A new plan to guide management of Burgess Creek is a step closer to implementation following a vote by Noosa Council today.
The Burgess Creek Integrated Catchment Management Plan is the result of extensive input from the community, stakeholder groups and technical experts. It sets a clear path to protect and improve the creek and its catchment over the coming years.
Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie said the plan reflects a shared commitment to caring for one of the region's important waterways while balancing environmental, recreational and community needs.
"This plan gives us a practical roadmap to improve the health and resilience of the Burgess Creek catchment," Mayor Wilkie said.
"It outlines 32 actions focused on improving stormwater management, restoring habitat, protecting wetlands, reducing erosion, strengthening environmental monitoring and building a better understanding of water quality issues.
"Activities upstream can have significant impacts downstream, affecting water quality, biodiversity, wetlands, erosion and even beach conditions. That's why the plan takes a whole-of-catchment approach."
The plan sets out who will lead each action, potential funding sources and how progress will be measured and reported.
Mayor Wilkie said successful delivery would rely on continued collaboration between Council, Unitywater, state agencies, researchers, community groups and residents.
"We're pleased to have developed this plan with support from the Queensland Government, building on the strategic framework funded by Unitywater in 2024," he said.
Council's Director Environment and Strategy, Kim Rawlings, thanked community members who helped shape the plan through two rounds of public engagement.
"The feedback showed strong support for the draft plan's direction, particularly its focus on water quality, stormwater management, ecological protection, creek-mouth management, recreational access, transparent reporting and community involvement," Ms Rawlings said.
The plan places a strong emphasis on transparency and accountability, with annual reporting, improved public access to information about water quality and catchment health, and regular reviews to ensure priorities can adapt as new information becomes available.
Mayor Wilkie also acknowledged Unitywater's contribution to the project.
"Unitywater has worked closely with Council and the community throughout the process, providing technical expertise, water quality knowledge, catchment investigations and strategic planning support," he said.
"We look forward to putting the plan into action through existing programs, community partnerships, future budgets and external funding opportunities as they arise."
Unitywater CEO, Anna Jackson, said Unitywater would continue its collaboration with Council to help improve understanding of the catchment and the long-term management of the creek.
"There are a range of inputs into this waterway, including the cleaned and disinfected water from our Noosa Water Resource Recovery Facility (formerly Noosa Wastewater Treatment Plant) which helps protect public health and contributes to improved creek water quality," she said.
"This plan will deliver initiatives that support the sustainable management of this important waterway for future generations."
Council is expected to formally adopt the Burgess Creek Integrated Catchment Management Plan at the November Ordinary Meeting.
