As discussions on Noosa’s destination management ramp up, a prominent business group is airing its concerns on what it could mean for the future of the region.
Noosa Council is currently seeking feedback on a 24-page discussion paper that will help shape a Destination Management Plan (DMP) and set the direction for tourism in Noosa Shire over the next five to 10 years.
The paper presents four scenarios where opinions from the community will help determine the level of action or response required on each issue and opportunity currently being experienced in Noosa.
These include a Do Nothing Scenario, Steady State/Current Scenario, Aspirational Scenario and Transformational Scenario.
However, the Noosa Chamber of Commerce has urged a balanced approach to the plan and warned that “extreme scenarios” could lead to re-amalgamation of Noosa Shire.
Noosa Council described the DMP as a blueprint for protecting a community’s key values, while guiding the evolution of a tourism industry that considers the interest of all stakeholders.
Acting Mayor Frank Wilkie said communities and popular destinations around the world were also having these conversations.
“We know what we collectively value – Noosa’s natural assets and relaxed lifestyle – but we want to clarify how we can best enhance these as the destination evolves,” Cr Wilkie said.
“This is a future-setting conversation and we want to hear from everyone.”
Cr Wilkie said it was critical to ensure tourism continued to evolve in a way that added value to the local environment, social fabric and economy, and created a worthy legacy for future generations.
“There are local residents and families who depend on tourism for their livelihoods, but the visitor economy and shire needs to be managed in a way that respects the qualities that have made Noosa such a sought-after place to live, visit and invest in,” he said.
“We want a blueprint that is very much about what we value and respect, so the shire is a well-managed community and visitor destination for future generations to enjoy.”
The Noosa Chamber has highlighted concerns with possible future actions from the discussion paper, with chamber president Ralph Rogers labelling some of them as “restrictive”.
“Severely limiting tourist visitation and council interfering in the free market could have grave impacts on Noosa’s small businesses,” Mr Rogers said.
“In the current context of global uncertainty, Noosa’s businesses are already vulnerable.
“These are too restrictive given the diverse nature of Noosa’s tourism businesses and ever-changing consumer needs.
Noosa Chamber has recommended the addition of a Balanced Community Adaptation Scenario, which would include sustainable growth of Noosa’s economy in tandem with any selected actions from the discussion paper.
Noosa Chamber secretary Ingrid Jackson said this would align more with Noosa as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
“The Destination Management Plan should honour UNESCO’s intended balanced approach to community, economy and environment, ensuring planned policies and actions contribute to a sustainable economy as well as social and environmental considerations.”
Noosa Council is holding a series of community workshops and coffee catch-up sessions throughout October for the community to find out more.
Find the discussion paper and survey, plus coffee sessions and workshops times, at yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au, or visit Noosa Libraries. Consultation is open until midnight on Sunday, October 29.
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.
