The Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF) has had a new four-year partnership agreement with Noosa Council unanimously approved.
The partnership agreement, though different in name, is not in meaning and replaces the previous Funding Deed which was due to expire on 30 June.
However there are a number of differences in the new partnership.
The term is for four years instead of three which council says better fits the local government political cycle, giving the next elected government time to evaluate the organisation before making a decision on the next agreement.
For the past three years council has funded NBRF for ’operational expenses’ at a cost of $140,000, $120,000 and $100,000 per annum respectively.
At Council’s Ordinary Meeting last week Mayor Clare Stewart said the new agreement was not a funding agreement. Funding could only be allocated through the budget process, not as part of the partnership. Though operational expenses will continue to be allocated following the submission by NBRF of an annual ’operational plan’ outlining operational expenses, and the definition of ’operational expenses’ has been broadened to include funding for scoping studies or research support as long as it is included in the operational plan.
Under an additional clause Council may elect on a commercial fee for service basis to arrange for NBRF to undertake studies or projects relevant to council’s role in the management of the Biosphere.NBRF will be required to provide six-monthly reports and an annual report outlining funded projects.
It’s a partnership not a legally binding document. Council is in no way liable for NBRF, Cr Stewart said.
“It’s a good way forward. It shows the maturity between Council and NBRF,“ she said.
Cr Stewart strongly requested NBRF seek more female representation on its board which currently has eight directors, all male, and asked NBRF place its internal governance policies on its website.
NBRF chair Rex Halverson said the partnership provided certainty and continuity for the future.
It renews the long-standing relationship and recognised the value of the NBRF in progressing the aims of Noosa’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, he said.“I thank the Noosa Councillors and staff, as well as the Noosa community for their ongoing encouragement and support. This partnership agreement provides us confidence to continue to move forward with our medium to long-term projects and goals with assurance we can deliver high value outcomes for the Noosa Shire,” said Mr Halverson.
“I’m really excited about the continuing evolution of the NBRF,” Council’s representative on the NBRF board Cr Tom Wegener said.
Mr Halverson explained biosphere reserves were regions of excellence where communities work together to find innovative solutions to sustainable human development. “We believe Noosa is becoming a leading example of a community doing just so,” he said.
“Just last month we signed an MoU with University of the Sunshine Coast and we’re already working on developing two multi-year PhD projects with more to come. “We’re also working on innovative research to provide new data on Glossy Black-Cockatoo nesting sites that will inform future local conservation efforts.
“We have been increasing our community engagement through our collaborative stakeholder symposiums, newsletters, fundraising gala and community event participation. We recently established an Advisory Panel to the Board with our first female advisor in place and are actively seeking additional diversity and voices. And excitingly, we are about to launch a new Noosa Biosphere Awards program recognising sustainability excellence within our community.“
Executive coordinator Sharon Wright said the signing of the partnership agreement highlighted a pivotal shift in a positive new direction for NBRF.
“We are committed to ensuring the Noosa Biosphere remains a ‘celebration of community and environment’ and will continue to work closely with the Noosa community, our partners and supporters to build on these relationships,” she said.
The Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF) is a not-for-profit organisation established by the Noosa Shire Council in 2015 to support projects and ideas that align with the aims of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program. NBRF is managed by an independent board of volunteers with council entitled to one representative on the board, and it is a registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.
In 2007, the Noosa Shire was designated as the Noosa Biosphere Reserve under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program. It encompasses the Noosa Shire local government area and three kilometres offshore.For more visit www.noosabiosphere.org.au.
