As Noosa's popularity grows, so do the pressures on our environment, infrastructure and community wellbeing. To ensure that tourism continues to enrich – not erode – our way of life, Council has developed a draft Destination Management Plan (DMP) that aims to put community values and environmental care at the heart of Noosa's visitor economy.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said the landmark plan had been shaped by extensive community engagement and outlines a long-term strategic approach to managing tourism in a way that protects Noosa's unique lifestyle, natural assets and cultural identity.
"The draft Destination Management Plan is more than just a strategy - it's a commitment to protect what we all love about Noosa, and ensure that tourism supports and respects our community," Mayor Wilkie said.
"It recognises that a love of Noosa is something we all share, that we all have a role to play in caring for it and that everyone is part of the solution.
"Noosa is loved for its natural beauty, strong sense of community and relaxed lifestyle, but many residents feel the balance has tipped. Like other iconic destinations around the world, we're feeling the strain of increased visitation, changing travel behaviours and rapid growth, but our response can be tailored specifically for Noosa.
"Noosa's draft DMP is not about attracting more visitors. It focuses on a regenerative approach, and ways tourism can contribute and help leave Noosa better than we found it.
"It aims to ensure tourism is a force for good, preserving the lifestyle residents cherish and making sure it delivers local benefits– by improving public spaces, supporting local businesses and easing pressure on, and helping to fund, infrastructure."
Council undertook extensive community engagement in September 2023 to gauge community sentiment and inform the development of the draft DMP. More than 3000 pieces of community feedback were received from residents, businesses, Traditional Owners and visitors.
"The message was clear – the community wants change and a shift towards tourism that regenerates and contributes to making Noosa better," Mayor Wilkie said.
At its core, the DMP embraces four key outcomes that were identified through community feedback:
- Protect and Steward our Environment (75%)
- Improve Management of Short-Term Accommodation (STA) (72%)
- Improve Traffic Management and reduce Congestion (69%)
- Align Tourism with Community Values (55%)
"We're inviting you to review the draft DMP and share your feedback to ensure it truly reflects your values, priorities and vision for Noosa's future," Mayor Wilkie said.
Residents, businesses, tourism operators and community groups can participate in the next stage of engagement, which will include an online survey and several community workshops throughout August.
"Every voice matters and we want this document to truly reflect the community values and sentiment in providing direction to the way tourism will be managed into the future," Mayor Wilkie said.
To view the draft Destination Management Plan and have your say, visit yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au
Noosa Council Mayor Frank Wilkie on the draft Destination Management Plan:
Mayor-Frank-Wilkie-Destination-Management-Plan.mp3
