Noosa Council has “overhauled” its Corporate Plan and adopted a “refreshing” five-year blueprint for the region.
The 2023-2028 plan is a major revamp of the previous plan and based around five strategic pillars: environment, liveability, prosperity, future and excellence.
Noosa Council’s outgoing CEO Scott Waters said the new-look plan was necessary.
“Given the significant change and range of challenges in the form of flood and fire events, along with a global pandemic, the time was certainly right to health-check our strategic direction,” he said.
“The focus is to protect the amenity of our neighbourhoods, enhance our liveability and preserve our shire’s rich natural environment.
“It also seeks to support our economic and social prosperity while delivering the infrastructure needed for carefully managed sustainable future growth.”
Mayor Clare Stewart said the document was the roadmap to advance the vision of council and the community.
“The plan includes key projects such as the Coastal and Foreshore Management Plans, delivery of the Housing Strategy, transforming waste management practices and completing the Destination Management Plan,” she said.
“This document sets out the future, looks at the opportunities and challenges, and determines how best we can capitalise on the emerging digital trends and 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Supporting each pillar are objectives, key performance indicators and proposed outcomes.
Key objectives include:
- maintaining and improving water quality and the health of waterways, wetlands and catchments;
- facilitating greater housing choice which meets the changing needs of the community, improves liveability and affordability and includes partnering to increase provision of social and affordable housing;
- delivering and funding the Smart Biosphere – Economic Strategy, partnering with and supporting Noosa Shire’s business community and industry sectors to deliver key outcomes;
- delivering the Reconciliation Action Plan to build trust and respect with First Nations peoples including our Traditional Owners, the Kabi Kabi people and community; and
- improving the customer (tourist) experience to prioritise customers’ needs and outcomes throughout the entire customer journey.
Cr Stewart said the Corporate Plan, designed in the refreshed council brand, would help ensure council decisions focus on protecting the amenity of Noosa, enhancing lifestyles and preserving rich natural environment.
“This plan provides clarity around what the community considers important and the level of engagement was very strong, with nearly 1100 respondents providing feedback during the process,” she said.
“Analysis of our community’s feedback identified some common themes such as more affordable and social housing, addressing the quality of the roads and transport options, celebrating Noosa’s natural beauty and continuing to prioritise parks, cycle and walking paths.
“Addressing the impacts of tourism and how it is managed in the long term was also raised by the community.”
Cr Stewart said the plan reflected community views and would guide council in delivering a sustainable future for Noosa.
For more, see the 2023-2028 Corporate Plan.
