Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2026-2031

Morning Councillors thank you Chair uh we're seeking endorsement of the Noosa biosecurity plan 2026-2031 following completion of community consultation on the draft plan that was presented to Council on 18th July this year the purpose of the plan is to manage invasive plant and animal biosecurity risks better biodiversity in the local economy based on priorities and actions that are reasonable and practical for the community and land managers the plan provides strategic framework for managing invasive plants and animals across the Noosa Shire over the next five years and fulfil Council's obligations under the biosecurity act of 2014. Noosa Council has had an endorsed the biosecurity plan since 2016 and the plan presented to Council for the 2026 to 31 period builds on previous plans to include emerging issues, recent trends and current technology. Council staff undertook community consultation from 13th of July to 20th of August via our online platform, an open invitation for feedback via email. A summary of the submissions has been attached to the report. Feedback generally the direction of the plan and provided recommendations relating to invasive species prioritisation, aquatic biodiversity management, stakeholder partnerships, community education and initiatives, and some minor document amendments. Relevant feedback has been incorporated into the final plan which has strengthened the strategic and operational content of the documents. Given the degrees of consequences from invasive species, the plan is underpinned by a comprehensive assessment based on Council's enterprise risk and opportunity framework. Implementation of the plan reduces residual risks across all identified risks, however a high risk remains for the potential establishment of prohibited biosecurity matters which has been identified as borderline against Council's risk appetite. There is little that we can do to reduce this risk further as it is strongly influenced by activities beyond the Shire boundary. As a result, the plan identifies working closely with partner agencies and regional local authorities to collaborate and address this risk on a bi-regional scale. The plan has received input from regional partners and biosecurity Queensland in there and is now presented to the Council for consideration.