Noosa Council has endorsed a new 10‑year Destination Management Plan (DMP) to protect Noosa’s lifestyle, natural beauty and prosperity ahead of increased population pressure in South East Queensland and the 2032 Olympics.
Called For the Love of Noosa, the plan recognises everyone: residents, business owners and visitors are part of the solution to preserving Noosa.
“Noosa has fared well but we need to lift again, business-as-usual will only see us go backwards,” Mayor Frank Wilkie said.
“Moving towards a regenerative approach in tourism marketing, industry development and community programs is intended to help us all play a role in leaving Noosa in a better state than how we found. it.
“This is about responsible preparation. Planning ahead because we must preserve what we love about Noosa for residents and visitors. It would be negligent if we didn’t.
“It’s a plan 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.
Among the DMP’s key actions are new approaches to managing day visitors, programs that bring the community and visitors together as joint custodians of the region, initiatives to regenerate hinterland landscapes through sustainable agriculture, and a new stewardship model to guide the visitor economy and explore future funding options.
“The DMP will be refined as it moves along but at least we’re on the path now and the journey can commence,” Cr Wilkie said,
“This is about planning for change, managing pressure and embracing opportunities – especially as we head toward the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games – while keeping community values at the centre of everything we do.”
The DMP’s priority actions include:
Day Visitation Management – New programs and trials to ease impacts and encourage positive visitor behaviour, including dynamic parking and smarter travel choices.
Joint Custodian Program – Launching For the Love of Noosa, an initiative to help locals, businesses and visitors understand Noosa’s values — and share responsibility for protecting them.
Hinterland Regeneration – A Regenerative Agriculture Program to revitalise landscapes, support local producers and create meaningful new tourism experiences.
Destination Stewardship – Establishing a Stewardship Council to guide visitor economy management and help identify new revenue sources to reinvest back into Noosa’s future.
The DMP is backed by a three‑year rolling implementation roadmap, along with a monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure transparency, adaptability and accountability. Annual reviews will help keep the plan responsive to new challenges and opportunities.
“The DMP is a bold strategy that calls for everyone who loves Noosa to help care for it and long‑term commitment,” Mayor Wilkie said.
“Through advocacy, partnerships and ongoing monitoring and with the Stewardship Council helping guide the journey, we can ensure the Noosa we love thrives for generations to come.”
For more information and to view the full Destination Management Plan, visit Council’s website.
