2019-12-11 SM Agenda - Item 1 - Attachment 2 - Final New Noosa Plan Part 1-3 and 5-6 Track Change version

     is also present, of good ecological condition and encompassing over 16,000 hectares. This interconnected biodiversity network has
     strong adaptive capacity to endure the impacts of climate change and other emerging challenges because of the size and
     connectedness of protected areas and remnant vegetation. Management actions and land use planning decisions are focused on
     strengthening and building linkages to facilitate ecosystem diversity and movement both within and beyond Noosa Shire.

     The diversity, distribution and condition of environmental values of the Noosa Shire play a critical role in conservation management
     locally and for the broader SEQ region, providing important safe refuge areas for flora and fauna in the face of rapid development
     and growth to the south.

     Noosa Shire celebrates a balanced relationship between humans and the environment and its international recognition as a
     UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is testament to this. However, Noosa's environmental values are under pressure from a variety of
     threatening processes including from climate change, weeds and invasive species, vegetation clearing, habitat fragmentation from
     development, erosion and sedimentation, declines in soil health and growing visitor numbers.

     The Noosa community and Council continues to be recognised as a leader in environmental management and ecological
     sustainability and Noosa Shire is an exemplar for biosphere reserves. Continued effort is required to protect and enhance local and
     regional values, build resilient ecosystems and enhance connectivity. This is best achieved through strong partnerships with the
     community, information sharing, education and land use controls.

     Managing development and land use impacts on environmental values and the ecosystem services on which we rely involves
     limiting urban development to within existing Urban Boundaries and protecting environmental matters of local, state and national
     significance. This requires careful location, design and management of development to avoid and mitigate adverse impacts on
     biodiversity, individual species, ecosystem health, soil and water quality. Development is to enhance connectivity and ecological
     corridors through replanting and habitat restoration as part of landscape design. Native plant species are predominant in the
     landscaping of development sites and invasive pest species are avoided.

     Sustainable land management practices and effective erosion and sediment controls are implemented to protect water quality and
     catchment health. Catchment water quality is protected on a total water cycle basis so as to minimise impacts on receiving waters;
     maximise opportunities for stormwater reuse, recovery and groundwater recharge; protect drinking water supply; and enhance
     opportunities for agriculture, fisheries, tourism and recreation. Best practice water sensitive urban design is required for managing
     urban stormwater runoff and filtering pollutants.

     Coastal processes and resources are vital and require careful management through the protection of coastal vegetation and
     minimising development intrusion into sensitive coastal environments and erosion prone areas.

     Riparian areas adjacent to natural waterways are protected for their important role in maintaining ecosystem health; providing
     habitat for flora and fauna; supporting fisheries, recreation and tourism, and water purification and flood regulation functions.

     The Aboriginal heritage, culture and rights of Traditional Owners is respected in planning for communities and in the sustainable
     management of natural assets. Recognition, protection and careful management is afforded to their cultural heritage and culturally
     significant land and seascapes.

     The quality of water, air and acoustic environments in Noosa Shire is maintained at a high level to protect the health and wellbeing
     of the community and the natural environment.

 3.2.6 A diverse and resilient economy
     Noosa Shire enjoys a strong and increasingly sustainable economy. Much of the economy is geared towards tourism and
     population driven industry sectors such as retail, health, construction, and accommodation and food services. The Shire is home to
     approximately 6,800 businesses (as at 2016), which are mainly small or micro businesses. People take advantage of the
     successful economic environment and the lifestyle that Noosa provides.

     The Noosa Local Economic Plan aims to broaden the economic structure of the local economy by achieving growth in 'smart'
     industry sectors that offer high economic value and low environmental impact. Sustainable tourism is supported as an ongoing
     economic driver. However, encouraging and developing new priority sectors is required to develop an economy less reliant on
     tourism and population driven industries. The priority sectors are identified as:
           Health and wellness (including, but not limited to, aged care facilities and services)
           Digital economy
           Rural enterprise
           Environmental industries
           Education and training



**FINAL DRAFT ­ Post Consultation 2019**                                                                                            Page 8 of 14