2015-11-10 Planning & Organisation Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                            10 NOVEMBER 2015


10     SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES


Author               Principal Strategic Planner, Rebecca Britton

Index                ECM/ Subject/ Environmental Management/ Sustainability

Attachments          1.     Noosa Council Policy Framework


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Not applicable.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by Principal Strategic Planner to the Planning & Organisation
Committee Meeting dated 10 November 2015 and:
A.     Adopt the Sustainability Principles for the purpose of guiding Council’s corporate strategy
       development and to provide a common basis for achieving sustainability principles;
B.     Request the Chief Executive Officer to incorporate the Sustainability Principles into
       Council’s key strategy documents under development; and
C.     Request the Chief Executive Officer to develop sustainability indictors to accompany the
       Sustainability Principles to monitor progress towards long term sustainability.


REPORT
A set of sustainability principles has been identified to guide the achievement of Council’s
corporate vision and the development of Council strategy documents. The sustainability
principles are intended to prompt consideration of sustainability across all areas of Council
business so that the environmental, economic and social elements of sustainability are viewed
inter-dependently.

It is acknowledged that to place importance on one over the other two elements leads to
imbalances, such as environmental decline, reduced economic prosperity and loss of community
wellbeing and quality of life. Having these Sustainability Principles to guide decision making and
policy development will help balance competing issues and consider the broader implications of
individual decisions.

The six principles are:
1. Resources are sustainably managed so that the lifestyle of the community is preserved,
    without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs1.
2. Noosa’s economy is prosperous, diverse and protective of its unique environment.
3. Noosa residents belong to a community that values its diversity, accessibility and
    affordability.
4. Noosa’s community is inclusive, connected and resilient and encourages participation and
    information sharing.
5. Noosa’s community benefits from quality places and programs that enhance wellbeing and
    support creative, active and healthy lifestyles.
6. Good governance is achieved through effective and efficient decision making, made in the
    interests of the community.

1 Adapted from the definition of sustainability as defined by the Brundtland Commission – “development that meets the

needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

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