A Coast council has adopted a five-year strategy for events as it takes a bigger role in their management, funding and oversight.
The expanded role follows the transfer of major destination event sponsorship responsibilities from Tourism Noosa to Noosa Council in July 2025.
The Noosa Events Strategic Framework 2026-31 will guide how events are planned, managed and governed, and supported by a new events management policy and Noosa Events Executive Group.
The framework has five priorities covering event experiences, community benefits, management of impacts, the mix of events held across the shire and major opportunities expected to provide longer-term benefits.
The new events management policy replaces council’s existing events policy and Noosa Main Beach events policy but retains existing event limits and key settings for high-demand locations.
Approximately 400 permitted events, functions and weddings are held on council-controlled land across Noosa Shire each year.
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.
The framework also introduces stronger governance, clearer accountability for organisers, revised assessment processes, increased sustainability expectations and stronger contingency planning requirements.
Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie said impacts on neighbourhoods, traffic, public spaces, infrastructure and environmentally sensitive areas would be considered in event planning.
“Community amenity will remain at the centre of event planning and decision-making,” he said.
Councillors Amelia Lorentson and Jessica Phillips have been appointed to the new Noosa Events Executive Group, which will provide strategic oversight of the shire’s event portfolio.
The framework was developed following community consultation, internal workshops and targeted engagement with event organisers, businesses and industry representatives.
Mayor Wilkie said the framework was not intended to drive an unrestricted increase in events.
“Most importantly, this strategy sends a clear message that we’re not seeking more events at any cost,” he said.
“We’re committed to supporting the right events in the right places, at the right scale and at the right time.
“These are events that strengthen community connection, support local businesses and showcase the very best of Noosa, while safeguarding the character, peace and amenity that residents rightly expect and deserve.
“This framework gives us the tools to achieve that balance and positions Noosa for a future where community experience and resident wellbeing go hand in hand.”
