Andrew Mccarthy

Question 1

When will Council contact the Minister for Transport to access the $2.5 million pledged for boating infrastructure on the Noosa River and further advocate for immediate due diligence to be undertaken to assess the most suitable boat ramp upgrade due to ageing infrastructure in consultation with the Noosa Community which was first canvassed in a Mayoral minute on 17 January 2023 set out below:-

Response from Shaun Walsh Director Infrastructure Services

Thank you for the question. Firstly, Council acknowledges the importance of boat ramp facilities and associated parking for the community and desires for upgrades. However relevant officers from the Queensland Government have not been able to confirm that the Liberal National Party pre-election pledge of $2.5million to Noosa River boat ramp upgrades has actually been confirmed as a budget commitment for the elected government. Council will continue to await confirmation from the relevant Minister and staff to avail ourselves of any funding opportunities. However, I can confirm that Council officers have been proactively meeting with Maritime Safety Queensland Officers to discuss boat facilities upgrades, and opportunity for funding from all available sources, and will continue to actively progress the matter in a collaborative manner.

Question 2

Johns Landing was purchased for $2m in 2017 by the Noosa Council, with a five-year plan to complete the rehabilitation and removal of contaminants on site, which should now be completed. Does Noosa Council have any plans for development or use for this site, or is it going to let return to a natural state?

Response from Kim Rawlings Director Strategy and Environment

In 2017 Council acquired a block of land in Cooroibah known as “Johns Landing” with approximately 70% of the site allocated for nature conservation and 30% earmarked for future consideration of recreational use. The restoration of John's Landing in Noosa represents a significant environmental initiative, with the parcel being purchased through the environment levy and designated as a Nature Refuge across 70% of entire land parcel. An Ecological Restoration Plan was developed and has been diligently followed by Council. However, the 2019 bushfires severely impacted the Nature Refuge section, hindering the previously set restoration targets. Council will likely update this restoration plan soon to better inform restoration efforts. Despite this setback, ongoing efforts continue to focus on rehabilitating the affected areas, with roughly $12,000 per annum spent in the Nature Refuge section. The remaining portion of the site has $10,000 per annum allocated for maintenance of the slashed access tracks and open paddocks, managing hazardous trees and priority weeds. A Fire Management Plan has also been developed for this reserve which Council is managing accordingly. Council acknowledges community interest in the potential use of the Johns Landing site for public and community purposes. Any future consideration of development and use of the site would involve a thorough assessment process, including site evaluations, due diligence and feasibility studies in accordance with Council’s Strategic Land Activation Policy.