A draft plan to help protect a shire from invasive plants, animals and emerging biosecurity threats is now open for community consultation.
The Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2026-2031 has been released for public feedback, until August 24.
The council’s director of strategy and environment Kim Rawlings said the refreshed plan was crucial.
“While Council has long maintained a strategic and planned approach to managing invasive species, it’s important we update our planning regularly to consider issues such as climate change, new technologies and methods,” she said.
The plan was expected to help the council respond to emerging risks while exploring the use of new technologies to manage invasive species.
The council’s environmental services manager Ben Derrick said climate change increased the likelihood of new pests, weeds and diseases becoming established in the region.
“As environmental conditions change, so do the biosecurity challenges we face,” he said.
“By updating our biosecurity planning for another five years we’ll continue to make sure native ecosystems are protected, long-term management costs are kept down, and invasive species don’t become entrenched.”
The council encourages locals to read the plan, to understand the issues the council needs to manage and to provide feedback.
“Biosecurity is a shared responsibility. It takes a partnership betweencouncil and private landowners to manage many issues, such as weed control,” Mr Derrick said.
“The draft plan includes priority actions to prevent, eradicate and contain invasive species, while protecting Noosa’s highest-value areas such as waterways, conservation land and key habitats.”
All councils must have a biosecurity plan to guide the management of invasive plants and animals.
To read the plan and provide feedback visit yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au. Feedback can also be submitted via email to environment@noosa.qld.gov.au.
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