Noosa Council has received a Healthy Waterways Government Award for the protection of its iconic waterway under the Noosa River Plan. These awards recognise efforts to improve the health and sustainability of waterways and catchments in South East Queensland. Noosa Mayor, Bob Abbot, said the plan represented years of work by Noosa Council, the State Government, community and industry representatives.
“Many of the actions listed in the plan are either completed or well underway,” Councillor Abbot said. “This shows real commitment from all the stakeholders to make the plan work.”
The plan has been endorsed by the State Government and coordinated by Council’s Senior Strategic Planner, Rebecca Leyshan. An Implementation Coordination Group, comprising State Government and Noosa Council representatives, is introducing the plan with assistance from a Community and Industry Advisory Board.
“As a result, previous inefficiencies in dealing with issues that cross various management agencies have been improved, allowing better communication and sharing of ideas,” Rebecca Leyshan said. “There is a major commitment on the part of government to deliver the actions contained in the Noosa River Plan.”
Environmental measures in the plan include a cap on the number of moorings and houseboats. New houseboats are allowed a maximum of two months on the river and Council is developing a code of practice with permanent houseboat residents. There is also a program to monitor the health of sea grasses, which are in serious decline, and a code of practice for commercial boats. New speed limits are being proposed in conjunction with Maritime Safety Queensland.
For further information visit www.noosa.qld.gov.au or contact Rebecca Leyshan on (07) 5447 1553.
