
over development, conserving Cooloola and Noosa National Parks and
consolidating vegetation and wildlife corridors across the Biosphere.
Healthy Land & Water (HLW) Supports the sustainable use of land and water through collaboration with
landholders, community groups, industry, Traditional Owners and
government.
Burnett-Mary Regional Group Promotes partnerships with government, industry, community groups,
Traditional Owners and research institutions to deliver natural resource
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ORGANISATION ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
management program in the Burnett Mary Region.
Research organisations
University of the Sunshine Coast Education and research.
(USC)
University of Queensland (UQ) Education and research.
Murdoch University (Murd) Education and research.
Central Queensland University Education and research.
(CQU)
Wildlife conservation
Queensland Koala Crusaders Advocacy group to support the conservation protection of koalas.
Koala Tracker Online citizen science website and database to record koala sightings.
Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital Wildlife care of sick, injured and orphaned fauna.
(AZWH)
RSPCA Wildlife care of sick, injured and orphaned fauna.
(and Eumundi Wildlife Care and
Rehabilitation Centre)
Wildlife Volunteers Association Wildlife care of sick, injured and orphaned fauna.
Inc. (Wilvos)
Wild Care Australia (WCA) Wildlife care of sick, injured and orphaned fauna.
7.2 Overall governance framework and contributions
A snapshot of the regulatory framework for the NBR is depicted in Figure 2 below. The framework
comprises global obligations, the 3 tiers of Australian government and the NBRF.
Figure 2. – Snapshot of the regulatory framework, NBR
Global level - from Sustainable Development Goals to the new Noosa Plan
At the global level, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as shown in Figure 3, apply to all nations,
including Australia. They are the umbrella policy settings for sustainability and environmental protection,
and serve as a focus for global action, including within BRs. In terms of current activities within the
NBR, the goals are useful benchmarks for the successful governance, management and coordination of
biodiversity and sustainable development in Noosa.
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Figure 3. – UN Sustainable Development Goals
Australian government (Commonwealth & State)
The regulatory framework for the NBR comprises a mix of commonwealth and state legislation
addressing various aspects of biodiversity, conservation, land use planning and management. There is
a range of principal and subordinate legislation, and a range of related high-level strategies, policies
and plans at the state, regional and local levels.
Table 16 below is a summary of the principal Acts relevant to the management of the NBR.
Table 16. - Summary of principal legislation affecting the NBR
LEVEL OF TITLE OF ACT PURPOSE OF ACT
GOVERNMENT
Commonwealth Environment Protection Provides a legal framework to protect and manage nationally
and Biodiversity and internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities
Conservation Act 1999 and heritage places – defined in the EPBC Act as matters of
national environmental significance.
Native Title Act 1993 Provides a national system for the recognition and protection of
native title and for its co-existence with the national land
management system.
State - Local Government Act Provides for the way in which a local government is constituted
Queensland 2009 and the nature and extent of its responsibilities and powers and
a system of local government in Queensland that is accountable,
effective, efficient and sustainable.
Planning Act 2016 Establishes an efficient, effective, transparent, integrated,
coordinated and accountable system of land use planning
(planning), development assessment and related matters that
facilitates the achievement of ecological sustainability.
Nature Conservation The conservation of nature while allowing for the involvement of
Act 1992 indigenous people in the management of protected areas in
which they have an interest under Aboriginal tradition or Island
custom.
Vegetation Regulates the clearing of vegetation in a way that conserves
Management Act 1999 remnant vegetation, vegetation in declared areas, ensures
clearing does not cause land degradation, prevents the loss of
biodiversity, maintains ecological processes, manages the
environmental effects of clearing, reduces greenhouse
emissions, and allows for sustainable land use.
Environmental Protects Queensland’s environment while allowing for
Protection Act 1994 development that improves the total quality of life, both now and
in the future, in a way that maintains the ecological processes on
which life depends.
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LEVEL OF TITLE OF ACT PURPOSE OF ACT
GOVERNMENT
Fisheries Act 1994 Provides for the use, conservation and enhancement of the
community’s fisheries resources and fish habitats in a way that
seeks to apply and balance the principles of ecologically
sustainable development; and promote ecologically sustainable
development.
Waste Reduction and Promotes waste avoidance and reduction, and resource
Recycling Act 2011 recovery and efficiency action.
Water Act 2000 Provides a framework for making consistent, equitable and
informed decisions about Queensland waters; monitoring and
reporting on the condition of Queensland waters.
State Development Facilitates timely, coordinated and environmentally responsible
and Public Works infrastructure planning and development to support
Organisation Act 1971 Queensland’s economic and social progress.
Marine Parks Act 2004 Provides for marine parks and the conservation of the marine
environment.
In terms of land use planning in Queensland, the State Government has an overarching legislation and
64
State Planning Policy 2016 as well as various regional plans. Each region and Local Government
Authority must ensure that their regional and local level plans align with these policies, and the State
Government reviews and approves each local planning scheme. The policy addresses five key themes:
• Liveable communities and housing
• Economic growth
• Environment and heritage
• Safety and resilience to hazards, and
• Infrastructure.
Local government (NSC)
NSC has responsibilities to enact various Commonwealth and State legislation.
The Queensland Government’s Shaping SEQ: SEQ Regional Plan 2017 is the relevant regional plan for
65
the Noosa Shire. Council is responsible for ensuring the Noosa Plan (to be updated 2019) aligns with
the SEQ Regional Plan. The Noosa Plan is the primary tool used by NSC to control development. In
addition NSC has a range of local laws which control many activities within the biosphere in the interest
of the community.
A critical area of NSC’s responsibility is financial management under State legislation which also
impacts on overall management of the NBR.
Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation
The NSC has sought to find the best representative management model and structure over the past
decade. There have been two major management models: the Noosa Biosphere Limited (NBL) and the
current model that includes the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF) and the Noosa Comunity
Biosphere Association (NCBA). The NBL was a company owned by NSC and comprised community
representatives with seven committees (called Sector Boards), each focused upon a specific theme.
The current model NBRF has a small Board of directors, and the NCBA is a community-based
membership association.
64
https://dilgpprd.blob.core.windows.net/general/spp-july-2017.pdf (accessed 23/4/18)
65
https://dilgpprd.blob.core.windows.net/general/shapingseq.pdf (accessed 23/4/18)
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7.3 Assessment tools or guidelines to support Indigenous and local rights and cultural
initiatives
Indigenous and local rights and cultural initiatives are supported through:
• Aboriginal Cultural Act 2003: The main purpose of this Act is to provide effective recognition,
protection and conservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage. Developments that have the potential
to impact upon cultural heritage sites must be assessed under the Noosa planning scheme.
• Noosa Social Strategy 2015: One of the key initiatives under this plan is to ‘work with traditional
owners and the local indigenous community and value their needs and views in policy
development’.
• NSC Community Engagement Policy, Guideline and Toolkit: Consistent with the Noosa Social
Strategy the policy, guideline and toolkit provide a framework to ensure that Indigenous interests
are considered in local plans, policies and programs.
• Kabi Kabi First Nation Traditional Owners are registered as Native Title Claimants for the entire
Biosphere Reserve area. Council is also a party to negotiations with the State Government and
other Councils to develop an Indigenous Land Use Agreement with Kabi Kabi First Nation
Traditional Owners.
• NSC Heritage Levy Policy: Grant applications for the levy are assessed by a review panel which
includes one Indigenous representative. Key aims of the heritage levy are to:
a. preserve and protect the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the Shire
b. implement heritage programs and projects across the Shire;
c. identify, document, and record the history and cultural heritage of the Shire including our
Indigenous heritage, oral history, social history, built heritage, natural heritage, landscape
heritage, and historical collections;
d. increase community awareness of, and access to, the Shire’s heritage;
e. establish and foster partnerships that have the capacity to enhance the preservation of
heritage facilities and resources; and
f. promote heritage values and strategies across the Shire.
7.4 Main conflicts and solutions
7.4.1 Describe the main conflicts regarding access to, or the use of, resources in the area and
the relevant timeframe. If the biosphere reserve has contributed to preventing or resolving
some of these conflicts, explain what has been resolved or prevented, and how this was
achieved for each zone?
The main conflicts in regard to the use of resources are summarized in Table 17 below:
Table 17 Summary of resource conflicts
Resource Use Conflict Management
Great Sandy National Tourism Overuse by campers The Great Sandy National park
Park and 4WDs Management Plan is currently being
amended to balance tourism growth
and conservation needs
Noosa River and Tourism, Commercial Congestion and In consultation with the Noosa
coastal zone Use, Fisheries overfishing community council has drafted a
Noosa River Plan and Noosaville
Foreshore Management Plan.
Council is also in consultation with
the State Government on
commercial fisheries licenses.
Coal Energy utility Private property Council has recently developed a
access, environmental policy not supporting coal mining,
impacts including coal exploration and coal seam gas
potential contamination
of groundwater
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Resource Use Conflict Management
Timber Building industry Potentially diminish NPA, NSC and State Government
native forest cover over have entered into an agreement to
time phase out the majority of timber
harvesting operations over the next
10 years
Soil Agriculture and Loss of soil sediment NBRF grant funded programs aim
development into waterways to assess soil loss and restoration
programs to mitigate losses
including the ‘Keep it in Kin Kin’
project
Freshwater Human consumption, Water security South-east Queensland (SEQ)
agriculture Water raising the Lake McDonald
dam spillway and also undertakes
offset plantings in the catchment to
protect water quality
Quarry materials Building and Excavation, sediment The Noosa planning scheme
construction industry loss and heavy vehicle constrains quarrying to existing
traffic natural resource areas only
Having biosphere status helps elevate the importance of Noosa’s natural resources in addressing these
conflicts. For example community and Council representations to State Government over the
management of the core and buffer zone, which is largely National Park, has added prominence
through having biosphere status. The Noosa planning scheme constrains development in the transition
zone. Integrating principles and concept of biospheres within the planning scheme helps minimise and
manage resource use within this zone.
7.4.2 Describe any conflicts in competence among the different administrative authorities
involved in the management of the area comprising the biosphere reserve.
Generally cooperation between Commonwealth, State and Local Government administrative authorities
is positive. This can be demonstrated by the recent signing of agreements for the transfer of Yurol-
Ringtail State Forest into National Park. On occasion there may be a difference of opinion based on
policy or legislation. For example:
• Coal seam gas exploration and extraction is not supported by Council but the head of power rests
with the State.
• High visitor use in State managed National Parks can impact on local government resources in
the management of waste and roads.
• The Noosa community would like better management of the Noosa River but this is currently
managed by the State.
• State vegetation management legislation may override local government statutes and cause
localised impacts.
7.4.3 Explain the means used to resolve these conflicts, and their effectiveness. Describe its
composition and functioning, resolution on a case-by-case basis. Are there local
mediators; if so, are they approved by the biosphere reserve or by another authority?
Usually these matters are dealt with on an ‘as needs’ basis and are resolved. Significant matters are
dealt with at a political level. NSC and State Government representatives meet on a regular basis.
Whilst the NBRF does not play a direct role in these negotiations, experts within NBRF can be called
upon for advice.
7.5 Community representation and consultation
7.5.1 Describe how local people (including women and indigenous people) are represented in
the planning and management of the biosphere reserve (e.g., assembly of representatives,
consultation of associations, women’s groups).
The NSC provides for community consultation phases in the development of all of its strategies and
plans relating to the NBR. Through its external website at https://yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au/ the Council
has a Your Say page ‘where local people can have their say, provide feedback, ideas and opinions
about projects that are priorities for the Noosa Shire. This helps ensure that Council makes the best
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decisions for this community’. To date, there has been no detailed assessment of the participation of
women or Indigenous people in the management of the NBR.
Members of the community can also join a host of community organisations in Noosa that focus on
particular areas of interest. There are over 300 community groups in the Noosa Shire. Given the
demographic profile of Noosa, many of these groups are run by volunteers and a large proportion of
volunteers are either retired or in their senior years.
Young people and families tend to be involved in the NBR via school-based activities or via sporting
groups – for example, beach clean-up days, surf lifesaving, surfing, arts and crafts. In terms of
employment experience, the NDL employs many young people through employment programs such as
the Commonwealth Government’s Green Army program and the Queensland Government-run Skilling
Queenslanders for Work program. Over the last decade, the NDL has hosted over 200 placements in
these programs.
In July 2017, the NBRF administrative team accepted an invitation from the Noosa & Districts High
School (NDHS) to provide work experience for a Year 9 student, as part of the school curriculum. The
student spent a week in the NBRF Offices:
• Perusing background materials about the UNESCO MaB program and the NBR
• Helping to collect media clippings, and
• Going on field excursions and learning about the work of the NBRF.
The student is interested in Science, so learning about the ongoing scientific research projects funded
by the NBRF proved to be of particular value. This was an extremely useful exercise for both parties –
beginning a direct exchange between a young person living in the NBR and the NBRF.It is hoped that
this small example of direct engagement with young people will continue into the future.
Indigenous people have helped inform planning and management of the biosphere reserve through a
number of processes. Indigenous people have accepted invitations to biosphere meetings and NSC
workshops which includes PRAG members. Traditional owners are often invited to ‘Welcome to
Country’ introductions at community events. The grant application process also provides an opportunity
for NBRF to engage with traditional owners and helps inform biosphere plans and management
priorities.
Depending on the organisation, women are generally well represented on environment and community
groups that have interacted with the NBRF over the decade. Although not specifically targeted, greater
representation from women’s groups would be beneficial to help inform biosphere plans and
management.
7.5.2 What form does this representation take: companies, associations, environmental
associations, trade unions (list the various groups)?
The most common form of representation is with environment associations such as the Noosa
Integrated Catchment Association (NICA), Noosa Parks Association (NPA) and Noosa & District
Landcare (NDL). However, other specialist groups consulted include indigenous corporations such as
Goombuckar and the Kabi Kabi First Nation Native Title land title claimants.
7.5.3 Indicate whether there are procedures for integrating the representative body of local
communities (e.g., financial, election of representatives, traditional authorities).
Current representation is leveraged through ensuring there is a mix of skills amongst the NBRF
directors which have a diverse range of qualifications and experiences including:
• Business and commerce
• Law
• Arts and journalism
• Ecology
• Politics and economy
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The Noosa Community Biosphere Association (NCBA) also has a diverse membership and promotes
innovation in economic development that is socially, culturally appropriate & environmentally
sustainable.
7.5.4 How long-lived is the consultation mechanism (e.g., permanent assembly, consultation on
specific projects)?
The longevity of the consultation mechanisms depends on the outcome sought. Some examples are as
follows:
• PRAG: The consultation process to inform the PR was over a period of 13 months (project
based).
• NBRF Grants: Consultation with Noosa community on biosphere grants is an ongoing process
which is dependent on available funding streams.
• NBRF Strategy: Extensive one on one consultations (over 100 interviews) by the NBRF Strategic
Advisor were undertaken to inform biosphere management objectives and priorities (project
based).
• NBRF and NSC: Ongoing discussions between NSC and NBRF concerning governance and
funding have been regular and have been conducted over a number of years.
7.5.5 What is the impact of this consultation on the decision-making process (decisional,
consultative or merely to inform the population)?
Consultations have greatly helped to inform the management direction of NBRF, in particular in relation
to priorities for grant projects and the PR.
7.5.6 At which step in the existence of a biosphere reserve is the population involved: creation
of the biosphere reserve, drawing up of the management plan, implementation of the plan,
day to day management of the biosphere reserve? Give some practical examples.
All significant plans and strategies relating to the NBR are subject to community consultation. In some
instances a community reference group is established to inform the direction prior to formal
consultation.
In the case of the NBR Management Plan 2009-2012 the plan was developed by various
representatives of the community sector boards. That plan is currently under review.
It is anticipated that future biosphere strategic plans will involve more broad consultative processes
through a marketing and promotional mix of media.
7.6 Management and coordination structure
7.6.1 Describe any changes regarding administrative authorities that have competence for each
zone of the biosphere reserve (core area(s), buffer zone(s) and transition area(s))? If there
are any changes since the nomination form/last periodic review report, please submit the
original endorsements for each area.
In late 2007, soon after designation as a BR, the Noosa Shire was amalgamated with two other bodies
(the City of Caloundra and the Shire of Maroochy) to form a new, much larger SCRC. The
amalgamation was carried out at the behest of the (then) Queensland Government. The new regional
council was based in Nambour (a large urban centre to the south of the Noosa Shire). The SCRC
established, and was active in funding and supporting the Noosa Biosphere Ltd (NBL).
Over a five-year period, a group of Noosa residents mobilised the community, eventually gaining high
level political support to re-instate Noosa as a separate local government area. They cited the area’s
unique approach to conservation and human development as a rationale for this independence. In a
referendum during late 2013, over 80% of the Noosa community voted in favour of de-amalgamating
from the SCRC. With this sustained pressure leading up to State Government elections, Noosa was
able to de-amalgamate from the SCRC in 2014.
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7.6.2 Update information about the manager(s)/coordinator(s) of the biosphere reserve
including designation procedures.
NSC remains the overall manager of the biosphere reserve with primary controls through its land use
planning scheme and various environmental, social, economic and cultural strategies and related
policies. The overall management has been supported by the following arrangements over the past 10
years:
• NBL 2008 – 2013
The NBL was a company limited by guarantee, with NSC as the single shareholder. There was a
Board of 11 Directors, nine of whom had nominated from within the Noosa community, plus two
elected Councillors.
• NBRF 2014-present
The NBRF is comprised of a voluntary Board up to eight members appointed by the Foundation’s
members. One of the Board members is one elected Councillor. The NBRF has primary
responsibility for financial management, reporting and selecting suitable BR-related research
projects for funding. Membership of the Foundation is limited to current and ex-Board members.
7.6.3 Are there any changes with regard to the coordination structure of the biosphere reserve?
Over the past decade, there have been two main models for the management and coordination of the
NBR, both created by the NSC administration after community consultation. The first model NBL was
under the direct authority of NSC whereas the new model is independent although reliant on funding
from NSC.
NBL 2008 – 2013
There were seven Sector Boards, each with approximately 10 members from the community with
specific expertise or interest in the chosen area. The Sector Boards had been reference groups
operating under the NSC prior to Biosphere Reserve accreditation. These sub-committees met regularly
to discuss relevant issues to raise with the Board, and to help plan community-based activities for the
NBR. Themes covered by the Sector Boards were: Economy, Environment, Cultural, Social, Tourism,
plus Research Development & Learning. The NBL hosted an annual festival to showcase
environmentally-friendly products and significant environmental activities to the community.
NBRF 2014-present
Following extensive community consultation including open public forums, plus the establishment of an
internal working group, the NSC decided on and instigated a new management model for the NBR. The
NSC created the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation Ltd (NBRF), a company to act as trustee for the
Noosa Biosphere Reserve Trust, a charitable trust. The NSC also applied for and received deductable
gift recipient status for the trust which provides taxation benefits for donors to the trust.
The principal purpose of the charitable trust, administered by NBRF, is to advance the protection and
enhancement of the natural environment, being the natural ecosystem and biodiversity of the Noosa
Biosphere Reserve, and also to advance research, education and information about that natural
66
environment.
A separate community membership organisation, the Noosa Community Biosphere Association (NCBA)
was also established as the more broadly representative arm of the BR, to organise events and
encourage local community participation in the NBR.
The NBRF has no permanent staff, but employs skilled contractors as required. These staff provide
administrative, communications, research, fundraising and strategic advisory skills.
66
30 June 2017, NSC, Notes to the Financial Statements, p.5.
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7.6.4 How has the management/coordination been adapted to the local situation?
The new management model initiated in 2014 is more streamlined but arguably less understood than
the original sector board model. The biosphere grants program under the new management
arrangements has proven to quite successful with a number of flagship projects such as the ‘Bring Back
the Fish’ and “Keep it Kin Kin’ projects.
7.6.5 Was the effectiveness of the management/coordination evaluated?
The effectiveness of the management/coordination is constantly under review between NBRF and NSC.
For example NSC recently negotiated a new 3 year funding deed of agreement with NBRF that includes
performance indicators.
7.7 Update on the management/cooperation plan/policy
The NBRF is in the early stages of developing a draft Strategy Summary 2018-2028 which sets out its
vision, mission, programs and ways of working with other stakeholders. The NBRF has also developed
an implementation plan to deliver the strategy. Both these document are in draft form and yet to
undergo a consultation process and ultimate adoption by the NBRF.
7.7.1 Are there any changes with regard to the management/cooperation plan/policy and the
stakeholders involved? If yes, provide detailed information on process for involvement of
stakeholders, adoption and revision of the plan.
Under the Draft NBRF Strategy summary document the NBRF plans to build greater connectivity with
key stakeholders through identifiying agreed community aspirations with NSC, initiating partnerships
and roundtables, more concentrated engagement with stakeholders including business and government
philanthropic organisations and build capacity through annual grants. A formal monitoring process is
proposed to to track progress and review the effectiveness of plans.
7.7.2 Describe contents of the management/cooperation plan (provide some examples of
measures and guidelines). Is the plan binding? Is it based on consensus?
The current draft articulates the values and threats to the NB, the planning process, governance and the
administrative framework for the NBRF. The Plan focuses on proposed major biosphere projects and
measures to build capacity to achieve project delivery.
Although not a statutory requirement, project partners may need confidence that the Plan will be
effective before releasing any of their funding.
7.7.3 Describe the role of the authorities in charge of the implementation of the plan. Describe
institutional changes since the nomination form/last periodic review report. Please provide
evidence of the role of these authorities.
Under the constitution of the NBRF and the Noosa Biosphere Trust, the board of directors can make
policies and decisions, including financial matters, on the implementation of the Plan.
7.7.4 Indicate how the management plan addresses the objectives of the biosphere reserve.
The former management plan is currently under review. The new management plan development will
be led by NSC.
7.7.5 What are the progresses with regard to the guidelines of the management/cooperation
plan/policy?
The draft NBRF Strategy and Plan are at early stages and still need to be progressed. At the same time
NSC is developing an Environment Strategy. Planning proceses to ensure NBRF plans and the NSC
strategy aligned.
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7.7.6 Were there any factors and/or changes that impeded or helped with the implementation of
the management/coordination plan/policy? (Reluctance of local people, conflicts between
different levels of decision-making).
Although there are other planning provisions in place, such as the Noosa Planning scheme, Social
Strategy and Local Economic Plan 2016, one of the impediments to developing NBRF plans was not
having a shire-wide Environment Strategy in place. There is now an opportunity to align both planning
processes to ensure that the NSC and NBRF vision and objectives are complimentary.
7.7.7 If applicable, how is the biosphere integrated in regional/national strategies? Vice versa,
how are the local/municipal plans integrated in the planning of the biosphere reserve?
(Please provide detailed information if there are any changes since the nomination form/last periodic
review report).
The biosphere principles and concepts are integrated into regional planning through consultation
between NSC and the Queensland State Government on the Noosa planning scheme and South-east
Qld Regional Plan.
Local plans such as the Transport Strategy, Social Strategy, Noosa Design Principles and Local
Economic Plan help inform the development of NBRF strategies and plans and identify strategic
priorities for both organisations.
8. CRITERIA AND PROGRESS MADE
The following information confirms that the NBR has made sufficient progress and still meets the criteria
of article 4 of the Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves:
8.1 Mosaic of ecological systems representative of major biogeographic region including a
gradation of human interventions
The NBR is located within the SEQ Bioregion, one of Australia’s biodiversity hotspots. The BR
boundaries are the whole of the Noosa Shire, a small municipality located 143 kilometres north of
Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland. In geophysical terms, the area is located in the Macpherson-
Macleay Overlap, where tropical and temperate land zones overlap. Noosa lies at the intersection of the
Torresian and Bassian geographic bioregions, supporting endemism, speciation and biodiversity.
The NBR as part of the broader SEQ Bioregion has a mosaic of 61 representative regional ecosystems
as well as well as freshwater and marine systems. The landscape is comprised of rainforests, beaches,
woodlands, wetlands, lakes, rivers, forests, mountains and marine areas.
8.2 Significance for biological diversity conservation
The most recent report on the NBR’s biodiversity values reports the following:
• Extensive coverage of remnant vegetation (55%)
• Large number of regional ecosystems (61), a third of which are listed as Endangered in SEQ
• Great diversity of wildlife and plants
• Unique ecosystems, including wetlands, coastal lagoon systems, sand lakes and dune systems
• large number of ecological communities, including the critically endangered lowland rainforest
community
• Key iconic fauna species - including Koala [Phascolarctos cinereus], Glossy-Black Cockatoo
[Calyptorhynchus lathami ], Water Mouse [Xeromys myoides] , Ground Parrot [Pezoporus
wallicus], Coxen’s Fig Parrot [Cyclopsitta diophthalma coxeni], Acid Frogs [Litoria sp.], Cooloola
Blind Snake [Anilios silvia], Sea Turtles [Chelonioidea], Mary River Cod Cod [Maccullochella
mariensis], Australian Lungfish [Neoceratodus forsteri], and migratory shore birds
• Critical habitats for migratory birds, and important sea turtle nesting sites
• Highly connected network of core habitat areas with diverse ecosystems
• Very healthy river system rated (A-) two years running, and
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• Extensive protected reserve system that plays a critical role in conservation management across
the SEQ region.
Photo NSC, Iconic species koala
8.3 Provide an opportunity to explore and demonstrate approaches to sustainable
development on a regional scale
The Draft Noosa Plan (town planning scheme) retains the idealised carrying capacity for the Shire
(popularly known as a population cap) of approx. 62,000 residents that was established in 1997 and
endorsed again in 2006 under the current Noosa Plan. The Queensland Government is yet to complete
its endorsement of the new planning scheme under its State Planning Policy guidelines. The Shaping
SEQ: SEQ Regional Plan 2017 however, has not nominated Noosa within the Sunshine Coast as an
area for further population growth. Rather, it has marked it for minimal growth of 9,000 residents by
2041. The consolidation of the urban footprint will occur via methods such as higher density, mixed use
developments, infill, plus smaller and more innovative housing.
8.4 BR size (appropriate to serve the three functions of BRs)
The NBR comprises an appropriate total size to serve the three main functions. It has a total size of
110,728 ha comprised of 86,978 ha terrestrial land and 23,750 ha marine zone. There is a current total
population of 54,033.
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8.5 Appropriate zonation to serve the three functions
The NBR retains an appropriate zonation to serve the three main BR functions. The combined terrestrial
and marine zone sizes are: Core Zone approx. 42,282 ha; Buffer Zone approx. 17,717 ha; and
Transition Zone approx. 50,729 ha, making a total BR size of 110,728 ha.
8.6 Organisational arrangements
Strong arrangements are in place for the carrying out of the three main functions of the BR, and the
involvement of relevant public authorities, plus local community and private interests. The NSC is the
local government which administers within the boundaries of the NBR. As one of two LGAs located on
the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, the NSC has cooperative links with the State Government, regional
organisations and surrounding LGAs, and also consults with individuals and groups within the local
community on a continual basis.
8.7 Mechanisms for implementation and cooperative activities
a) Mechanisms to manage human use and activities – Draft Noosa Plan (town planning
scheme), and a range of Noosa Shire socio-cultural and economic development plans.
b) Management policy or plan – the Noosa Biosphere Plan of Management 2009-2012 (refer
annexures) is currently under review.
c) Authority or mechanism to implement this policy or plan – the NSC and the NBRF Board
have a triennial Funding Agreement, focused on the achievement of KPIs for the NBR.
d) Programs for research, monitoring, education and training – the NBRF conduct regular grant
funding rounds, consulting with the community to determine research priorities for the NBR.
At the national level:
NBRF is planning to attend the national BR conference in GSBR in 2019. Some collaboration has
occurred with other BRs but no recent significant engagement.
At the regional level:
In the past decade, representatives from the NSC, the NBR and the GSBR have discussed issues
relevant to both areas. There are no current joint initiatives.
Through twinning and/or transboundary biosphere reserves:
In 2011, the Sunshine Coast Rivers Initiative won the National River Prize. (This was when Noosa was
part of the SCRC). The award involved a cash prize and a caveat to develop a Twinning Program to
share expertise with another organisation in Australia looking after waterways. This resulted in NSC
becoming engaged in a twinning project with Capricorn Catchment near Rockhampton, north of Noosa.
Within the World Network:
From 2008-2014, the NBR enjoyed a valuable international profile within the UNESCO MaB’s World
Network of BRs. An international Conference entitled Balance-Unbalance 2013 and sponsored by the
NBL was held in Noosa. It focused on activation of the BR principles and attracted over 120 delegates.
During 2013-14, the then Chairperson of the NBL (Dr Sue Davis) was invited to attend UNESCO MaB
meetings of the Asia Pacific BRs Network in Vietnam, the World Island and Coastal BR Network in
th
Korea and to present a paper at the 4 Pacific MaB Meeting held in Fiji. In addition, the development of
the NBL’s Noosa Climate Action Plan through community consultation was selected for inclusion as a
Case Study in two UNESCO publications, and used as a model for other regions.
Mr Scott Williams, the then Chairperson of the NBRF also more recently attended the 5th Meeting of the
World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves in Malta held in 2015 where the subject of the
meeting was ‘The Impact of Climate Change and Sustainable Development on Island and Coastal
Biosphere Reserves.’ The participants introduced their biosphere reserves and shared knowledge of
their biosphere activities in addition to consideration of future action plans.
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Obstacles encountered, measures to be taken and, if appropriate, assistance expected from the
Secretariat:
The operations of the NBRF have been supported by an annual operational budget from the NSC. This
is negotiated on a regular basis between the NBRF and the NSC, contingent upon meeting of agreed
KPIs and other requirements for reporting.
Describe the main objectives of the biosphere reserve integrating the three functions and the
sustainable development objectives for the coming years.
The former NBR Plan of Management 2009-2012 outlines the following objectives for each of the three
functions.
1. Contribute to the implementation of existing international agreements promoting conservation in
Australia.
2. Include a wide variety of environmental, biological, economic and cultural programs, incorporating
largely undisturbed areas, and extending to include major towns and cities, and taking in coastal
and marine environments.
3. Strengthen the emerging regional, and thematic global components of the functioning World
Network of Biosphere Reserves.
4. Promote scientific research, monitoring, training and education.
5. Contain an extensive and functional occurrence of all Biosphere Reserve zones that fully reflect
the natural and human dimensions of the area.
6. Operate on the basis of open, evolving and adaptive relationships with all sections of the
community to promote management that is culturally creative and ecologically, economically and
socially sustainable.
7. Promote an awareness and understanding through information exchange mechanisms,
community capacity and network building, collaborative partnerships, education programs of
sustainability and responsible stewardship of the area’s ecosystems, resources and values.
8. Promote a greater awareness and understanding of the history of the area, the traditional owners
of the land and impacts of European settlement of the area and the recognition of rights and
participation.
The Plan of Management is currently under review.
In addition the draft NBRF Strategy Summary 2018-2028 contains the goals for the decade ahead. The
focus will be upon delivering research projects under four main programs:
• Bring Back the Fish
• Restoring Koala Populations and Habitats
• Celebrating ‘Made in Noosa’ foods
• Protecting the Noosa Experience.
CONCLUSION
This report has documented the various approaches taken over the period 2007-2017 to manage the
Noosa Biosphere Reserve. It sets out the main achievements in Noosa within each of the three main
functions of a BR, including in conservation, development and logistic support.
The report demonstrates that BRs are complex learning sites for sustainable living. There are many
overlapping layers of protective environmental legislation, policy and regulation, including careful land
use and development planning, monitoring, strategic planning, implementation and review that together
support people and nature within the NBR. The Noosa community and its institutions (including
environmental, social, cultural and economic organisations) have also played a large role in the success
of the NBR and cement its place within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Not least has been the commitment of the many landholders, citizen scientists, students, researchers,
volunteers and others over many years who have been involved in voluntary conservation activities, and
funded research projects focused upon protecting various aspects of the NBR. Collectively, the work of
governments, businesses and the community has contributed to expanding our understanding of
Noosa’s iconic wildlife, waterways, hinterland, society and economy.
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The 10-year UNESCO MaB PR has been an opportunity to reassess the real value of the NBR and
Noosa as a special place, worthy of protection.
Successive administrations and management models of the NBR have achieved much, including:
• NBR nomination and designation
• Assistance with extension of protected estate area
• Engagement with the Noosa and wider Sunshine Coast communities
• Political advocacy to protect the ‘Noosa lifestyle and experience’
• Successful identification and revegetation of eroded riparian areas, leading to better water quality
downstream in the Noosa River system
• Innovative research methods to track local koala populations and improve their long-term health
and
• Indigenous engagement and consultation.
Planned improvements for the NBR include:
• Continuous improvement in community engagement and governance
• Improved communications and marketing of the NBR
• Increased focus and resources for community education about ‘sustainable living’
• Further diversification of the Noosa economy into a truly sustainable economy, and
• Greater emphasis upon fundraising and private investment in the NBR.
On balance, this review indicates that the Noosa Shire deserves to retain its world-class status as a BR
and valued part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
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GLOSSARY
TERM DESCRIPTION
Bassian and Torresian Geophysical zones of Australia.
Bushland Reserve Council controlled land managed for
environmental and conservation purposes while
allowing low key nature based recreational
activities.
Conservation Park Land dedicated for conservation purposes under
the Nature Conservation Act 1992 that allows low
key nature based recreational activities.
Endemism Any species whose range is restricted to a limited
geographical area.
Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Building upon the Third great transformation (the
digital revolution), the 4IR is a fusion of
technologies that is blurring the lines between
the physical, digital, and biological spheres. The
First industrial revolution was the steam engine,
and Second, the dominance of science and mass
production.
ha Hectares, land measurement.
Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) Local Indigenous people of Noosa.
Key Performance Indicator Benchmarks or standards set for measuring
progress.
kms Kilometres, distance measurement.
kms2 Square kilometres, area measurement.
Macpherson-Macleay Overlap Temperate and Sub-Tropical climatic zones of
Australia.
Non-profit organisation Community organisation or charity group.
RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands of International
Importance (1971, Iran)
National Park Special places which protect and conserve
outstanding examples of Queensland's natural
environment and cultural heritage.
Resource Reserve Land dedicated for conservation purposes where
controlled levels of resource extraction are
allowed
State Forest State forest land managed for the sustainable
harvesting of timber resources
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REFERENCES
1. Atlas of Living Australia, https://www.ala.org.au/
Commonwealth Government (Australia):
2. Australian Bureau of Statistics
2016 Census, Data by Region - Noosa (S) LGA 35740
3. Department of the Environment and Energy
o Biodiversity Hotspots
o Nationally-important Wetlands - Lake Weyba
4. Climate Council of Australia, Cities Power Partnership
5. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), https://www.csiro.au/
Species richness areas, Acacia – Macleay-MacPherson Overlap
6. EcoLogical Australia , Noosa Biodiversity Assessment Report 2016 (prepared for NSC)
7. Healthy Land and Water, Report Card 2016 – Noosa Waterways
8. Howell, Dr Tim, Wallum Aquatic Fauna, 2017
9. Lucid Economics, Noosa Economic Profile 2017 Update
10. National Native Title Tribunal – Ruling QUD280/2013
Queensland Government (Qld):
11. Department of Environment & Science
o Queensland Protected Area Strategy (Draft)
o Queensland Threatened species - Endangered animals list 2017
o Environmental value of Noosa Waterways – 2010
o Noosa Wetland map
o Queensland Herbarium, Scientific review of the impact of land clearing on the species in
Queensland, 2017
o List of all species in Noosa 2018 (Extract from Wildlife on Line Queensland)
12. Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDMIP)
Shaping SEQ: SEQ Regional Plan 2017
13. Department of Treasury, Qld Government Statisticians’ Office
Noosa Census Data March 2018
14. Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast (RDASC)
Regional Roadmap 2017
15. Withyman, Cathie. Central Queensland University (CQU), 2013 A Sustainable Tourism Industry:
Opportunities for developing a sustainable tourism industry within the NBR (ppt)
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SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
(1) Updated location and zonation map with coordinates
See Zonation Map – page 19
See Coordinates – Table 14, page 18
Shape Files
Data Sharing Agreement for access to shape files.
(2) Updated vegetation map or land cover map
See page 33
(3) Updated list of legal documents:
Constitution of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation Ltd
Noosa Biosphere Reserve Trust Deed
(4) Updated list of land use and management/ cooperation plans
Noosa Shire Agriculture and Agricultural Land Study 2016
Noosa Shire Climate Change Adaptation Plan (project update)
Noosa Shire Koala Conservation Plan 2016
Noosa Shire Noosa Design Principles
Noosa Shire Noosa Parklands Park Management Plan 2016
Noosa Shire Noosa River Plan (under review)
Noosa Shire Pest Management Plan 2015-2019
Noosa Shire Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan 2016-2024
(5) Updated species list
Queensland Government - List of all species in Noosa 2018 (Extract from Wildlife on Line
Queensland)
2017, EcoLogical Australia, (prepared for NSC), Noosa Biodiversity Assessment Report
(NBAR) – Appendices A. and D. Noosa BVGs and RE Conservation Status
(6) Updated list of main bibliographic references
See References section.
(7) Further supporting documents
Queensland State Government
Department of Environment & Science, Executive Director – Conservation and Biodiversity
Strategy, Letter advising no objection to content of Periodic Review Report
Noosa Shire Council (NSC) https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/
Noosa Sustainability Principles
New Noosa Plan – Discussion Paper 2017
Noosa Social Strategy
Noosa Local Economic Development Plan 2016
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Noosa Heritage Sites (extract Schedule 3 - Noosa Plan)
Taste for Noosa
Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF)
NBRF Strategy Summary 2018-2028 (Draft)
Periodic Review Advisory Group (PRAG) - Terms of Reference
PRAG Minutes 2017-18
(8) Other
Birds of Noosa Shire
Land for Wildlife SEQ Program
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ANNEXURES
Promotional and Communication materials on the NBR:
Local News Coverage of Big Ideas Grants Round (video)
Record Breaking $330,000 for Big Ideas to drive Noosa’s prosperity
News Coverage on Noosa River Oyster Reefs
ABC Sunshine Coast
7 News Sunshine Coast
9 News Sunshine Coast
USC, Prof. Thomas Schlacher – USC Fish Ecology videos
An Integrated Baseline Ecological Assessment of Biodiversity in the Noosa River, Lakes & Estuary
ABC News - Pandanus palms under threat from tiny bug along Queensland coastline
9 News Sunshine Coast – Pandanus Preservation Project (video)
Chance to help protect Noosa's surviving koalas (press)
Research Dog on Koala Scent (press)
Keeping it in Kin Kin (press)
Weeding Out Vines – Kin Kin
Hinterland trail upgrade a big idea for Noosa Biosphere Reserve
Cultural Trail in the Making (press)
Just Why our Bio Reserve Tag is Vital
Understanding the NBR (video)
Students from University of Georgia (USA) tour the NBR (video)
Students from Virginia Tech University Visit the NBR
Noosa Biosphere Undergoes 10-year Review
Noosa Biosphere Reserve Plan of Management 2009-2012
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ADDRESSES
Contact address of BR:
Name: Mr Brett de Chastel, Chief Executive Officer, Noosa Shire Council
Street (or P.O. Box): 9 Pelican Street
City with postal code: TEWANTIN QLD 4565
Country: Australia
Telephone: +61 753296500
E-mail: [email protected]
Website/s: www.noosa.qld.gov.au
www.noosabiosphere.org.au
Administering entity of the Core, Buffer and Transition zones: (as above)
ANNEX I TO THE BR PERIODIC REVIEW, January 2013 - MABnet Directory of BRs
Administrative details
Country: Australia
Name of BR: Noosa Biosphere Reserve
Year designated: 2007
Administrative authorities: Noosa Shire Council
Name Contact: Mr. Brett de Chastel, Chief Executive Officer
Contact address: [email protected] (email)
Related links: NSC, www.noosa.qld.gov.au
NBRF Ltd, www.noosabiosphere.org.au
Social networks: Over 300 community organisations within the NBR
General description:
The Noosa Biosphere Reserve (NBR) encompasses the entire Shire of Noosa. The NBR has 55%
vegetation cover (36.5% protected area coverage) with many beaches, coastal headlands and
hinterland areas. It is one of several biodiversity ‘hotspots’ on the east coast of Australia, located in the
Macpherson-Macleay Overlap, where tropical and temperate land zones overlap. The landscape has
an extensive composition of rainforests, beaches, woodlands, wetlands, lakes, rivers, forests, and
mountains. Noosa Heads lies at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland, which
is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, with a projected population of over 500,000 by 2041.
The local Indigeneous people have a close relationship with the land and waterways within the NBR.
Noosa is a local government area 143 kilometres (81miles) north of Brisbane in the Sunshine Coast
district of South-East Queensland (SEQ), Australia. The Noosa Shire Council (NSC) is the Local
Government Authority (LGA) administering the municipality. The shire covers an area of 86,978
hectares, and was designated a Biosphere Reserve (BR) under the United Nations Educational,
th
Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere (MaB) program on 18
September 2007.
According to the 2016 Census data provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the
population of the Noosa Shire (S) (LGA) (35740) region was 54,033 at 30 June 2016. The GRP of
Noosa was $2.8 billion in 2016-17. Tourism is the main industry group in Noosa, bringing in a record
$940 million in the year to September 2016. Noosa is a popular holiday destination for both domestic
and international visitors.
Noosa is renowned for its large number of regional ecosystems; great diversity of wildlife and plants;
unique ecosystems including wetlands, coastal lagoon systems, sand lakes and dune systems; large
number of ecological communities; critical habitats for migratory birds, and important sea turtle nesting
sites. It has maintained a very healthy river system rated (A-) two years running; and extensive
protected reserve system that plays a critical role in conservation management across the SEQ region.
The NBR’s iconic species include: Koala [Phascolarctos cinereus], Glossy Black-Cockatoo
[Calyptorhynchus lathami ], Water Mouse [Xeromoides myoides], Ground Parrot [Pezoporus wallicus],
Coxen’s Fig Parrot [Cyclopsitta diophthalma coxeni], Acid Frogs [Litoria sp.], Cooloola Blind Snake
[Anilios silvia], Sea Turtles [Chelonioidea sp.], Mary River Cod Cod [Maccullochella mariensis],
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Australian Lungfish [Neoceratodus forsteri], and migratory shore birds.
Major ecosystem type: wetlands, rivers, coastal lowland coastal rainforest, eucalypt forest, heath,
freshwater and marine.
Major habitats & land cover types: Sandplains and high dune rainforest; Eucalypt forest; Melaleuca;
Heathlands and sedgelands; Mangrove and saline communities; and Frontal dunes and foreshore
communities.
Bioclimatic zone: Overlap of Temperate and Tropical zones
Location (latitude & longitude): -26.3305 S & 152.952 E
Total Area (ha): 86,978 ha (total of 110,728 ha with additional 23,750 ha marine area)
Core area(s): 42,282 ha
Buffer zone(s): 17,717 ha
Transition area(s): 26,979 ha
Different existing zonation:
Altitudinal range (metres above sea level):
Zonation map(s): see p.19
Main objectives of the BR:
Brief description:
1. Achieving legally protected biodiversity conservation corridords that span the Noosa Biosphere
Reserve.
2. Achieving sustainable resident and visitor actions across the Noosa Biosphere Reserve -
progressing towards a Zero Emissions Noosa.
3. Establishment of a university supported research centre or institute.
4. Develop and promote Noosa Biosphere Reserve to be globally recognised as outstanding – KPI
progress towards global recognition as World Heritage listing of Noosa and Cooloola.
Research: Brief description
In 2017-18, the major funded research areas of the NBRF are:
(1) Bring Back the Fish – cleaner waters, restored productivity and safer, sustainable use of vibrant
fish stocks and wildlife.
(2) Restore Koala Populations and Habitats – securing innovative conservation financing to protect
a network of habitat corridors.
(3) Celebrate ‘Made in Noosa’ Food – develop practices, standards and branding to protect Noosa’s
environment and make ‘Made in Noosa’ food well-recognised by 2028.
(4) Protect the Noosa Experience – research into tourism that supports the transition from a
destination marketing to a destination management approach, and protecting the most popular
sites from “too much love”.
Monitoring:Brief description
Monitoring of the health of the various ecosystems and biodiversity richness within the NBR (including
land, rivers, coastal areas, hinterland areas) is performed by a mix of Commonwealth, State and
Local Government authorities, as well as regional networks, environmental and community groups,
citizen scientists and individuals.
Specifically the Healthy Land & Water (HLW) ecosystem health monitoring program is an important
indicator of the water quality and sustainable use of the Noosa River system. In addition, State
Government Environmental Protection Act water quality objectives are regulated and monitored.
The NSC has a wide range of strategies and policies that protect the environment, and manage the
natural resources within the NBR (see Suppporting Documents).
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