Community input set to shape new environment strategy

More than 20 community groups have taken the time to help Council develop its new environment strategy for Noosa.

Their input is in addition to more than 80 submissions from residents.

Environmental Services Manager Craig Doolan said all of the feedback would help inform a draft strategy.

In July and August Council asked residents to list what they felt to be Noosa’s most pressing environmental issues. The community groups had their say during workshops with staff.

“Strong vegetation protections, an emphasis on rehabilitating degraded natural areas and protections for additional habitat areas are among the issues the community would like to see prioritised,” Mr Doolan said.

There were also calls for improved waste and stormwater management practices, particularly where litter, plastic rubbish and other pollutants entering waterways was concerned.

Also highlighted was the need to maintain the naturalness of open spaces, manage tourism impacts on the environment, and address longstanding management issues for the river through the Noosa River Plan.

There was emphasis on developing strong partnerships with the community to reduce emissions, through business and household actions including increasing the take up of solar power.

The finished strategy will guide priorities and future direction for managing and protecting the natural environment and for living sustainably in Noosa.

Council hopes to present the draft strategy to the community for comment in early 2019.

25 September 2018