Locals to help draft Noosa’s new Destination Management Plan

Nathaniel Bromley, Wayne Kayler-Thomson and Michael Tarrant will join a new project control group (PCG) established to guide Noosa’s new Destination Management Plan. 

The local trio was chosen from a field of 29 candidates to fill three positions on the PCG overseeing the process.

Combined, they have extensive experience in business, tourism and community involvement, and their input, says Mayor Clare Stewart, will be all-important.

“Appointing local residents with business and tourism industry experience to guide development of this important strategic plan will not only ensure it’s based on quality professional advice, but that Noosa people and their relationship to the shire is a key consideration every step of the way,” she said.

“I congratulate Nathaniel, Wayne and Michael on their appointment and look forward to their help as we develop a Destination Management Plan that will see Noosa remain a well-managed and sustainable destination, and all-round great place for residents, workers and visitors, well into the future.”

Mr Kayler-Thomson is former Chairman of Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Ltd and was also Deputy Chief Executive of Tourism Victoria where he oversaw tourism destination strategic planning and industry development at state, regional and local levels. 

Mr Kayler-Thomson was instrumental in the establishment of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority and has developed a methodology for destination planning, which he has taught to others. It has now been applied to more than 40 destination plans across Victoria and Tasmania.

Michael Tarrant is a former Tourism Noosa Board Director who served on the Noosa Sustainable Tourism Stakeholder Reference Group. Mr Tarrant is author of various books and journal articles on tourism and sustainability. Mr Tarrant is a University Professor and has taught many courses including ecotourism, park management and urban sustainability, across all seven continents. 

Noosa resident of 15 years Nathaniel Bromley is a small business owner with over 25 years’ experience in environmental management, an active community member and ocean dweller at heart. Mr Bromley has extensive expertise in protected area and land management, event and risk management, as well as community consultation and sustainable business practices.

“In these three locals we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise, we are thrilled with their appointments. Their input will be invaluable,” the Mayor said.

Environment and Sustainable Development Director, Kim Rawlings, said so many high-calibre applicants had applied for the three positions that Council had decided to bring forward the creation of a community reference panel to capture their knowledge.

“We’ve invited each of the remaining 26 applicants to be a part of it so as not to miss out on their expertise, community knowledge and advice,” she said.

“The community panel will provide intelligence and insights at key stages of the plan’s development and provide us with a sounding board,” Ms Rawlings said.

The assessment panel included Council’s CEO Scott Waters, Corporate Services Director and Director of Environment and Sustainable Development.