2019-06-11 P&E Agenda - Item 7 - Attachment 1 - Environment Strategy

Continuous learning                                         Responding to change
Key to protecting and enhancing Noosa’s unique natural      Our rapidly changing world brings both challenges
assets is adopting a process of continuous learning. This   and opportunities for Noosa Shire. In its latest (2019)
includes being adaptable and open to new opportunities      Global Risks Report, the World Economic Forum ranked
and developing a greater understanding of the               ‘extreme weather events’; ‘failure of climate change
interrelationships between people and our environment.      mitigation and adaptation’; ‘man-made environmental
                                                            damage and disasters’; ‘major biodiversity and
To achieve greater conservation and sustainability          ecosystem collapse’; and ‘water crises’ amongst the top
outcomes in Noosa, planning and management needs to         ten risks facing society (ranked 1st, 2nd, 6th, 8th and
be based on:                                                10th respectively).
•    robust scientific and evidence-based research,         Many countries have now acknowledged that in fact the
     monitoring and an ongoing review process               world is in a climate emergency and that climate tipping
•    prioritised actions, solutions and clear targets       points have been reached, demonstrated by loss of
                                                            species, unprecedented drought and bushfires.
•    strong partnerships across Council, community and
     industry to drive positive change                      Closer to home, changes to the local and regional climate
•    ongoing and effective behaviour change programs.       will have an effect on all aspects life and the environment
                                                            in Noosa, as it will both amplify underlying risks and
The Environment Strategy takes an adaptive                  create new ones.
management approach that builds in targets and regular
reviews to ensure we integrate learnings and that we        Responding to these challenges requires changing
adapt over time.                                            the way we manage our environment, embracing new
                                                            technologies, strengthening and diversifying our local
Council delivers activities to help raise environmental     economy, and providing for informed and resilient
awareness, such as the ‘Towards Zero Waste’ education       communities.
program currently being run with schools.
                                                            Every challenge to Noosa presents an opportunity for
Through the process of developing the Environment           better outcomes for our community and our environment.
Strategy there is an opportunity to review current
programs as well as identify additional initiatives that    Capitalising on these opportunities involves working
would increase environmental awareness, inspire action,     together and supporting all sectors in our community
and help influence behaviour change.                        so each is more knowledgeable, adaptable and readily
                                                            able to respond to change and take advantage of new
                                                            opportunities.

                                                            This includes adopting new technologies, enhanced
                                                            building designs, better land management practices,
                                                            future-proofing Council operations and making more
                                                            resource-efficient choices.




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