NOOSA BIOSPHERE RESERVE PERIODIC REVIEW 2018
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NOOSA BIOSPHERE RESERVE
PERIODIC REVIEW 2018
Document Set ID: 20620708
Version: 7, Version Date: 01/08/2018
Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
Copyright 2018
Noosa Shire Council
9 Pelican Street, Tewantin, Queensland 4565
and
Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation Ltd.
52 Doonella Street, Tewantin Queensland 4565
The words noosa biosphere® and the logo noosa biosphere depicted on the cover are registered trademarks of Noosa Shire
Council.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to the following people for their generous assistance with background research and preparation of this report:
• NBRF Periodic Review Advisory Group (PRAG)
• NBRF Board and Members
• NBRF contract staff
• Professor Peter Bridgewater, University of Canberra
• Noosa Shire Councillors
• Noosa Shire Council staff
• The Noosa Shire community
Cover photo: Noosa Council
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Noosa Biosphere Reserve - Periodic Review 2018
CONTENTS
PAGE
LIST OF MAPS, TABLES AND FIGURES ................................................................................................... 5
LIST OF ACRONYMS ................................................................................................................................... 5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................................................... 7
PART ONE: SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................ 10
PART TWO: PERIODIC REVIEW REPORT .............................................................................................. 13
1. BIOSPHERE RESERVE ......................................................................................................... 13
1.1 Year of designation ....................................................................................................... 13
1.2 Year of the Periodic Review ......................................................................................... 13
1.3 Actions from previous Periodic Review ........................................................................ 13
1.4 Other observations or comments on above.................................................................. 13
1.5 Process by which the current periodic review has been conducted ............................. 13
2. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES DURING THE PAST 10 YEARS ................................................. 16
2.1 Brief Summary Overview .............................................................................................. 16
2.2 Updated background information about the BR ........................................................... 16
2.3 Authorities in charge of coordination and management of BR ..................................... 24
2.4 Matters of special interest ............................................................................................. 28
3. ECOSYSTEM SERVICES ...................................................................................................... 32
3.1 Update services provided by each ecosystem and beneficiaries ................................. 32
3.2 Changes regarding the indicators of ecosystem services ............................................ 34
3.3 Biodiversity involved in the provision of ecosystems services ..................................... 35
3.4 Recent/updated ecosystem service assessments ....................................................... 37
4. THE CONSERVATION FUNCTION ....................................................................................... 37
4.1 Significant changes in main habitat types, ecosystems, species or varieties of
traditional or economic importance ............................................................................... 37
4.2 Conservation programs over past 10 years.................................................................. 39
4.3 Links between conservation activities and sustainable development issues ............... 42
4.4 How effectiveness of actions or strategies is assessed ............................................... 43
4.5 Influencing factors on conservation efforts ................................................................... 43
4.6 Other comments/observations from a BR perspective. ................................................ 44
5. THE DEVELOPMENT FUNCTION ......................................................................................... 44
5.1 Prevailing trends in each main sector of the economic base ....................................... 44
5.2 Tourism industry in the BR ........................................................................................... 48
5.3 Agriculture, Food and other sectors ............................................................................. 49
5.4 Benefit to local communities of economic activities ..................................................... 52
5.5 Methods of assessing effectiveness of actions or strategies ....................................... 52
5.6 Community economic development initiatives.............................................................. 52
5.7 Local business or other economic development initiatives (green alternatives) .......... 53
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5.8 Changes in terms of cultural values (religious, historical, political, social,
ethnological) ................................................................................................................. 55
5.9 Community support facilities and services ................................................................... 57
5.10 Indicators to assess the effectiveness of activities fostering sustainable
development ................................................................................................................. 58
5.11 Main factors that influenced success of development efforts ....................................... 58
6. THE LOGISTIC SUPPORT FUNCTION ................................................................................. 59
6.1 Main research institutions and programs...................................................................... 59
6.2 Summary of main themes of research and monitoring ................................................. 60
6.3 Traditional and local knowledge ................................................................................... 64
6.4 Environmental and sustainability education ................................................................. 66
6.5 Assessment of effectiveness of strategies ................................................................... 67
6.6 Contribution to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves .......................................... 68
6.7 Main factors that influenced the success of activities contributing to the logistic
support function? .......................................................................................................... 68
6.8 Other comments/observations from a biosphere reserve perspective. ....................... 68
7. GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION .................................................... 69
7.1 Technical and logistical resources for the coordination of the BR ............................... 69
7.2 Overall governance framework and contributions ........................................................ 70
7.3 Assessment tools or guidelines to support Indigenous and local rights and cultural
initiatives ....................................................................................................................... 73
7.4 Main conflicts and solutions .......................................................................................... 73
7.5 Community representation and consultation ................................................................ 74
7.6 Management and coordination structure ...................................................................... 76
7.7 Update on the management/cooperation plan/policy ....................................................... 78
8. CRITERIA AND PROGRESS MADE ..................................................................................... 79
8.1 Mosaic of ecological systems representative of major biogeographic region
including a gradation of human interventions ............................................................... 79
8.2 Significance for biological diversity conservation ......................................................... 79
8.3 Provide an opportunity to explore and demonstrate approaches to sustainable
development on a regional scale .................................................................................. 80
8.4 BR size (appropriate to serve the three functions of BRs) ........................................... 80
8.5 Appropriate zonation to serve the three functions ........................................................ 81
8.6 Organisational arrangements ....................................................................................... 81
8.7 Mechanisms for implementation and cooperative activities ......................................... 81
CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................................ 82
GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................................................ 84
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................ 85
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS..................................................................................................................... 86
ANNEXURES .............................................................................................................................................. 89
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LIST OF MAPS, TABLES AND FIGURES
MAPS
MAP No. DESCRIPTION PAGE No.
1 Map of the Noosa Shire 17
2 Updated Zonation Map, NBR 19
3 Map of Broad Vegetation Groups (BVGs) and REs, NBR 33
4 Planning Scheme Strategy Map (2006) 47
5 Map of Traditional Owner groups in the SEQ 66
TABLES
TABLE No. DESCRIPTION PAGE No.
1 Area and spatial distribution, NBR 10
2 Total population, NBR 11
3 Annual Budget, NBR 11
4 Cardinal points, NBR 18
5 Area of Core, Buffer and Transition Zones, NBR 18
6 Population growth rates, Noosa Shire 20
7 NBRF staff support 25
8 Research projects 30
9 Ecosystem services 32
10 Regional ecosystem services and changes 35
11 Declining species 38
12 NBRF Research Project Partnerships 59
13 Summary of Foundation Project Grants 2015-17 60
14 Summary of Big Ideas Project Grants 2017-18 64
15 Roles and responsibilities of conservation stakeholders, NBR 69
16 Summary of principal legislation affecting the NBR 71
17 Summary of resources and conflicts 73
FIGURES
FIGURE No. DESCRIPTION PAGE No.
1 Noosa employment and unemployment rates, 2011-17 45
2 Snapshot of Regulatory Framework, NBR 70
3 UN Sustainable Development Goals 71
LIST OF ACRONYMS
ACRONYM DESCRIPTION
ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics
BBTF Bring Back the Fish
BR Biosphere Reserve
BVR Broad vegetation types
CEO Chief Executive Officer
CQU Central Queensland University
EPBC Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Aust.)
FAN Food and Agribusiness Network
GRP Gross Regional Product
GSBR Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve
HLW Healthy Land & Water
KPI Key performance indicator
LGA Local Government Authority
LiDAR Light Detection and Ranging
MaB Man & the Biosphere Program
MRCCC Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee
NBAR Noosa Biodiversity Assessment Report
NBL Noosa Biosphere Limited
NBR Noosa Biosphere Reserve
NBRF Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation Ltd.
NCBA Noosa Community Biosphere Association
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ACRONYM DESCRIPTION
NDL Noosa & District Landcare
NICA Noosa Integrated Catchment Association
NPA Noosa Parks Association
NRM Natural Resource Management
NSC Noosa Shire Council
PR Periodic Review
PRAG Periodic Review Advisory Group
QGSO Queensland Government Statistician’s Office
RDASC Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast
RE Regional Ecosystem
SCEC Sunshine Coast Environment Council
SCRC Sunshine Coast Regional Council
SEQ South-East Queensland
SFN Slow Food© Noosa
TN Tourism Noosa
TTF The Thomas Foundation
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
UQ University of Queensland
USC University of the Sunshine Coast
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report is the inaugural Periodic Review (PR) of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve (NBR) in
Queensland, Australia. It contains a description of the first 10 years of operation as a Biosphere
Reserve. The NBR was designated for inclusion in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves on 18
September 2007 under the Man and the Biosphere (MaB) program of the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The NBR equals the area of the Noosa Shire local
government boundary plus a 3 nautical mile marine area. The amount of land protected for conservation
purposes is at 36.5% of the terrestrial cover.
The PR documents the significant changes in the NBR over the past 10 years including: an assessment
of its ecosystem services and biodiversity; a description of the main functions including conservation,
development and logistic support; and governance, management and coordination.
Many individuals and organisations have been involved in creating and maintaining the protected
environment and sustainable community of today's Noosa. A report like this simply cannot do justice to
the efforts of so many people, especially their collective imagination and determination to succeed in
realising a vision.
According to the MaB program, biosphere reserves harmonise conservation of biological and cultural
diversity, and economic and social development, through partnerships between people and nature.
They also contribute to the transition to green societies by experimenting with green development
1
options such as sustainable tourism and training for eco-jobs .
For the local resident or visitor, Noosa in SEQ is simply an exceptional part of the world. It remains one
2
of the top tourist destinations, ranked tenth in Australia in 2018 . This is largely due to a mild climate,
the township’s beautiful north-facing Main Beach, its rich hinterland and the wondrous Noosa National
Park headland with sub-tropical rainforest, rocky capes washed by perfectly-formed surfing waves, and
an abundance of native wildlife. The NBR is also home to species that are under threat such as the
Koala [Phascolarctos cinereus] and the Glossy-black Cockatoo [Calyptorhynchus lathami].
Noosa Shire Council (NSC) remains the principal manager of the NBR and is supported by the Noosa
Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF) and the Noosa Community Biosphere Reserve Association
(NCBA). Over the past decade, two community management models for the NBR have been tried
providing differing levels of participation and engagement.
The report demonstrates that the NBR is a unique learning site for sustainable living. The factors that
have helped shape this site include its landscape, social history, cultural traditions, government and
regulatory systems, as well as its political, social and economic activities. Fundamentally, much of this
has been about people interacting with nature.
The most significant achievements of the NBR over the past 10 years are:
1. An increase in the amount of land protected for its natural values. Creating an extension of
critical habitat for wildlife, including: an additional 6,936 hectares of land protected in National Park;
an agreement developed for safeguarding and rehabilitating 2400ha of Ringtail-Yurol State Forest
by the Queensland Government, NSC and the Noosa Parks Association (NPA); and the purchase
of conservation land through the Council's Environment Levy to add to their bushland reserve
network, now totalling 178 reserves. Currently, the proportion of Queensland’s terrestrial coverage
3
that is protected across the State stands at less than 8% . The United Nations Convention on
Biological Diversity target is 17% terrestrial protected area coverage. The relevant figure for the
Noosa Biosphere Reserve is 36.5%.
1
Biosphere Reserves in Practice, http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-
sciences/biosphere-reserves/biosphere-reserves-in-practice/ (accessed 10/4/18)
2
2018 Travellers’ Choice Awards, Top 10 Destinations – Australia,
https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/TravelersChoice-Destinations-cTop-g255055
3
2017, Queensland Government, Draft Queensland Protected Area Strategy, p.3
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2. The early stages of ‘decoupling’ population growth from economic growth. While Noosa’s
population growth has slowed considerably over the past decade from 2.1% to 0.8%, its economy
has continued to grow. Over the past five years, growth in Gross Regional Product (GRP) has
averaged at 2.4% per annum (above both South-East Queensland and the State), and increased by
4
1% to $2.8 billion in 2015-16 . There is evidence that the population is stabilising, but both the
tourism and non-tourism sectors are increasing in revenue and employment levels. The Noosa
Biosphere Reserve demonstrates it is possible to balance environmental protection with sustained
economic growth.
3. Formal engagement between the NSC and the Kabi Kabi First Nation Traditional Owners.
Following the successful registration by the Commonwealth Government of the Kabi Kabi (also
referred to as Gubbi Gubbi) native title claim over parts of the Noosa Shire the Indigenous people of
Noosa will have the right to formal input into potential development or management decisions
affecting their traditional lands. The ruling that the Kabi Kabi are the appropriate claimants brings
recognition of the unbroken ties to the land and sea country of Noosa to Traditional Owners, who
have occupied the region for many thousands of years.
4. Continued recognition. This includes the recognition of Noosa as a National Surfing Reserve in
2014, and a World Surfing Reserve in 2017. A diligent group of local people in the community,
surfers and others, were successful in their bid for recognition of Noosa’s world-class surfing
breaks. Tourism Noosa has also collected awards for its Welcome to Noosa and EcoCheck
business programs. This Council-funded organisation has twice won the Queensland Tourism
Award for Tourism Marketing and the Australian Tourism Award for Destination Marketing. The
Noosa Visitor Information Centre was also recently voted Queensland’s best.
5. An increase in the area of scientific research. Projects such as the Noosa River Oyster Reef
Restoration project which is an ‘Australian-first’ oyster restoration project in a river system. The
project is jointly-funded by the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF), The Thomas
Foundation, the Noosa Parks Association (NPA), and The Nature Conservancy, and is being
delivered by researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC).
The work of maintaining the Noosa Biosphere Reserve as a unique learning site for sustainable living is
demanding, requiring considerable resources. There are layers of Commonwealth, State and Local
Government regulation covering the terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments, as well as the
wildlife within these ecosystems.
The local government (NSC) is the level of government where most of the monitoring activity occurs.
However, many local governments are finding it difficult to manage the ever-increasing range of
responsibilities and community expectations, with limited budgets. Volunteers in community
organisations provide a highly valuable contribution in this endeavour.
A summary of the likely challenges ahead for the Noosa Biosphere Reserve in the next decade is:
1. Climate change - the greatest threat to people and nature. There is evidence of warmer air and
5
ocean temperatures, and more unpredictability of weather patterns in South-East Queensland
(SEQ). Such climatic shifts are potentially harmful for Noosa, given the local economy’s heavy
reliance upon the Tourism sector. Although the Council is currently engaged in a range of impact
studies, more research is likely needed on the potential impacts of climate change upon people and
nature in the region.
2. Pressure from coastal population growth and increased visitation. In the latest regional plan
for SEQ, the State Government opted to leave Noosa’s future resident population as planned at
approximately 60,000, and in consolidation mode. There is a risk that future governments may
overturn this position. The greatest risk comes from projections that an estimated 500,000 people
will be living on the Sunshine Coast by 2041 which will result in increased tourist day visits to the
NBR area. More work needs to be done on achieving a better distribution of visitors between the
coastal and hinterland areas of Noosa and managing visitor impacts throughout the NBR.
4
2017, Lucid Economics, Noosa Economic Profile, p.1
5
https://www.climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au/en/climate-projections/future-climate/regional-climate-change-
explorer/super-clusters/?current=ESC&tooltip=true&popup=true (accessed 23/4/18)
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3. Growing Noosa’s sustainable economy. There is evidence of growing community interest and
investment in renewable energy, sustainable housing design and construction, and the digital
revolution in the Noosa Shire. There is also potential for more sustainable farming practices and
other rural enterprises to meet consumer demand. Further diversification of the local economy into
these sectors will help protect the NBR from future economic shocks.
4. Marketing, communications and building a ‘whole of Biosphere’ brand. A more holistic and
integrated approach to communications and branding in partnership with local industry (e.g.
tourism, sustainable development, agricultural food production, environmental protection and
service industries) would improve the brand value of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve. Attracting
investment from philanthropic organisations, social entrepreneurs, private landholders and the
business community into protecting natural assets and sustainable living requires an ongoing focus
on best communications practice.
On balance, this review indicates that the Noosa Shire deserves to retain its world-class status as a
Biosphere Reserve and valued part of the World Network of Bisophere Reserves.
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PART ONE: SUMMARY
a) Name of the Biosphere Review Noosa Biosphere Reserve (NBR)
b) Country Australia
c) Year of designation 2007
d) Year of Periodic Review 2018
e-g) Previous recommendations by the Not applicable
ICC and follow-up actions
h) Periodic Review process
The PR process was conducted over the period March 2017 to April 2018. A Periodic Review Advisory
Group (PRAG) was established in March 2017 by the NBRF – the current management group - to
oversee the review process. Membership of the PRAG was drawn from elected members of the NSC,
Council staff and representatives of local environmental groups.
A Consultant was employed on a part-time contract basis to coordinate the PR process, facilitate the
PRAG and to research and write the PR report. A Strategic Advisor was also employed to conduct
extensive interviews with key stakeholders in the NBR, and to advise the NBRF Board on future
strategy for the NBRF.
Formal meetings were held between the NBRF and the NSC to discuss progress with the PR as part of
normal strategic and budgetary planning, monitoring and reporting sessions. The NBRF receives
funding from the NSC under a triennial funding agreement, based on the achievement of key
performance indicators (KPIs).
The methodologies used in the PR process included the following:
• Desktop research
• Strategic planning discussions
• Stakeholder identification sessions
• Face-to-face interviews
• Group meetings
• Presentations
• Field visits to revegetation sites
• Inspections including botanical walks/ boat trips.
i) Area and spatial configuration
Table 1: Area and spatial configuration, NBR
AREA DESCRIPTION NOMINATION PERIODIC CHANGE
FORM 2007 REVIEW 2017
Area of terrestrial Core Area(s) 24,870 ha 42,282ha Now includes Bushland
Reserves and water bodies
Area of terrestrial Buffer Zone(s) 28,050 ha 17,717 ha Improved mapping
Area of terrestrial Transition Area(s) 28,820 ha 26,979 ha Improved mapping
Area of marine Core Area(s) - - No defined marine core area
Area of marine Buffer Zone(s) 5,853 ha - Re-classified to transition Area
Area of marine Transition Area(s) - 23,750 ha Increase due to inclusion of
marine area 5.5 km offshore.
TOTAL 87,593 ha 110,728 ha Noosa Shire is 86,978 ha
(est.) (plus marine transition area)
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j) Human population of the NBR
Table 2: Total population, NBR
ZONATION COMPONENT POPULATION POPULATION
2007 2017
Core Area (s) (permanent & seasonally) 0 0
Buffer Zone (s) (permanent & seasonally) 500 500 (est.)
Transition Area (s) (permanent & seasonally) 50,000 53,533 (permanent)
6
2.032M per annum (visitors 2016)
TOTAL 50,500 (est. from 54,033 (2016 Census)
2001 Census)
k) Budget for the NBR
There has been millions of dollars in funding that flow from the various environmental and other
programs of Commonwealth and State Governments, NSC, university research, philanthropists and the
NBRF towards enhancing and protecting the NBR. Total funding amounts are difficult to quantify as
these activities are not always reported in a way that relates directly to BR activities.
The NBRF management, administration and grants program is funded by NSC, with operational costs
funded from general rates revenue and the grants program funded from an Environment Levy charged
to rateable properties. NBRF funds that have been expended to date on research projects have
managed to leverage funds from other sources on an approximate 1:3 basis. The figures provided in
Table 3 below only refer to funds that have been provided to NBRF and represent a small portion of the
monies that have been spent to benefit the NBR.
Table 3: Annual Budget, NBR
BUDGET 2006-07 BUDGET 2017-18
An expected annual budget for management of The annual budget provided by NSC for the NBRF totalled
the NBR was not included in the Nomination $390,000 (comprised of $250,000 from Council’s
report. Environment Levy, and $140,000 for operational
expenses).
l) International, regional, multilateral and bilateral framework of cooperation
The NBR is an important component in the implementation of a number of international, regional,
multilateral and bilateral cooperative frameworks aimed at the protection of natural environments and/or
ecological species, and to the promotion of sensitive, sustainable development within urbanised coastal
areas.
International
Noosa is the northern extent of a critical priority Endemic Bird Area identified by Birdlife International,
which extends along Australia’s eastern coast. There are over 2,500 species of bird that are restricted
2
to an area smaller than 50,000 km. Endemic Bird Areas are globally recognised areas that provide
7
habitat for these endemic species . The NBR serves as an important habitat for migratory birds that visit
coastal shores and wetland areas to rest and breed. The Noosa Shire hosts some 35 species of birds
listed in the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) and the China-Australia Migratory Bird
Agreement (CAMBA).
National
The NBR contains two Threatened Ecological Communities that are recognised and protected at the
Commonwealth Government level. These are:
• Critically Endangered Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia (“Lowland rainforest”)
• Vulnerable Subtropical and Temperate Salt Marsh (“Saltmarsh”).
6
Source Tourism Research Australia – Noosa Local Government Area Profile 2016
7
Birdlife International, 2010.
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The acidic and freshwater wetlands and streams of the Cooloola sand mass (Noosa North Shore)
comprise part of the Noosa River catchment. The Great Sandy Strait region immediately to the north of
the Noosa Shire is recognised as a wetland of international importance and is listed under RAMSAR.
Sunshine Beach, on the southern part of the Noosa headland, is a successful turtle breeding site. The
natural beach and dune system remains largely unaffected by habitat loss and other damaging effects
of coastal development seen elsewhere along the Queensland coastline. The beach provides a critical
nesting habitat for the endangered Loggerhead Turtle [Caretta caretta] and less frequently, the
vulnerable Green Turtle [Chelonia mydas].
In terms of sustainable development, the NSC is a signatory to the Cities Power Partnership launched
9
in 2017 by the Climate Council of Australia . The national partnership is comprised of 70 Local
Government Authorities (LGAs) who have pledged to undertake specific local action to accelerate
emissions reduction strategies. Each authority has agreed to promote clean energy within their shire
boundaries, as part of their sustainable development programs. The NSC has set its own organisational
target of Zero Emissions by 2026.
State
There are a number of State agencies that are involved with the governance and management of the
BR. The Department of Agriculture & Fisheries, Department of Natural Resources, Mines & Energy and
Department of Environment & Science (including Queensland National Parks) are responsible for the
management of large areas of land in the BR. Plans of management developed through community
consultation processes help protect the environment, economic and socio-cultural values of the land.
10
For example, the Great Sandy Region Management Plan consultation process assists in the
development of cooperative frameworks between business, industry, environment and Indigenous
groups. The plan is under review.
Regional
In addition to State agencies such as Queensland National Parks, there are two main regional groups
undertaking natural resource management (NRM) activities in the NBR: Healthy Land & Water (HLW), a
relatively new non-profit organisation (combining previous agencies Healthy Waterways and South-East
Queensland (SEQ) Catchments); and the Burnett Mary Regional Group.
The HLW monitors the health of waterways and catchments across the SEQ, one of the fastest growing
regions in Australia. The organisation brings together landholders, community groups, government,
industry and university-based scientists to monitor water quality, sediment load, environmental
conditions, and to develop common approaches to measurement. The Noosa River recently received
an ‘A minus’ rating in the Healthy Waterways and Catchments Report Card 2017, indicating excellent
water quality. The report card indicated that the local community places a high value on the NBR
waterways.
The NSC is a member of Regional Development Australia’s Sunshine Coast (RDASC) committee,
comprising representatives from all tiers of government, business and community in the region. The
RDASC acts as an infrastructure and major projects network. The latest RDASC publication - Regional
Roadmap 2016-17 - lists Tourism, Sport and Leisure; Clean Technologies; Aviation and
Aerospace;Agribusiness; Health and Wellbeing; Knowledge Industries & Professional Services; and
Education and Research as key priority areas for action over the coming decade.
8
2016, Department of Environment and Energy (DoEE)
9
http://citiespowerpartnership.org.au/power-partners/ (accessed 2/5/18)
10
https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/managing/plans-strategies/great_sandy_region.html
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PART TWO: PERIODIC REVIEW REPORT
1. BIOSPHERE RESERVE
1.1 Year of designation
The Shire of Noosa is a local government area 143 kilometres (81 miles) north of Brisbane in
the Sunshine Coast district of Queensland SEQ, Australia. The NSC is the Local Government Authority
(LGA) administering the shire. The shire covers an area of 86,978 hectares. The shire was designated a
th
Biosphere Reserve (BR) under the UNESCO MaB program on 18 September 2007. The 2006
nomination report for the NBR was the result of two years’ dedicated work by a small group of elected
Councillors, staff and community environmental representatives. All members of the International
Recognition Working Group had a common vision to see Noosa celebrated for its world-class natural
beauty and long-time commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable lifestyles.
Photo: NBRF, Road signs at entry to the NBR erected by NSC in 2008.
1.2 Year of the Periodic Review
The NBR’s first PR is due 10 years after 18 September 2017.
This review commenced during the later part of 2017 and was completed mid-2018.
1.3 Actions from previous Periodic Review
Not applicable.
1.4 Other observations or comments on above
Not applicable.
1.5 Process by which the current periodic review has been conducted
1.5.1 Which stakeholders were involved?
In preparation for the PR process, the Board of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF) – the
current management body for the NBR - approved the establishment of a Periodic Review Advisory
Group (PRAG) in March 2017, to oversee the review process. Membership of the PRAG comprised
representatives from the following organisations:
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• NBRF Board of Directors (1)
• NSC elected members (2)
• NSC staff (2)
• Noosa Community Biosphere Association (1)
• Noosa Integrated Catchment Association (1)
• Noosa & District Landcare (1)
The PRAG provided a mechanism to undertake broader consultation with the community for example
Traditional Owners, environment and nature resource management groups and tourism associations.
Link to Terms of Reference and Minutes of the PRAG meetings.
1.5.2 What methodology was used to involve stakeholders in the process?
The main methodologies employed to involve key stakeholders in the PR Process were workshops and
meetings with key stakeholders as well as face to face conversations with individual community
members.
Internal organisational consultation
The PRAG members, being representatives of key stakeholder organisations, were able to inform and
consult with other colleagues in their organisation to ensure information within the PR was accurate and
thorough.
Invitation of key representatives
The PRAG meetings provided an opportunity to invite key stakeholders to have input into the review.
Special guest speakers were invited to attend selected PRAG meetings to share their expertise about
BRs, or to discuss topics relevant to the future of the NBR. For example, Professor Peter Bridgewater,
Chair of the Australian National Commission MaB Working Group, visited Noosa twice to share his
knowledge with the NBRF Board and PRAG. In addition, Ms Juanita Bloomfield, Industry Development
Manager for Tourism Noosa, was invited to attend a PRAG meeting to speak about the central role of
Tourism in Noosa’s economy.
Face to face interviews
Broad consultation by the NBRF Strategic Advisor was conducted with key people who have an interest
in the Noosa Biosphere. Senior staff from the NSC was consulted on a regular basis for current data
about local council programs related to the health of the NBR and/or its management, including
sustainable economic development.
Two examples of key stakeholder consultation processes undertaken by the PRAG are shown below:
Tourism Noosa
On the meeting of 25 of August 2017 a representative of Tourism Noosa attended the PRAG. Topics of
discussion centred on:
• Partnerships between the NBRF and Tourism Noosa
• Promoting sustainable tourism
• Cultural tourism
• Tourism Noosa’s vision for the NBR over the next 10 years
Traditional Owners
NBRF and PRAG members have engaged with Traditional Owners at various times and on a range of
matters. This has helped inform the PR:
• On 22 September 2017 the PRAG undertook an Art, Culture and Heritage Planning Workshop
and an indigenous representative from Red Centre Enterprises discussed their vision for
indigenous food production on the Sunshine Coast.
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• In 17/18 the Biosphere Foundation funded the Marine Ecology Education Indigenous Corporation
to develop an Environmental and Cultural Learning Trail for the Noosa River & lakes. It is
anticipated to support indigenous led economic opportunities for Kabi Kabi people.
• In July 2017 Council staff and councillors (including one Councillor member of the PRAG) met
with Kabi Kabi on Noosa North Shore to discuss how council and Kabi Kabi could work together
and to identify areas of common interest. The NBRF part-funded Noosa River Oyster Reef
Project was also discussed at this meeting.
• On 6 July 2016 a representative from the Goombuckar Corporation (an indigenous education &
cultural group) gave a talk to Councillors and council staff (including PRAG members) on Kabi
Kabi cultural awareness.
• The Noosa Community Biosphere Association engaged a Kabi Kabi representative to develop a
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“Welcome to Country” message through a biosphere promotional video .
It is acknowledged that the NBRF would like to have closer working relationships with Traditional Land
owners. Kabi Kabi First Nation Traditional Owners are registered as Native Title Claimants for the entire
NBR area. NSC is also a party to negotiations with the State Government and other Councils within the
Native Title claim area to develop an Indigenous Land Use Agreement with Kabi Kabi First Nation
Traditional Owners.
1.5.3 Number of meetings, workshops
The PRAG met on a total of 10 occasions during 2017-18, facilitated by the Consultant employed by the
NBRF to coordinate and prepare the PR. The PRAG discussed various aspects of the NBR and its
management since the 2007 designation, including:
• Major geographical features
• The status of Noosa’s terrestrial and marine ecology
• Historic development patterns
• Economic trends
• Demographic profile
• Past and current BR management structures
• Funding sources
• The role of the NSC and various local community members and conservation organisations in
shaping NBR governance structures and operations
• Traditional Owner knowledge and engagement
• The range of funded research projects and outcomes to date and
• The future outlook for the NBR.
At the executive level, regular meetings were held between the Chair of the NBRF Board and the CEO
of NSC on strategic directions and operational planning for the NBR (presenting quarterly to half-yearly
progress reports); as well as informal discussions held with the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and various
elected Councillors on assorted BR-related topics.
The Strategic Advisor to the NBRF Board conducted over 100 interviews with a diverse array of people
in the community who have been involved in the activities of the NBR since 2007. The purpose of these
meetings was to seek their views, and to engage broad sections of the community with specific interests
in the biosphere (for example, businesses, commercial fishers, farmers, and teachers) in shaping future
directions of the NBRF.
1.5.4 Attendance and representation
All meetings were well attended by a range of genders and demographics within the community all with
varying levels of involvement, experience and responsibility for activities within the NBR.
Targeted community consultation was also effective in informing the development of the PR. The
following key stakeholders were consulted throughout the process of developing the PR:
• NBRF Board of Directors
• NSC elected members
11
NCBA Noosa Biosphere - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7str9D0vrtc
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• NSC staff
• Noosa Community Biosphere Association
• Noosa Integrated Catchment Association
• Noosa & District Landcare
• Tourism Noosa
• Kabi Kabi Traditional Owners
These formal meetings were supplemented by the NBRF Strategic Advisor meeting individually with
over 100 people from a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise also helped to inform the
development of the PR.
Within NSC consultation occurred with relevant officers, managers, senior directors as well as with
some elected members of Council.
2. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES DURING THE PAST 10 YEARS
2.1 Brief Summary Overview
The most significant changes during the PR period 2007-2017 have been:
• An increase in the protected area estate of 6,936ha with a further 2400ha of State Forest
proposed to be transferred to National Park over the next 10 years.
• Sustained economic growth with a stable population and employment levels.
• Registration of Kabi Kabi First Nation as Native Title Claimants (traditional owners) for the entire
Biosphere Reserve area.
• Recognition of Noosa Heads as a National Surfing Reserve in 2014 and a World Surfing Reserve
in 2017.
• Work in the area of scientific research and on ground projects has increased including the Noosa
River Oyster Reef Restoration project is an ‘Australian-first’ oyster restoration project in a river
system.
• A change in institutional arrangements for the NBRF based on a ‘two part model’ and delivery of
a community grants program.
2.2 Updated background information about the BR
The NBR is located within the SEQ Bioregion, one of Australia’s biodiversity hotspots. The reserve
boundaries are the whole of the Noosa Shire (see Map 1 on next page), plus a marine zone extending
5.5km out to sea. The Noosa local government area is located 143 kilometres north of Brisbane, the
capital city of Queensland. In geophysical terms, the area is located where tropical and temperate land
zones overlap (Macpherson-Macleay Overlap). The landscape is comprised of rainforests, beaches,
woodlands, wetlands, lakes, rivers, forests and mountains. Noosa lies at the intersection of the
Torresian and Bassian geographic bioregions, supporting endemism, speciation and biodiversity.
The SEQ region of Queensland is also one of the fastest growing areas in the nation, with over 500,000
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people expected to be living along the Sunshine Coast by 2036 (1.9% growth rate per annum) .
12
ABS, Queensland Regional Profiles: Noosa and Region, (accessed 19/7/17)
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Map 1: Shire of Noosa, Queensland
Source: NSC
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2.2.1 Updated coordinates
Table 4 below provides update coordinates to include the 3 nautical mile marine area off the coast of
Noosa.
Table 4: Cardinal points, NBR
Cardinal points: Latitude Longitude
Most central point -26.3305 South 152.952 East
Northernmost point -26.1384 152.9739
Southernmost point -26.5008 153.3935
Westernmost point -26.3748 152.763
Easternmost point -26.4091 153.4213
2.2.2 Updated Zonation map
Under the MaB program, BRs are defined as having three interrelated zones that aim to fulfil three
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complementary and mutually reinforcing functions :
• The Core area(s) comprises a strictly protected ecosystem that contributes to the conservation of
landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation;
• The Buffer zone surrounds or adjoins the core areas, and is used for activities compatible with
sound ecological practices that can reinforce scientific research, monitoring, training and
education;
• The Transition area is the part of the BR where the greatest activity is allowed, fostering
economic and human development that is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable.
Table 5 summarises the changes to the NBR zones and is depicted in Map 2.
Table 5: Area of Core, Buffer and Transition Zones, NBR
AREA DESCRIPTION NOMINATION PERIODIC CHANGE
FORM 2007 REVIEW 2017
Area of terrestrial Core Area(s) 24,870 ha 42,282ha Now includes Bushland Reserves and
water bodies
Area of terrestrial Buffer Zone(s) 28,050 ha 17,717 ha Updated mapping
Area of terrestrial Transition 28,820 ha 26,979 ha Updated mapping
Area(s)
Area of marine Core Area(s) - - No defined marine core area
Area of marine Buffer Zone(s) 5,853 ha - Reclassification to marine transition area
Area of marine Transition - 23,750 ha Increase due to inclusion of marine area
Area(s) 5.5 km offshore.
TOTAL 87,593 ha 110,728 ha Noosa Shire is 86,978 ha (plus marine
(est.) transition area)
13
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/biosphere-reserves/
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Version: 7, Version Date: 01/08/2018Map 2: Updated Zonation Map, NBR
Source: NSC
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Version: 7, Version Date: 01/08/20182.2.3 Changes in the human population
The population of Noosa grew steadily from 2011-15, but has since slowed. The population growth rate
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of Noosa in 2016-17 was positive at 0.8% (down from a high of 2.1% recorded in 2008). Table 6
below shows population figures from 2011 to 2016. The nomination report provided the 2007 figure
(based on an extrapolation of the 2001 Census data). According to the 2016 Census data provided by
the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the population of the Noosa Shire was 54,033 at 30 June
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2016. The South East Queensland Regional Plan 2017 projects Noosa’s population to be 63,000 at
2041 at a growth rate of less than 1%.
Table 6: Population growth rates, Noosa Shire
Year Noosa Population (Shire) % growth
2011 51,038 1.3
2012 51,703 1.4
2013 52,407 1.3
2014 53,085 1.3
2015 53,629 1.0
2016 (latest data available) 54,033 0.8
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, November 2017, 1410.0 Data by Region 2011-16.
2.2.4 Update on conservation function
The significant changes in conservation function are detailed in Section 4 of this report. In brief the main
changes to landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation are:
• Landscape: There have been some marginal changes to landscape amenity in designated
natural resource areas such as quarries and plantations, but overall there has been little change
to Noosa landscape values.
• Ecosystems: There has been a reduction of vegetation cover by 122 ha across the biosphere,
but regional ecosystems are still represented with 61 different ecosystem types, plus waterway
and marine ecosystems. There have been changes in regional ecosystem classifications and
numbers but this is largely due to improved science and mapping. Threatened Ecological
Communities, such as sub-tropical lowland rainforest, remain relatively intact.
• Species: Table 10 in Section 3.3 summarises changes at a species level. Again, most of these
changes are due to improvements in knowledge through research and reclassifications of
conservation status and species numbers. Most noticeable changes are in urban areas where
some native species appear to be on the decline (koalas, frogs, snakes, gliders) while other
native bird species are on the increase (lorikeets, plovers, magpies, scrub turkeys). Pest species
such as feral cats, dogs and pigs are known to impact on wildlife. It is unknown what the actual
extent of predation is across the biosphere, but it is likely to be having a significant impact on
native species. A study on beach fauna by USC indicates that 4WDs are impacting on the
number and diversity of intertidal beach fauna. HLW monitoring indicates that fish populations
have fluctuated over the last 10 years. Some fish species are at risk. For example the Estuary
Stingray [Hemitrygon fluviorum] is now listed as “Near Threatened” under the Nature
Conservation Act 1992.
• Genetic variation: There have only been limited studies of genetic variation in Noosa. The NBRF
has provided grant funding to USC to assess and map the health of koala populations across the
NBR. Preliminary studies indicate that coastal koalas may be suffering from genetic isolation
because of development and rural koala populations are potentially healthier. The results of this
study are yet to be finalised.
In 2017, the proportion of terrestrial coverage in the NBR that is protected was 36.5% - well above the
17% target of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, and the estimated 8% of terrestrial
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coverage in Queensland . Meanwhile, land clearing of woody vegetation in Queensland increased to
14
ABS (2015a), QGSO (2015)
15
https://planning.dsdmip.qld.gov.au/planning/better-planning/state-planning/regional-plans/seqrp
16
2017, Queensland Government, Draft Protected Area Strategy, p.3
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296,000 ha in 2013-15, 3.8 times the rate in 2009-10. Scientists are warning of the devastating impacts
17
of land clearing on wildlife habitat and reef areas .
While Noosa’s spectacular biodiversity has continued to be protected and preserved since 2007, it is
coming under increasing threat from a variety of factors. The key threats to the NBR are:
• Climate change
• Weeds and pest species
• Vegetation clearing
• Habitat fragmentation (caused by urban development)
•
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Degrading processes (erosion and sedimentation; litter; declining soil health) .
While less than 1% of native vegetation has been cleared in Noosa since 1997, human pressure
(largely due to increasing visitor numbers) is beginning to impact negatively on the NBR. Traffic
congestion is increasing in the main tourist areas during peak holiday periods, and beaches and
national parks are often crowded with visitors. The NSC and Tourism Noosa have begun meetings to
address these issues through a Sustainable Tourism Stakeholder Reference Group. One focus is to
encourage optimal distribution of visitors between the coast and hinterland areas. More detailed
information on conservation efforts can be found in Ch. 4.
Photo: NBRF, Noosa National Park Headland, 2018
2.2.5 Development update
The Noosa economy has grown steadily over the past decade, however the rate of growth has slowed
in recent years. The GRP was up 1% per annum to $2.8 billion in 2015-16. Growth in average annual
household income in Noosa was 4.6% (compared with 2.6% Queensland). There is evidence that the
population is stabilising, yet the tourism and non-tourism sectors are increasing revenues and
employment, slowly decoupling the link between population growth and economic growth.
17
2017, Queensland Government, Herbarium, Scientific review of the impacts of land clearing on the species in
Queensland
18
Biodiversity Assessment, Noosa Council - NRM group workshop, presentation, 16/6/17
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According to the latest economic figures, Rental, hiring and real estate services were up 8% in 2017,
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Education was up 5%, Healthcare up 3% and Financial services up 2%. The Health sector has
recently overtaken Retail as the largest employment sector in Noosa, following trends in other parts of
Australia where an ageing population is the dominant demographic feature. Also, a record number of
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visitors came to Noosa last year (over 2 million) . In terms of key industry sectors, the economic profile
of Noosa has changed somewhat over the past decade. Health and Wellness now represents 54% local
income generation, Education and Training 47.8%, and Professional Services 31.8%. These have
become the top three highest growth industry sectors.
The Tourism sector in Noosa – comprising hospitality services Accommodation (22%) and Food (20%) -
remains an important employer, with more than 2.2 million visitors in the year to March 2016. In
contrast, rural enterprise has undergone a sharp contraction of 13.4% since 2006-7, although there is
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growing interest in sustainable farming practices and innovation . More detailed information on the
Development function in the NBR can be found in Ch. 5 of this report.
2.2.6 Update on logistic support function
The size and scope of logistic support to the NBR has grown over the past decade. In addition to the
NSC and the NBRF, these organisations are working together with a range of academic, business and
community partners to gather information and scientific data on the health of the physical environment
including wildlife, and on the promotion of sustainable development in the Shire.
Among the research partners in the NBR are:
• Philanthropic organisations
• Universities
• Industry associations
• Business organisations
• Community groups
• Environmental organisations
• Schools.
A number of funded research projects have been conducted between 2007 and 2017. These have
included one-off, short and longer-term projects, co-funded by the NBRF and its partners. The funding
criteria for research projects include the ability to source funds from other areas, including government
and the private sector. Key research themes were identified by the NBRF Board, prior to funding rounds
being advertised publicly.
Over the last decade NBRF grant funded a number of projects:
• Soil erosion in riparian zones
• Impact of soil erosion on fish stocks, downstream
• Koala tracking and health status
• Understanding the NBR – community awareness video
• Indigenous ecological knowledge and cultural trails
• Recovery of prawn stocks
• Artificial oyster reefs
• Rural enterprises and a new hinterland economy
• Botanical guide
• Environmental education
• Renewable energy.
19
2018, Lucid Economics, Noosa Economic Profile 2017 (prepared for Noosa Shire Council), p.2
20
https://www.tra.gov.au/Research/Regional-tourism/local-government-area-profiles
21
Ibid.
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Since 2014 NSC has prepared various plans and undertaken studies to inform preparation of the New
Noosa Plan including:
• Centres Hierarchy
• Local Economic Plan
• Agricultural Land
• Flood Management Plan
• Housing Needs Assessment
• Riparian study
• Social Strategy
• Cultural Plan
• Transport Strategy
• Biodiversity Plan
• Koala Plan.
NSC was also awarded a Queensland Government grant to prepare a Climate Change Action Plan.
More detail on research projects, associated information and links to progress reports can be found in
Ch. 6 of this report.
2.2.7 Update on governance management and coordination
The Noosa Shire was first established as a separate local government entity in 1910. In March 2008,
the Queensland Government amalgamated Noosa with the Shire of Maroochy and the City of
Caloundra to form the new Sunshine Coast Regional Council (SCRC). This was part of an efficiency
drive to reduce the number of local governments in Queensland. The amalgamation occurred despite
the 2007 referendum in Noosa Shire conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission where 95% of
voters rejected amalgamation.
A successful campaign was run during the next five years to de-amalgamate the Shire resulting in the
State Government agreeing to conduct a referendum on the issue. At this referendum 81% of residents
voted to leave the amalgamated regional council. On 9 November 2013, a local election resulted in a
new mayor and councillors being elected to take office on 1 January 2014. Accordingly, the Shire of
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Noosa was re-established on 1 January 2014 .
These changes to the Noosa local government have also resulted in changes to the governance
arrangements for the NBR. Under the SCRC the model was a Council-managed company with a board
of 11 directors that had oversight of seven community-based sector boards (all volunteers) supported
by Council staff.
Under the new NSC this has changed to a ‘two-part’ model. The new arrangements include the NBRF
Company (limited by guarantee) which is managed by an eight-person voluntary Board of Directors with
a skills-based membership that administers a public charitable trust.
In addition, there is a community membership-based volunteer organisation, the Noosa Community
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Biosphere Association (NCBA) that provides on ground support to achieving the objectives of the
NBR.
The PR has provided a catalyst for reviewing progress in all areas of activity, including governance. The
NBRF is committed to a process of continuous improvement. More details on the governance,
management and coordination of the NBR can be found in Ch.7.
22
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shire_of_Noosa
23
http://ourbiosphere.com.au/about-our-biosphere/
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