The state government has confirmed a $100,000 commitment to help develop a catchment management plan for a delicate coastal area.
Residents around Burgess Creek, which flows between Sunrise Beach and Castaways Beach, have expressed concerns about erosion and wastewater in the catchment area.
Noosa Council and Unitywater have begun a monitoring program using bores to better understand how groundwater influences the creek and to help form the new catchment management strategy.
Before last year’s state election, the ultimately unsuccessful Noosa LNP candidate Clare Stewart revealed the party was committing $100,000 to develop the catchment management plan.
In June re-elected independent Noosa MP Sandy Bolton asked a parliamentary question on notice requesting details about the commitment from Environment Minister Andrew Powell.
“With reference to the government committing $100,000 to a Burgess Creek catchment management plan, will the minister provide the details on what this will entail and funding options for the extensive works that have been reported as required?” Ms Bolton’s question said.
The response from Mr Powell, tabled on July 14, confirmed the funding allocation.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering on the commitment we made to the Noosa community to deliver a management plan for Burgess Creek catchment,” it said.
“We are working with Noosa Shire Council to develop a catchment management plan to address issues including erosion.
“Funding options will be considered following the development of the plan.”
Ms Bolton said the management plan would address the long-standing concern of residents.
“Whilst it is a local council responsibility, funding from the state government will assist greatly in expediting progress on Burgess Creek and we look forward to providing updates as this moves forward,” she said.
The creek drains from the back of residential developments in Noosa Heads, through bushland and community facilities around Eenie Creek Road, and then through a council-managed bushland reserve and national park, before emptying into the ocean.
Eastern Beaches Protection Association spokesperson Minna Knight welcomed the commitment of funds.
“Our beaches are under threat,” she said. “Every time there’s a major downpour, outdated infrastructure in the Burgess Creek catchment overflows, polluting the ocean and eating away at our dunes.”
She said modernising the wastewater and sewage systems in Burgess Creek and the eastern beaches was vital for protecting Noosa’s coastline.
“The community needs confidence this funding will do what it promises – protect our beaches – not disappear into general revenue,” she said.
Noosa Council strategy and environment director Kim Rawlings said the plan was expected to be delivered late next year.
“Noosa Council greatly appreciates the funding from the state government to develop an integrated catchment management plan (ICMP) for Burgess Creek,” she said.
“Council has partnered with the local community to prioritise an ICMP for this catchment to ensure best-practice management and strategic allocation of resources into key areas within the catchment.
“Treated wastewater is released into the creek after being cleaned and disinfected at Unitywater’s Noosa Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP). Noosa Council and Unitywater have undertaken additional testing of the water upstream and downstream of the WTP. Analysis of this testing indicates water processed in the WTP contributes to improved water quality in the downstream section of the waterway.
“There are legacy issues and points where pollutants are entering the waterway, and that will be assessed as an element of the Burgess Creek ICMP.
“The ICMP will be delivered by December 2026 following a technical review with key stakeholders and community engagement program. We will then be able to identify key priorities and a strategic direction to manage the catchment into the future.”
