Sania Boric

Question 1

If a conservation park is declared over the existing FHA's, what extra powers exactly does that give Council that you or State departments do not already have, why is this necessary, or even a point for consideration IF the rivers health is at a critical level as suggested and urgent action is required, which would be held up with the need for further community consultation?

Response from Kim Rawlings, Director Strategy and Environment

This is yet to be properly determined as the concept of a conservation park established under the Nature Conservation Act (1992) in the same areas as the declared Fish Habitat Area (FHA) of the Noosa River was subject to comprehensive consideration and investigation to determine this. This is now on hold and deferred until 2024.

Question 2

Given that the Catchment falls within 3 different shires, one would assume that there is already an in principle heads of agreement on the declaration of a conservation park between the Shires; In terms of environmental and scientific significance, how is it that the rest of the Noosa River does not rate as at risk? Is there scientific evidence or an environmental report/ link that suggests that the areas of the River outside of the FHA’s are not at risk and do not require to be included into the Conservation Park?

Response from Kim Rawlings, Director Strategy and Environment

While the catchment falls within three different shires, a very small proportion of the Noosa River Catchment is shared with Gympie and Sunshine Coast. Council however works with Sunshine Coast Council and Gympie Council on various projects with broader catchment management considerations. The concept of a Conservation Park over FHA was subject to investigation and was just one of many other actions in the Draft Noosa River Catchment Plan which sought to address a wide range of river and catchment management issues and opportunities.