After much debate and a narrow voting majority of 4:3 Noosa Council committed at its ordinary meeting to including a dedicated section in its Surf Management Plan (SMP) to recognising the unique significance of First Point.
The motion put to council by Cr Amelia Lorentson, and agreed by majority, includes identifying resourcing or funding requirements needed to protect First Point, subject to availability, and alongside consideration of other actions of council’s Destination Management Plan (DMP) under which it sits.
Cr Lorentson put to council an argument of the importance of First Point to the community and visitors as well as environmentally, recreationally and culturally.
“It contributes significantly to Noosa’s identity, lifestyle and visitor economy, and holds a special meaning for many in the community – shaping daily routines, supporting wellbeing and fostering a strong sense of connection and belonging to place,” she said.
She said the areas interconnectedness of its coastal system and influence from sand movement but a lack of state government protection left it vulnerable and demanded decisions on it require careful and coordinated consideration.
Cr Lorentson said her motion built on the Noosa World Surfing Reserve’s (NWSR) work and advocacy in protecting Noosa’s world-class point breaks.
NWSR has, with Noosa Council, scoped the Surf Management Plan which is in its early stages and is a key action of the DMP, she said.
Cr Nicola Wilson said if scoping of the SMP was still underway she thought that’s when the issue should be raised.
“If the SMP is still in development why isn’t this part of that process,” she asked.
During the debate Cr Brian Stockwell said protecting First Point had long been a key issue for council but argued against cherry picking one issue of the SMP which was yet to be finalised.
He suggested other elements of the DMP such as identifying items on the heritage register that was raised during the Pomona Place Making were also of community significance.
Cr Karen Finzel raised concerns around equity and finding balance in council process.
“I believe across the entire shire all our community groups and voices are passionate about their area and where they identify with and how they want to see change come about for their local area to ensure that their communities thrive,” she said.
“I do understand it is our role to bring the voices of community to the table but I think we have to very careful that we’ve got that balance where there is that equity of voice and one voice doesn’t override equity throughout the shire.”
Cr Jessica Phillips agreed the community expected councillor to put forward issue of importance to the community.
She said she considered the sizeable body of study on First Point, the amount of volunteer time contributed to it by the community.
“It’s one of those things people are passionate about,” she said.
Council CEO Larry Sengstock said the DMP had a range of plans put forward and it was up to the budget and the councillors to decide which ones are in the forefront. The Surf Management Plan is one of those, he said.
Read more from Cr Lorentson on P12.
