By Margaret Maccoll
An investigation by CSIRO into the establishment of a Sustainability Institute in Noosa has revealed there is plenty of sustainability activity, research and investment already happening in the region but what is lacking is the coordination of it.
The CSIRO study looked at sustainability institutes nationally and internationally and identified the successes and failures of various models.
Alongside their work Council officers put together a summary of local organisations engaged in research and action around sustainability.
The results showed a lack of coordination which meant data and research was not being collated or shared and there was a lack of a strategic direction to identify key challenges.
Council officers recommend Council take on the role to coordinate and collaborate the actions and research already taking place across the region through engagement with organisations already working in this space and investigate establishing a web based portal to capture information.
Officers also recommend a further report be undertaken to develop a strategic agenda for potential research, action and investment and the outcome of this may lead to the formation of a Noosa specific Institute.
The study recommends that Council continue to advance the concept of a Sustainability Institute.
This matter is on Council’s agenda for discussion this month.
