Progress including new framework for Noosa River Plan

What’s been happening?

Following deliberations the CJ recommended … ‘Council should take over the authority and finances from the State Government for managing anchoring, mooring, living on board and commercial use of the river on the basis it would be a user pays system funded through alternative means to rates.’

There were 12 recommendations in total:

· Four relate to the broader catchment issues i.e. update the Noosa River Plan in a new framework with formal status and authority; maintain catchment protections; protect aboriginal cultural heritage sites & engage aboriginal people on all aspects of river management; establish a river management coordination committee.

· Eight specifically relate to on-river activities i.e. anchoring, mooring, living on board & commercial jetty leases.

Following delivery of CJ recommendations … Council wrote to relevant State Government Ministers to meet to discuss transfer of agreed management responsibilities to Council

Progress to date?

· Council endorsed the review & update of the Noosa River Plan under a whole-of-catchment management framework (which was the first CJ recommendation) @ their Ordinary Meeting on 19/1/17 so this is now underway. The timeframes & processes are Jan-Mar for an in-house review & alignment with other Council strategies & plans; Apr-May for targeted consultation with environment groups; Jun-Apr for broader consultation from June; Jul-Aug anticipated new River Plan completed.

· Council developed options for 1) managing anchoring, access & amenity issues; 2) managing buoy moorings; 3) managing derelict vessels; 4) managing commercial jetty leases.

· Currently in discussions with the Department of Natural Resources & Mines regarding management of commercial jetty leases

· Yet to hear from the Minister of Main Roads, Road Safety & Ports regarding anchoring, derelict vessels, moorings & living on board.

When is there likely to be changes in management of activities in the lower estuary in particular?

· Unknown at this stage, but crucial to speak with the Minister regarding transfer of ‘agreed’ management responsibilities for anchoring etc. before we can proceed.

· Remainder 8 of the CJ recommendations relate to on-river activities.