Council has adopted a new long-term framework to guide how events are planned, managed and governed across the shire.
The Noosa Events Strategic Framework 2026-31 aims to ensure events continue to enrich community life, support local businesses and showcase Noosa's unique character while carefully managing impacts on residents, public spaces and the environment.
The five-year outline is supported by a new Noosa Events Management Policy and the establishment of a Noosa Events Executive Group, providing a coordinated approach to event governance, assessment, funding and strategic oversight.
Noosa Councillors Amelia Lorentson and Jessica Phillips have both been appointed to the Executive Group.
The new framework comes as Council expands its role in the strategic management of events following the transition of major destination event sponsorship responsibilities from Tourism Noosa to Council in July 2025.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said events played an important role in Noosa's social, cultural and economic life but needed to be carefully managed to ensure community expectations were met.
"This is a forward-thinking approach that will ensure events continue to enhance our community while protecting the lifestyle and amenity that residents value most," Mayor Wilkie said.
"Events are an important part of what makes Noosa a vibrant and connected community. They bring us together, celebrate our culture, support local businesses and contribute to our social and economic wellbeing.
"At the same time, our community has consistently told us that successful events must respect our environment, public spaces and the everyday lives of residents."
The framework establishes five strategic priorities focused on improving event experiences, maximising community benefits, managing impacts, shaping a balanced events portfolio and leveraging major opportunities for long-term benefit.
Mayor Wilkie said maintaining the right balance between event benefits and impacts was central to the framework.
"The framework recognises that events should deliver genuine community benefit while carefully managing impacts on residents, neighbourhoods, traffic, access to public spaces, public infrastructure and sensitive environmental areas," he said.
"Community amenity will remain at the centre of event planning and decision-making."
The new Events Management Policy replaces Council's existing Events Policy and Noosa Main Beach Events Policy, while retaining existing event limits and key settings for high demand locations such as Noosa Main Beach.
The policy introduces stronger governance, clearer accountability for event organisers, improved assessment processes, enhanced sustainability expectations and strengthened contingency planning requirements.
Each year, approximately 400 permitted events, functions and weddings were held on Council-controlled land across the shire.
To support delivery of the framework, Council will establish the Noosa Events Executive Group to provide strategic oversight of Noosa's event portfolio.
"Most importantly, this strategy sends a clear message that we're not seeking more events at any cost. We're committed to supporting the right events in the right places, at the right scale and at the right time," Mayor Wilkie said.
"These are events that strengthen community connection, support local businesses and showcase the very best of Noosa, while safeguarding the character, peace and amenity that residents rightly expect and deserve.
"This framework gives us the tools to achieve that balance and positions Noosa for a future where community experience and resident wellbeing go hand in hand."
The framework was informed by community consultation, internal workshops and targeted engagement with event organisers, businesses and industry representatives, providing a clear foundation for future event planning, investment and management across Noosa.
