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

The Big Picture
Valuing our environment                                          Noosa’s strengths and successes include:

                                                                 •   A long-standing shared vision and active community
There is a deep and intrinsic connection between all
                                                                     support built around valuing the natural environment
living things and their environment. In appreciating that
                                                                     and sustainable ways of living. This has been
connection, humans may find a sense of harmony and
                                                                     embraced by the broad community and successive
peace. From the tiniest detail in the veins of a leaf to our
                                                                     recent Councils. Like-minded individuals and families
expansive landscapes, we can be inspired by the beauty,
                                                                     are attracted to live in Noosa and make conscious
complexity and richness of our environment. The Traditional
                                                                     environmental choices in their homes and businesses
Owners of the Noosa area, the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi),
                                                                     where they can.
had a deep understanding and appreciation of this important
connection over millennia. This understanding continues          •   Effective engagement and partnerships with
today.                                                               the community. This collaboration helps to turn
                                                                     sustainability principles into real action. Having
Noosa’s environment encompasses our natural assets,                  common values, understanding and knowledge builds
landscapes and unique biodiversity, including the physical           the capacity of the community to be strong advocates.
and biological surrounds in which plants, people and                 Noosa has a highly engaged community, high rate of
other animals live and interact. It is also includes the built       volunteerism and many enthusiastic community groups
environment we create and the choices we make about how              that help deliver important on-ground projects, as well
we move around, live and work in our environment.                    as important research, education and advocacy.

There are ecological and biophysical processes that we           •   Council’s clear principles around sustainability and
depend on for healthy ecosystems and human wellbeing                 environment standards, including strong controls on
such as productive soils for food supply, clean drinking             vegetation clearing and land use through the Noosa
water, clean air and natural areas for recreation. These             Planning Scheme.
requirements underpin the local economy, lifestyle and           •   Careful management of growth and development
community health. Protecting, managing and enhancing                 and a commitment to a sustainable population based
our biodiversity, landscape corridors, waterways, coastal            on environmental protection, biophysical constraints,
ecosystems, marine systems and rural landscapes will                 infrastructure and lifestyle preferences.
provide for a more healthy and resilient future.
                                                                 •   Attention to detail in planning and building design
                                                                     focused on balance with the natural environment. This
Building on our successes                                            has helped develop Noosa’s strong sense of place,
                                                                     identity and scenic amenity.
Through strong partnerships between Council and the
community, Noosa has established a successful basis from         •   Significant environmental achievements including
which to carefully manage the natural environment, and               large areas of land under conservation protection and
in turn drive successful economic and sustainable living             the Noosa River being one of the healthiest in south-
outcomes.                                                            east Queensland.
                                                                 •   Strong drive to support local businesses and
                                                                     industry (with a focus on growing clean, green, smart,
                                                                     high-value, locally grown/made products and services)
                                                                     to diversify and sustain a healthy local economy and
                                                                     environment.




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