We begin 2026 with a new plan to protect Noosa’s lifestyle, natural beauty and prosperity ahead of increased population pressures in South East Queensland and the 2032 Olympics.
“For the Love of Noosa”, the Destination Management Plan (DMP) recognises everyone- residents, business owners and visitors- as part of the solution to protecting what we love.
The plan contains 45 actions, with 11 already underway. They’re intended to constructively shift the focus from a “sustainable” towards a “regenerative” approach in tourism marketing, industry development and community programs.
“Regenerative” applies to visitor, resident, farming and industry practices that over time leave Noosa in a better state than how we found it.
It’s a principle already in practice, including in the hinterland where farmers are using regenerative practices to improve the quality of their land while growing award-winning organic meats and produce.
Noosa bush carers have for years been regenerating our nature reserves, removing weeds/ rubbish and restoring native species.
This plan was shaped by the voices of more than 2,900 residents, businesses and visitors who shared what Noosa means to them and what they want for its future.
The community’s key message on the actions was to “get on with it”.
The DMP’s priority actions include:
Day Visitation Management – New programs and trials to ease impacts and encourage positive visitor behaviour, including dynamic (variable) paid parking for visitors and smarter travel choices, such as the free one-way loop bus which attracts up to 2500 passengers at day at peak times. That’s 2500 people a day who may otherwise be adding to car traffic.
Joint Custodian Program – Launching For the Love of Noosa, an initiative to help locals, businesses and visitors share Noosa’s values and responsibility for protecting them.
Hinterland Regeneration – A Regenerative Agriculture Program to revitalise farm lands, support local producers and create new food and produce experiences.
Destination Stewardship – Establishing a Stewardship Council to guide visitor economy management, help identify new revenue sources to ease burden on ratepayers and improve the community’s natural assets and infrastructure.
The DMP is backed by a three year rolling implementation schedule, along with a monitoring and evaluation framework, to keep it on track.
Annual reviews will help keep the plan responsive to new challenges and opportunities.
It’s being done for the love of Noosa.
