Biosphere group opens the doors

THE new Noosa Community Biosphere Association (NCBA) is calling for members as it begins a grassroots, “we the people” drive for guiding local growth.
The biosphere association is an eight member steering committee under the Noosa Biosphere Foundation and is looking to expand its membership base so the committee can work with the community on projects.
Association committee member John Wood said the committee aimed to collaborate with existing hard-working community organisations and local residents to develop projects relevant to those who live and work in the Noosa Biosphere.
“Many very important activities are going on around our natural environment by our dedicated environment groups,” he said.
“The NCBA intends to work in a complementary role on many of their projects. As a community association, we believe we should also focus on the ‘living in our Biosphere’, so NCBA plans to co-ordinate and develop projects for smaller citizen groups as well.”
Mr Wood said there is work to be done to improve the people-based side of living sustainably in the Noosa Biosphere through increased social and economic prosperity for local residents.
“This means creating career opportunities and innovative jobs in the context of a smart economy and not simply low or no skill jobs,” he said.
Mr Wood said Noosa needed a more stable and diversified economy that encouraged a focus on wellness industries, knowledge-based and technology businesses plus sustainable farming to increase well-paid job opportunities in the shire.
“The NCBA seeks to increase and widen the economic capacity our Noosa Biosphere has to offer as a clean, green environment by promoting our sustainable agriculture, hinterland tourism, eco-friendly businesses and food processing opportunities.
Anyone in the community interested in joining the association as a member can visit their website on www.NoosaCBA.org to find out more and to go in the draw to win a double pass on the Eco-Cruise.