Focus on natural marvel

Twelve guest speakers at Noosa’s Wallum Festival from 25-27 August aim to increase residents’ and visitors’ understanding and enjoyment of the area’s coastal lowlands known as the Wallum.
Each speaker will look at the Wallum from a different point of view during their talks at the Bicentennial Hall annexe at Sunshine Beach.
Phil Moran from Noosa and District Landcare will talk about its geology. Lindy Atkin and Stephen Guthrie of Bark Design will discuss designing houses for the climate and surroundings. Former Noosa councillor Vivien Griffin will share tales of battles to protect Noosa’s natural environment, while Stephen Boyd from the University of the Sunshine Coast and chair of the Noosa Chamber of Commerce will focus on the sustainable marketing of Noosa’s unique natural environment.
Other speakers will cover art, plants, birds and animals, research and maintenance. Wallum-inspired artists will display their work.
Keynote speaker, landscape architect Lawrie Smith, will present at Saturday night’s dinner on the subject ’Design with Nature’.
Wildflower Walks, music and food complete the picture. For the full program and booking details, go to the NICA website www.noosariver.com.au.