Refreshed plan to bolster Noosa’s biosecurity

Published on 20 July 2026

Noosa Council is bolstering its approach to biosecurity with a refreshed plan to stay ahead of any potential threats posed by invasive plants and animals.

“While Council has long maintained a strategic and planned approach to managing invasive species, it’s important we update our planning regularly to consider issues such as climate change, new technologies and methods,” Council’s Director of Strategy and Environment, Kim Rawlings said.

The refreshed plan reflects the latest biosecurity risk assessments. It will ensure Council can respond to emerging risks while exploring the use of new technologies to manage invasive species.

Council’s Environmental Services Manager, Ben Derrick, said climate change increased the likelihood of new pests, weeds and diseases becoming established in the region.

“As environmental conditions change, so do the biosecurity challenges we face,” Mr Derrick said.

“By updating our biosecurity planning for another five years we’ll continue to make sure native ecosystems are protected, long-term management costs are kept down, and invasive species don’t become entrenched.”

Council is encouraging the local community to read the Draft Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2026–2031, to understand the issues Council needs to manage and to provide any feedback on the draft.

“Biosecurity is a shared responsibility. It takes a partnership between Council and private landowners to manage many issues, such as weed control,” Mr Derrick said.

“The draft plan includes priority actions to prevent, eradicate and contain invasive species, while protecting Noosa’s highest-value areas such as waterways, conservation land and key habitats.”

All councils must have a biosecurity plan to guide the management of invasive plants and animals.

To read Noosa Council’s Draft Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2026–2031, and provide feedback, visit yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au by 24 August 2026.

Feedback can also be submitted via email to environment@noosa.qld.gov.au.

Environmental Services Manager Ben Derrick on the draft Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2026-2031: