Frank Wilkie Noosa Mayor

26/10/2026

Bridge closed for tonight

22/10/2026

Disaster Dashboard for the latest on weather warnings and impacts https://disaster.noosa.qld.gov.au/

22/10/2026

Noosa motions gain strong support at local government conference

Eight Noosa Council motions to the 2026 Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Conference have won strong support, putting key local issues such as housing, homelessness and environmental protection on the association’s advocacy list.

A key motion, developed with Sunshine Coast Council, tackled the growing loss of housing to short-term accommodation in the state’s residential neighbourhoods.

Noosa and Sunshine Coast Councils are by no means alone in facing challenges within low-density residential areas where a significant number of homes are being used for short-stay accommodation.

That can disrupt neighbours and is also reducing the number of homes available for local families, key workers and permanent residents during a housing crisis.

In Noosa, more than 400 dwellings benefit from existing use rights for short-term accommodation despite the current Noosa Plan 2020 making it an inconsistent use in low-density residential zones.

We’re calling for legislative changes allowing councils to extinguish those existing use rights when a property changes hands. It’s a fair and gradual approach that would help return more homes to the long-term housing market over time to help ease our local housing shortage.”

We also welcome LGAQ member councils’ support for a statewide safe parking pilot program to help people experiencing homelessness and living in vehicles with a safe space to sleep.

Homelessness is everyone’s problem and while housing is primarily a State Government responsibility, we need practical solutions now.

The State is providing new affordable housing for our most vulnerable but we’re also calling for State agencies to use their suitable, vacant state land to provide safe overnight parking, with support services such as housing assistance and mental health support available.

The goal is to help people move into stable housing instead of sleeping in cars on local streets.

Delegates also strongly supported Noosa’s call for formal recognition and funding support for Queensland’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and World Surfing Reserves.

Queensland is home to three biosphere reserves, including Noosa, Sunshine Coast and Great Sandy, yet councils receive no dedicated funding to help manage these internationally recognised areas.

Other successful Noosa motions included calls for greater local government input into gaming machine decisions, improved flood monitoring systems, beach safety drone programs, action on soil health and water security initiatives.

PHOTO: With fellow conference delegate Cr Nicola Wilson

18/10/2026

In Cairns this week with Crs Lorentson and Wilson representing Noosa at the 130th Local Government Conference where 131 motions requesting LGAQ advocate to higher levels of government for changes that will help the 77 Queensland Councils better serve their communities will be debated

Noosa has 10 motions including requests for
*Federal Funding for councils to continue to manage flood gauges
*Heightened recognition and support for UNESCO Biosphere/Environmental and World Surfing Reserves
*Changes to State Planning Laws to allow extinguishment of STA existing use rights for homes in low-density residential neighbourhoods upon transfer of property sale
*Retention of a strong State Planning Policy that recognises biodiversity, cultural heritage, natural hazards (flood and fire) climate resilience and housing diversity needs
*Better protection of soils
*Funding and law changes to allow beach safety drones
*Tighter controls around gaming licences
*State funding for re-usable cup programs
*State funding for homeless car parks on state owned land
*Water recycling and reuse programs

12/10/2026

Proposed Doonella Boat Ramp Upgrade
Have your say before November 1 on changes proposed by the State's Maritime Safety Queensland to the informal Doonella boat ramp on Hilton Esplanade including;
A new two-lane boat ramp
Floating walkway and pontoon
Improved parking facilities
Dedicated rigging area
Traffic and access changes.

🚤 Noosa River boaties, local residents and river users - we'd love to hear from you!

Community consultation is now open on two proposed concept design options for the Hilton Esplanade Boat Ramp Upgrade (Tewantin).

The proposed upgrade would deliver:
✔️ A new two-lane boat ramp
✔️ Floating walkway and pontoon
✔️ Improved parking facilities
✔️ Dedicated rigging area
✔️ Traffic and access changes.

Both options include the same boating infrastructure, with the key difference relating to vehicle access arrangements and traffic movements along Hilton Esplanade.

Option 1 would remove through-access along Hilton Esplanade and provide a new turning facility. Vehicles accessing the boating facility would enter and exit via Earl Street.

Option 2 would retain through-access along Hilton Esplanade, similar to the current road arrangement.

We're inviting the community to review the proposed options, tell us which option you prefer and share any local issues or opportunities that should be considered as planning progresses.

👉 Review the proposed options and complete the short online survey:
yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/hilton-esplanade-boat-ramp-upgrade-tewantin

📅 Consultation closes Sunday 1 November 2026.

11/10/2026

Advocacy win.

It's a huge relief the Federal Government has responded swiftly and will not cut the Disaster Relief Funding from a 75%-25% to the proposed 50-50 Federal-State split after all 77 councils, LGAQ and state government members united and advocated successfully.

In Noosa Shire alone, the changed arrangements would have meant a $27million shortfall in funds received over the past five years.

With the intensity and frequency of natural hazards increasing and Queensland being the hardest hit, the funding gap could have left many Queensland communities in physical and financial ruin.

Thank you to the Senators and Federal Members who responded to Noosa Council's letters and for listening.

Photo: With Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli and Caloundra MP Kendall Hatcher at a joint press conference about the Disaster Relief Funding

26/09/2026

Great turnout at the inaugural Noosa Volunteers’ Expo. Thanks to all the groups who made it such an interactive event and who make the Noosa community what it is.

19/09/2026

Some of the work underway.