Budget 23-24: Community and environment at the heart of budget

Funds to continue to nurture and protect our natural environment and provide vital community initiatives are key drivers in the 2023-24 Noosa Council Budget. 

Environment spending is a key feature of Council's 2023-24 Budget.

Investment in land conservation and rehabilitation work is up 50% to facilitate more Land for Wildlife and Voluntary Conservation agreements.

Funding for Environment Grants has increased by 6% and there is over $1 million allocated for Community Grants this financial year.

“When asked about their priorities for this budget and as part of the Corporate Plan feedback and the 2022 Liveability Survey, residents made it clear they valued the environment and wanted more assistance for community groups,” said Mayor Clare Stewart.

In 2023-24, Council continues its partnership funding arrangements for a range of conservation projects such as Noosa River planning, flora and fauna monitoring and developing a sea turtle conservation strategy.

“A much-needed masterplan for Noosa Botanic Gardens is to be developed and we have provided $465,000 for heritage restoration and upgrades to the Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre,” Mayor Stewart said.

“These are important facilities and the social benefit they provide to our residents is immeasurable.”

The J at Noosa Junction will get a new air-conditioning system and replacing the heat pump is earmarked for the Noosa Aquatic Centre.

“We know that our residents enjoy exploring and using our community facilities, which create a happier and healthy community,” Cr Stewart said.

“Investing in these facilities reflects the expectations of the community and ensures they are well maintained to cater for future growth.”

The 2023-24 Budget continues to provide valuable funding to the ongoing work of Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation, Zero Emissions Noosa and many other important community groups. 

The budget focused on managing costs while continuing to plan for the future.

This includes preparing a detailed Cemetery Plan to ensure Noosa has sufficient dedicated land to cater for burials and offer a range of contemporary options when planning for a person’s final resting place.

Such a project is necessary with Tewantin Cemetery reaching capacity and the changing needs of the community.

“This shows the diverse nature of what we provide to our community and through strong financial management, we are in a position to deliver essential basic services, while investing in growth-creating projects and other long-term initiatives,” Cr Stewart said.