Reserve looks to do more

The recently formed Noosa Biosphere Reserve foundation is calling for big ideas to further Noosa’s conservation and environmental standing.
The foundation is calling for eligible groups to lodge expressions of interest for grants to develop significant and innovative conservation proposals.
NBR chairman Scott Williams said the Noosa community had fought for more than 50 years for high environmental standards in the shire’s natural and built environments.
“UNESCO acknowledged its successes when Noosa Shire and its coastal waters were designated a biosphere reserve,” Mr Williams said.
“Now the foundation wants more done for the environment and we’re looking to the community again for significant ideas and projects.
“We want proposals that will reduce environmental impacts, ensure sustainability and enhance Noosa’s environmental credentials.
“They could be improvements to the way things are done in the region, or to fix problems created in the past and we hope the broad Noosa community will be the engine room for these big ideas.”
Mr Williams said the aim of the foundation is to enhance Noosa’s reputation as a place where people care deeply about where and how they live and are prepared to do something about it.
“There will be the satisfaction that comes with improving the place we all love and want to protect and nurture,” he said.
“For many businesses here, the environment is an essential resource and an important marketing tool that will become even more valuable for them and their suppliers, stimulating the local economy.
“And we hope there will be the opportunity for residents to be actively involved with projects.”
The foundation has “triple bottom-line aspirations” Mr Williams said including enhancing the environment, realising the shire’s economic potential and engaging the community.
Under a three-year agreement, Noosa Council has provided the NBR foundation with an initial $250,000 from its environmental levy to support proposals that conserve or improve biodiversity.
It has provided a further $80,000 from general revenues for proposals that foster economic and human development and $40,000 to meet the foundation’s initial establishment costs.
Noosa Council CEO Brett de Chastel said the funding is part of Noosa’s new Noosa Biosphere Reserve governance arrangements, begun with appointment of a new Board of Trustees in February this year.
“The foundation grants program is not meant to replace the council’s community grants scheme which remains in Noosa Biosphere place for other projects,” he said.
Organisations eligible for funding include community associations and NGOs, education and research institutions and business groups and enterprises from the rural, urban, social, production and conservation sectors.
Government departments or agencies, political or religious organisations, private businesses and individuals are not eligible for grants.
Private businesses and individuals with innovative ideas are encouraged to collaborate in developing expressions of interest with a community group or not-for-profit organisation.
Activities intended to generate commercial profits are not eligible for grants.
For more information visit www.noosabiosphere.org.au.