CORPORATE PLAN 2023 - 2028 · Draft Corporate Plan 2023-2028

A sense of collective identity within the early townships of Tewantin, Pomona,
Cooran and Cooroy heralded independence from the Widgee Shire and the
predominance of Gympie. Noosa Shire was created and celebrated in 1910.
Shortly afterwards, the Shire took great pride in its contribution during the First
World War, with 400 enlistments from its tiny population and record fundraising.
Just one generation later, Noosa’s efforts were remarkable once again in its
effort to defend Australia during the Second World War.

On a small scale, fishing was one of Noosa’s initial commercial enterprises.
This had increased markedly by the 1940s and grew exponentially after the
war when prawning became a significant industry. Overfishing was recognised
by the 1960s, and limitations began to be implemented on commercial fishing
to ensure the ongoing enjoyment of recreational and subsistence fishing.
The annual Festival of the Waters began celebrating the Noosa River and
surfing became a phenomenon with Noosa Heads becoming a nationally
recognised surfing destination. In 2020, this culture of coastal management and
preservation led to Noosa becoming the world’s 10th World Surfing Reserve.

Early on, Noosa residents recognised the environmental significance of the
region. Pig Island and Sheep Island were declared wildlife sanctuaries in 1934
in response to the community’s demand to protect their birdlife. The headland,
earmarked as a reserve in the 19th century, was made an official National
Park in 1939 to stop interest in its development. Local protest stopped a sand
mine proposal in 1952 and the 1960s saw community organisations form and
advocate for greater protection of the local wildlife and environment. In contrast,
the commercial development of Noosa Sound was then pushed by the State
Government in the 1970s.

Through the 1980s and 1990s, the Noosa community continued to fight
to remain a unique place, ensuring that both commercial and residential
developments were constrained within a planned framework. This placed
a focus on protecting the natural environment and creating a special built
environment that continued the ‘Noosa look and feel’, where built infrastructure
is integrated into the natural environment rather than dominating the urban
and rural character. Aspects such as building height limits, lack of traffic lights
and low volume signage became iconic. The strategic land use plans of the
1990s and 2000s included limitations on development to support a sustainable
residential and visiting population. Ultimately in 2007, Noosa Shire was awarded
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, which recognised the community priority
of managing the environment sustainably in balance with community needs.

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