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NOOSA BIOSECURITY PLAN 2026-2031 · Attachment 3 - Biosecurity Plan 2026 - Communications and Engagement Plan
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ATTACHMENT 3 - Biosecurity Plan 2026 - Communications & Engagement Plan
Engagement and Communications
Project Plan
Project title
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2026
Project team
Ken English, Coordinator Biosecurity
Ben Derrick, Environmental Services Manager
Lesley Cavanagh, Community Engagement Officer
Proposed dates for project
June 2026
Context description
The purpose of the Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2026 (Plan) is to manage invasive plant and animal
biosecurity risks to people, biodiversity, and the local economy based on priorities and actions that
are reasonable and practical for the community and land managers.
A biosecurity risk assessment using the standardised approach developed by Biosecurity
Queensland has identified the highest priority invasive species, their management feasibility,
and appropriate management approach across the Noosa Shire. Invasive species have been
categorised into four management objectives based on the risk assessment results; Prevention,
Eradication, Containment and Asset-based protection. Although landowners have a biosecurity
obligation for all scheduled species, identifying priorities allows a planned approach to invasive
species management, particularly for large landholders like Council.
The Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2026 -2031 applies the Biosecurity Act 2014 at a local level and covers:
• Roles and responsibilities of Council, other public agencies and private landowners
• Processes for reporting of invasive species and management responses
• Shire-wide risk assessment to establish priorities for managing invasive species
• Reasonable and practical measures for managing invasive species through prevention,
eradication, containment and asset-based protection depending on the extent of infestation
and management feasibility
• Methods and timing for management of invasive species
• Invasive species management tools and support
• Regulation and compliance
• Information capture, methods used for detection and reporting to broaden current
knowledge of the distribution and abundance of invasive species
An Implementation Action Plan forms part of the Plan. The Implementation Plan has twenty actions
including research and monitoring, community capacity building, planning and on-ground works.
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Scoping statement
The development of the Plan is a statutory requirement for Noosa Council under the
Biosecurity Act 2014 however, community engagement/consultation is not required
under the Act. Noosa Council staff recognise the importance engaging
Engagement purpose, goals and success criteria
Purpose - Ensure landholders and community members are aware of the contents of
the Plan and to seek any items of concern for the actions or strategies in the
Plan.
Goals - successful communication with targeted audience
- incorporation of feedback to draft Plan if appropriate
- community understanding and acceptance of key actions and priorities
Success criteria - limited negative feedback
- strong participation from target audience
Risks and considerations
Risk Likelihood Considerations
Failure to reach Medium The target audience is largely rural landholders that do not
key groups have a single coordinated point of contact. The engagement
platform will need to be supported by a social/print media
campaign to raise awareness.
Negative press / Low We anticipate some negative comments on social media but
misinformation do not expect it will derail the project.
Community Low The target audience is engaged with this topic.
fatigue
Stakeholder Analysis Matrix
The following stakeholder matrix outlines the level of interest and influence to help inform the
engagement approach:
Influence Level of influence they have on engagement and decision-making
Interest Level of interest they have in the project, engagement feedback and next steps
Impact Level of impact the project will have on the stakeholder group
Level of influence and Positioning
Influence Interest Engagement Strategy Description / Example
High High Collaborate and Work closely with these stakeholders. Involve
influence interest empower them in decision-making. Example: “We will
collaborate with Stakeholder A”
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High Low Involve and consult Keep them engaged enough to avoid risks. Seek
influence interest input at key moments
Low High Consult and inform Maintain regular communication and ask for
influence interest feedback. They care but cannot influence
outcomes strongly
Low Low Inform Provide basic updates; no need for intensive
influence interest engagement. Example: “We will keep Stakeholder
A informed”
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Stakeholder group Role/connection Benefits of involvement Interest Influence Impact Engagement level
Rural Landhoders Commercial small Strengthening existing High High Plan will affect Collaborate &
business enterprises program partnerships productivity efficiencies Empower
that are influenced by
the Plan
Department of Head of power for a Strengthening of High High High policy impact Involve & Consult
Environment, range of environmental relationship
Science and protection activities in
Innovation (DETSI) the catchment
Kabi Kabi Peoples Deep cultural Capacity building and High High Cultural heritage and land Collaborate &
Aboriginal connection, Native Title partnership building management implications Empower
Corporation holders
Queensland Parks State representative – Buy-in from a significant Medium Medium Moderate impact on land Involve & Consult
& Wildlife Service significant area of land land manager management practices
management in the
catchment
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Schedule of communication and engagement activities
The engagement for the Plan is anticipated to be light touch using only the GoVocal platform for
interested community members to view the Plan and provide input/feedback if required.
The Plan is a revision of an existing Biosecurity Plan which is understood and geberally
supported by the key stakeholders.
The engagement program must include social and print media for awareness.
Schedule of communication and engagement activities
The following engagement activities are outlined for the engagement program:
Engagement activity Purpose Mode Stakeholders Timeframe
Phase 1 – Preparation
Awareness Riase Social media Rural landholders, 25-29 May
awareness in and hinterland community members,
the print media government agencies
community
of the revised
Plan
Phase 2 – Community Consultation
Open community Gather GoVocal Same as above June 2026
consultation feedback on
the draft plan
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Key messages
• Protecting Noosa’s nature starts with preventing invasive species.
o The Draft Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2026 sets out how invasive plants and animals will
be managed across public and private land in Noosa Shire, in line with the
Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014.
o It provides a practical, risk‑based framework to prevent, eradicate, contain and
reduce the impacts of invasive species.
o The plan applies to everyone including Council, government agencies, landholders,
businesses, community groups and residents.
• We all have a role in biosecurity – at home, on farms, and in our bushland.
o Invasive plants and animals are one of the major threats to Noosa’s biodiversity,
waterways, agriculture, amenity and community wellbeing.
o Species such as cat’s claw creeper, feral pigs, wild dogs, foxes, deer, Singapore daisy
and Madeira vine can degrade habitats, impact threatened species, spread disease,
cause erosion, damage crops, and increase land management costs.
o Noosa has over 185 species of conservation significance, and more than 55% native
vegetation cover, making proactive biosecurity essential for protecting what the
community values.
• Some weeds and pests are spreading faster with climate change – help us stay ahead.
o A regenerative, ecosystem‑focused approach, recognising that some naturalised
species provide interim ecological functions and that removal must be done carefully
to avoid unintended damage.
o A shire‑wide risk assessment that prioritises species based on risk, feasibility of
management and cost‑effectiveness.
o Expanded use of AI, detection cameras, drones, and citizen science apps (WeedScan,
iNaturalist, FeralScan).
o New emphasis on climate‑driven biosecurity threats, recognising that warming
conditions will shift species distributions.
o A clearer framework for Prevention, Eradication, Containment and Asset Protection
strategies for different species.
• Early detection saves money, protects wildlife and avoids environmental damage.
o Emerging risks such as fire ants and tropical weed species moving south with climate
change.
o Damage from feral pigs, foxes, deer, and wild dogs to farms, native wildlife, and
sensitive habitats.
o Increasing pressure at the urban‑bushland interface, where garden escapees invade
natural areas.
o Aquatic weeds (e.g., Salvinia, Cabomba) disrupting waterways and recreation.
• Your feedback will shape how we manage pests and support landholders for years to come.
o Input will help refine priorities, ensuring they reflect community values and local
experience.
o Feedback will shape how Council supports landholders, including education,
incentives, and tools.
o Community insights help identify emerging species, local hotspots, and practical
barriers to implementation.
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o Engagement will guide how Council communicates and collaborates on biosecurity
into the future
Budget and resources
TBC with input from the Communications and Community Engagement Department. Budget
available from the Environmental Services budget.
It is anticipated the campaign will not require external consultants.
Timing and sequencing
The draft Plan will be presented to Council in the May cycle of council meetings. Pending Council
endorsement, the engagement plan can start immediately after the May Ordinary meeting.
Evaluation approach
Evaluation will be assessed on the number and nature of feedback. With the target audience we do
not anticipate broad public engagement and will likely only receive feedback based on suggested
amendments.
Given the target audience it is difficult to identify metrics for campaign success/failure.