Community values to drive a Noosa Destination Plan

It’s time for the Noosa community to voice how we see the shire in 2033. 

Community views are needed to help shape a Destination Management Plan for Noosa Shire.

Feedback from the Discussion Paper on Noosa’s destination management will help shape the management of Noosa shire as a community and as a premier visitor destination.

Acting Mayor Frank Wilkie said communities and popular destinations around the world are also having these conversations.

“We know what we collectively value – Noosa’s natural assets and relaxed lifestyle, but we want to clarify how we can best enhance these as the destination evolves,” Cr Wilkie said.

“Following feedback on the Discussion Paper, a Destination Management Plan (DMP) will be drafted reflecting views from our residents, business operators, visitors and tourism industry, which will help us grow well together with a shared vision.”

“This is a future-setting conversation and we want to hear from everyone.”

A Destination Management Plan is a blueprint for protecting a community’s key values, while guiding the evolution of a tourism industry that considers the interest of all stakeholders.

Cr Wilkie said it was critical to ensure tourism continued to evolve in a way that added value to our community’s environment, social fabric and economy and created a worthy legacy for future generations.

“There are local residents and families who depend on tourism for their livelihoods, but the visitor economy and shire needs to be managed in a way that respects the qualities that have made Noosa such a sought-after place to live, visit and invest in."

A series of community workshops and coffee catch-up sessions are also planned during October and Council has released a Discussion Paper, developed by a Project Control Group which included skill-based representatives from the community.

Cr Wilkie said the Discussion Paper outlined a range of different scenarios, options and potential key actions that will guide the DMP.

“We want a future focussed plan, community-led plan to ensure Noosa continues to be a great place for our residents, workers, business operators and visitors, Cr Wilkie said.

The Discussion paper and survey can be downloaded from Council's Your Say Noosa website.

People can also visit Noosa Libraries to fill out the survey.

“We want a blueprint that is very much about what we value and respect, so the shire is a well-managed community and visitor destination for future generations to enjoy,” Cr Wilkie said.

Consultation opens on Friday, September 15 and is open until midnight Sunday, October 29.