River stakeholder committee holds first meeting

A new panel to provide Noosa River management advice to Noosa Council and Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) held its first meeting yesterday. 

The Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee will provide Noosa River management advice to Noosa Council and Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ).

The committee has started a process to identify its priorities for improving river management.

Yesterday’s meeting discussed a wide range of issues related to the river, including anchoring, mooring and live-aboards.

“It was great to be able to attend the committee’s first meeting as an observer and see their enthusiasm for the river and for developing solutions to the big issues,” Mayor Clare Stewart said.

“I’m looking forward to hearing the committee’s advice when they present their recommendations on their initial priorities to MSQ and Council at the next formal meeting in four weeks.”

The Committee will meet informally to develop their recommendations over the next month.

The 14-member Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee includes representatives of a range of stakeholder groups, including the commercial and recreational fishing sectors, commercial boating, tourism, recreational boating, plus conservation and natural resource management.

Noosa Council CEO, Brett de Chastel, and Angus Mitchell, General Manager for Maritime Safety Queensland, co-chaired yesterday’s meeting.

“It was great to see some robust conversation and a common interest in working together for the betterment of the river,” Mr de Chastel said.

Council and Maritime Safety Queensland established the Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee as a way for key community members to provide objective advice and recommendations towards the management and sustainable use of the Noosa River and its catchment.