Noosa Council has addressed a key point in its draft river management plan that has caused an air of confusion and concern within the community.
The draft Noosa River Catchment Management Plan 2023-2028 is recommended for endorsement at tonight’s Ordinary Meeting, but not without some changes as a result of public feedback.
The plan aims to manage the social, economic and environmental use of the river. However, uncertainty about a consideration to establish a conservation park as part of the draft has forced the council to respond to strong opposition.
A copy of the 76-page proposed plan was sent to stakeholders prior to a September 18 General Committee meeting, but the matter was deferred to the October Ordinary Meeting to receive further feedback.
This inadvertently opened up input from the broader community, with the council receiving a slew of emails and phone calls.
Boaties and the wider community demanded transparency on what a conservation park would mean for the waterway and water users.
Noosa Boating Fishing Alliance representative Andrew McCarthy echoed those concerns via a social media post to a public Facebook group.
“We like much of the draft catchment (plan), particularly the objectives to reduce/eliminate sediment and chemical inflows into the river to improve water quality,” he wrote in the post.
“Our fear is that a conservation park controlled by council opens the door to decisions that reduce our ability to enjoy the river without wide community support.”
Mr McCarthy was worried this would include no-fishing zones, provision for electric-only motors and speed limit reductions.
A community petition titled: “Stop Noosa River turning into a Conservation Park” also received 2400 signatures.
A report addressing the conservation park concerns has been included as part of a summary of feedback for consideration at Thursday’s meeting.
It stated the broader community input was “contrary to how council would normally approach public consultation”.
“(It) had the negative consequence of widespread confusion and distrust within the community,” the report stated.
“During the past three weeks, council has received a range of comments, submissions and enquiries.
“An opinion editorial … and a community meeting … led to staff and councillors receiving 160 emails and submissions from the public, 60 of whom were in support of finalisation of the plan and a conservation park, and 96 who were opposed to a conservation park.
“Staff also received multiple phone calls and emails from 21 key stakeholders.”
The report addressed alleged inaccuracies in the petition’s justification over community consultation on the draft plan and potential impacts for Noosa North Shore residents.
“The petition also inaccurately … implied endorsement of the plan meant immediate endorsement of a conservation park,” it stated.
“While the draft plan includes an action to consider the establishment of a conservation park, there is no guarantee this will occur.
“It is one of several potential governance models council has been investigating to facilitate integrated catchment management with the multiple state government agencies that have regulatory powers in and around the river.”
The report outlined that the establishment of a conservation park would require council to consult with the Department of Environment and Science.
It also answered concerns raised about the future of powered boats throughout the river.
“It is worth noting community use, including boating, commercial and recreational fishing, is allowed in a conservation park, as it is currently in Fish Habitat Area (FHA).”
In response to the feedback, a list of possible changes to the plan will be presented to councillors at Thursday’s meeting.
In reference to a conservation park, it would change the action from: “Consider the establishment of a conservation park across FHAs to protect and improve the health, biodiversity and species habitats of the Noosa River catchment” to “Undertake consultation with all key stakeholders as part of a thorough investigation into the consideration of establishing a conservation park across FHAs”.
Noosa Council declined to provide a comment to Sunshine Coast News ahead of the meeting.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb for accountability, credibility and transparency.
