The New Noosa Plan will rewrite zones and contain new definitions of land uses, it will build on principles forged in the 1980s as it protects and values the past while preparing the community for what lies ahead, Councillor Brian Stockwell said at the launch on Friday of the draft plan at a special Council meeting that for the first time was live streamed.
Protecting the natural environment and character of hinterland villages, encouraging small dwellings in residential zones framed by the natural landscape and incorporating public and active transport are elements up for discussion as three months of community consultation begins on the plan.
Mayor Tony Wellington said the New Noosa Plan had a strong focus on protecting the uniqueness of where we live.
“The message we received loud and clear during the extensive consultation in 2016 was that Noosa residents highly value their lifestyle as well as the local environment,” Mayor Tony Wellington said. “They don’t want the fundamental attributes of Noosa Shire to change.”
The New Noosa Plan is the culmination of several years’ work.
Councillor Ingrid Jackson said it had been a long time coming but was the most meaningful thing Council would do.
She called on the community to provide feedback to say whether it protects the environment enough, provides for housing needs and an ageing population, accounts for extreme weather events or encourages business.
She asked whether it was a gift for Noosa’s future and wanted to be guided by the community.
Cr Wellington said there was ample time for residents to acquaint themselves with aspects of the plan and lodge their submissions.
“There will be numerous pop-up information sessions, briefings to stakeholder groups and a dedicated display space at 3 Pelican Street in Tewantin, just down the road from the Council building,” he said.
The community is also being encouraged to review the plan and provide their thoughts via the Your Say Noosa website. The consultation period runs until May 20.
