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Areas of Significance The Sunshine Coast is renowned for its diverse and beautiful environment and the region’s unique characteristics are internationally recognised. Three areas of significance exist in the region, under special laws designed to preserve their natural uniqueness. Noosa Biosphere Reserve A biosphere reserve is a UNESCO-recognised, international conservation listing awarded to an area with innovative approaches to conservation and sustainable development. Biosphere reserves can be land-based and/or marine ecosystems. They are established to promote a balanced relationship between humans and the biosphere. The former Noosa Shire was awarded biosphere status by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere International Coordinating Council in September 2007. The Noosa Biosphere Reserve is the first in Queensland. Noosa North Shore Every spring and summer almost 40,000 migratory terns, migratory shorebirds and resident shorebirds make the Noosa River mouth estuary their home. This is a special area of significance, located within the Noosa North Shore. A census of shorebirds between October 2005 and January 2007 revealed that the Noosa North Shore and sections of the Noosa River estuary have national and international importance, based on criteria set by the National Plan for Shorebird Conservation Australia. Read more about these birds in the Migratory and Resident Shorebirds and Terns Brochure [PDF 1.3MB] To protect the migratory and resident birds, some of which fly 12,000 kilometres to reach their resting ground in Noosa, sections of the Noosa North Shore are closed to visitors.
The affected areas are signposted to indicate the relevant closures. A map [PDF 99KB] highlighting the affected areas is also available. Noosa North Shore – future beach closure Council will close the Noosa North Shore Beach to vehicles between the First and Third Cuttings during mid to late 2009. The beach closure will provide a vehicle-free area so people can recreate safely, while also allowing for an evaluation of vehicles’ impacts on the Noosa North Shore. The closure will occur when the Wilderness Track and the Third Cutting upgrades are complete. Read more about protecting the Noosa North Shore in the Noosa North Shore Management Plan [PDF 1.4MB]. Pumicestone Passage Pumicestone Passage is a narrow, shallow estuary with a meandering system of channels, sand banks and islands. It is located between Bribie Island and the mainland, extending from Caloundra in the north to Deception Bay in the south. A Pumicestone Passage Advisory Task Force A Pumicestone Passage Advisory Task Force was established in 2006 to identify and prioritise issues impacting on the Pumicestone Passage. Erosion on northern Bribie Island was highlighted as a task force priority. The task force has compiled three fact sheets to explain the issue of erosion on northern Bribie Island.
The task force also developed the Pumicestone Passage - Live It, Love it, Protect It! booklet [PDF 1.8MB]. This outlines the environmental values and recreational opportunities of the Pumicestone Passage and Bribie Island recreation area, as well as the environmental issues facing the passage. The booklet can also be downloaded in two sections:
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Print this PageLast Updated 21-Sep-09