Getting to grips with long-standing environmental issues.
PREAMBLE
The people of Noosa live in one of the most environmentally stunning places in Australia and the region’s natural beauty is a compelling reason why many people choose to live and visit here. But environmental challenges still exist – and a number of these lie squarely within the responsibility of the State government.
POLICIES
Transition Noosa River to local management
The State government needs a good shake-up over its lack of attention to the hulks, waste disposal and other issues affecting the Noosa River. Noosa needs an effective and independent representative – a proven negotiator – who can work to ensure the environmental integrity of the river by transferring it to community management, whether through a trust, Noosa Council or some other local entity.”
Improve the bio-mapping of Noosa’s natural assets
The State government is responsible for most of Noosa’s natural riverine and bushland assets, in some cases enabling Noosa Council to hold them in trust. Sandy believes the condition of each of these assets should be assessed, monitored, registered and regularly updated according to world best practice. This will enable greater clarification of issues such as Elanda Point where the quality of the fish habitat has been in question.
Ensure local environment organisations are supported
Sandy will provide a link between Noosa’s many environmental organisations and the State government to ensure they benefit from public funding and other programs. She will also provide political weight to community organisations which have been formed to protect and conserve the environment.
Securing State backing for a research institute
Sandy applauds the recent announcement by Noosa Council of a feasibility study to be conducted by CSIRO into a sustainability institute, an outgrowth of Noosa’s 10-year Biosphere experience, which will provide environmental and economic opportunities. Sandy sees this initiative as means of establishing Noosa as a hub for sustainability research and thought-leadership and she will work with the project at a State level to ensure its success.