From monitoring shorebirds, testing water quality and hauling rubbish from the river to creating urban gardens and improving bushland, Noosa Integrated Catchment Association (NICA) needs more volunteers for its activities in the Noosa River catchment.
Established in 1996 NICA is a community-based not-for-profit organisation formed by volunteers to coordinate and align natural resource management activities in the Noosa River catchment.
NICA is currently undertaking the following projects that raise awareness and improve the environment of the Noosa River Catchment:
– Bushcare; removing weeds and planting endemic species. NICA auspices several local bushcare groups to enable them to obtain funding for projects. Current externally funded projects are ‘Tread Lightly’ an Engaging Science Qld Govt grant and ‘Rally Round’ is a Queensland Government community sustainability grant.
– Water quality and nutrient testing in the river and lakes is carried out monthly and supported by Noosa Council.
– River rangers, supported by Noosa Council, patrol fortnightly collecting litter and alerting local authorities to any issues that need their attention.
– Monitoring shorebirds and waders, supported by Noosa Council, is undertaken once a month near the mouth of the Noosa River and the results are recorded in a national database.
– Urban Wildlife Gardens, supported by Noosa Council and other non-government grants, promotes biodiversity in Urban Gardens. Membership includes an initial garden visit, free plants and resources, a regular newsletter and monthly lectures or workshops.
– Clean up Australia Day in March, supported by Noosa Council, is the coordination of about 20 cleanup sites around Noosa and the hinterland.
– Friends of Kinaba group at Boreen Point, NICA auspices this volunteer group to obtain funding to carry out maintenance work on the Kinaba Information Centre.
– NICA has published 4 botanical publications that promote the use of native plants in the Noosa area: ‘Noosa’s Native Plants’, ‘Weeds of the Sunshine Coast’, ‘Grasses of the Noosa Biosphere’ and ‘Sedges, Rushes & Restiads of the Noosa Biosphere’. NICA has also published a children’s book ‘Fussy Glossies’ on the vulnerable Glossy black cockatoos.
A new book, ‘Noosa’s Native Plants – Flowering Now’ was published in December 2025 by NICA. This book provides suggestions and advice about Native Plants suited for use in Noosa’s Urban Gardens.
NICA is seeking new members to become involved in their various activities and join their passionate, friendly crew.
Becoming a member of NICA enables you to participate as a volunteer in our projects, such as river rangers, water quality monitoring, shorebird surveys and bushcare. As a member you will receive our newsletters and invitations to events.
Annual membership is $20, single and $35 for couple.
For more information visit noosariver.com.au
