Nathaniel Bromley, Wayne Kayler-Thomson and Michael Tarrant will join a new project control group (PCG) established by Noosa Council to guide Noosa’s new Destination Management Plan (DMP).
The local trio was chosen from a field of 29 candidates to fill three positions on the PCG overseeing the process by an assessment panel that included Council’s chief executive officer Scott Waters, corporate services director and director of environment and sustainable development.
Mayor Clare Stewart said those selected had combined extensive experience in business, tourism and community involvement, and their input would be all-important.
“Appointing local residents with business and tourism industry experience to guide development of this important strategic plan will not only ensure it’s based on quality professional advice, but that Noosa people and their relationship to the shire is a key consideration every step of the way,” she said.
In council meetings this month, Cr Amelia Lorentson said what brought council to this point was the “tsunami of challenges“ created by Covid, leading to questions asked on what was most valued by the community.
“Tourism cannot be separated from the community. Success is measured by this community and what matters to the community,“ she said.
“DMP must be driven by the community from the get-go.“
Cr Karen Finzel said in moving forward to a sustainable future, central to the theme would be finding security for the community and delivering a balance between meeting the expectations of visitors to the region and enabling residents to enjoy the basics of day-to-day life.
Cr Tom Wegener has reservations about the success of the project going forward though admitted he had been impressed by the level of talent from the PCG candidates.
“I hope this project exceeds my expectations,“ he said.
Cr Stewart congratulated Nathaniel, Wayne and Michael on their appointments, saying she looked forward to their help in developing a Destination Management Plan that would see Noosa remain a well-managed and sustainable destination, and all-round great place for residents, workers and visitors, well into the future.
Mr Kayler-Thomson is former chairman of Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Ltd and was also deputy chief executive of Tourism Victoria where he oversaw tourism destination strategic planning and industry development at state, regional and local levels.
He was instrumental in the establishment of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority and has developed a methodology for destination planning, which he has taught to others.
It has now been applied to more than 40 destination plans across Victoria and Tasmania.
Michael Tarrant is a former Tourism Noosa Board director who served on the Noosa Sustainable Tourism Stakeholder Reference Group.
Mr Tarrant is the author of various books and journal articles on tourism and sustainability. He is a university professor, having taught many courses including ecotourism, park management and urban sustainability, across all seven continents.
Noosa resident of 15 years Nathaniel Bromley is a small business owner with more than 25 years’ experience in environmental management, an active community member and ocean dweller at heart.
Mr Bromley has extensive expertise in protected area and land management, event and risk management, as well as community consultation and sustainable business practices.
“In these three locals we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise, we are thrilled with their appointments. Their input will be invaluable,” Mayor Stewart said.
Environment and sustainable development director Kim Rawlings said so many high-calibre applicants had applied for the three positions that Council had decided to bring forward the creation of a community reference panel to capture their knowledge.
“We’ve invited each of the remaining 26 applicants to be a part of it so as not to miss out on their expertise, community knowledge and advice,” she said.
“The community panel will provide intelligence and insights at key stages of the plan’s development and provide us with a sounding board.“
