History of CCA activities (2008/09 - 2012/13)
2012/2013
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Roberts House - Since its inception, CCA had held all its meetings at Roberts House. At the end of 2012, the Anglican Church informed the group that for financial and other reasons it had decided to sell the property. However, it wished to give it time to consider how it might save the building for community use.
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Special General Meeting Mar 2013 - In March 2013, in response to a request from a council representative, CCA called a special meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a proposal by commercial tour operators to have a dredging operation carried out at Kinaba. This would make it easier to access the northern section of the river. The proposal involved the tour operator contributing $20,000. Local and state governments would pay the balance, estimated at around $50,000. Before the meeting, a questionnaire was circulated to gauge community views on issues arising from the proposal. In the end, the dredging did not proceed.
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Viewing platform - Council put forward plans for a viewing platform to replace the existing floating pontoon. The platoform would be located at the site of the old jetty. This option was favourably received by the local community. Plans were then submitted to the Department of Environment and Resource Management. Once approved, plans were returned to council to call tenders for the construction.
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Hinterland Noosa Alliance - CCA joined a new umbrella group that was an advocate for major issues with implications for the Noosa Hinterland region.
2011/2012
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Fire brigade and shed - CCA contacted the Department of Community Safety asking for a firefighting appliance to be returned to the Boreen Point Fire Shed. It pointed out that while the facility was also used by the State Emergency Services, it was originally built by the community to house fire-fighting equipment for the protection of Boreen Point and surrounding area.
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Floating pontoon proposal - The proposal to replace the old jetty with a floating pontoon proved to be divisive. Heated arguments for and against continued until September. At this time, the concept was rejected and council was asked to propose a more appropriate alternative.
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Helicopter noise and use of Tewah Aircraft Landing Ground - Another issue that stimulated vigorous discussion within CCA and the Cootharaba community was the noise created day and night by helicopters owned by a commercial training company. They were using a landing ground at Tewah on the eastern side of the lake. Many believed this was for recreational use only. Complaints were received across the length of the Sunshine Coast. Howver, it would take some time for the issue to be resolved.
2010/2011
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The Jetty and its future - Over time the structure of the jetty north of Main Beach had become unsafe. Five of the six piles had broken away at lakebed level. Following major flooding, further deterioration occurred. Access to the jetty was prohibited. CCA contacted council about what action it was planning to take. In April 2011, Sunshine Coast Regional Council advised that jetty was beyond repair. It would be removed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. Council also said the department was encouraging it to submit a proposal to build a floating walkway to be situated alongside the boat ramp.
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Kinaba Information Centre (est. 1978) - It was more than a decade since the information centre at the northern end of Lake Cootharaba had been permanently staffed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Its future was looking uncertain. A a private enterprise company was showing interest in securing commercial access. CCA helped raise community awareness of the state of the building. It publicised a meeting to gauge interest in the formation of a volunteer group to be responsible for it. Subsequently, the group was established. Its aim was to work in partnership with the Queensland Government to revitalise and maintain the centre and promote the environmental values it represents.
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Camping at Hatch’s Bight - People were observed camping on the beach at Hatch's Bight. CCA asked council to install new ‘No Camping’ and ‘No Fires’ signs at the Bight and at the entrance to it on Lake Flat Road.
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Council de-amalgamation - CCA kept residents informed on moves by the Noosa community to separate from the Sunshine Coast Regional Council. De-amalgamation occurred following a referendum in March 2013. More than 80% of Noosa residents voted in the affirmative.
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Kite surfing tender for commercial operator - CCA registered disappointment that the community was not consulted prior to tenders being called by council for commercial operators to run kite surfing lessons at Dunn’s Beach. It raised objections and concerns regarding:
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safety
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parking
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toilet facilities
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environmental impact on the nature reserve
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monitoring of compliance with contract conditions.
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2009/2010
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Kin Kin Quarry extension - CCA supported objections raised by the Kin Kin Community Group in relation to the development of a mega quarry on land off Shepherdsons Lane at Kin Kin. CCA kept its community updated. It wrote to Sunshine Coast Regional Council expressing serious concerns over its approval for the expansion and disregard of community views.
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Picnic tables on Boreen Point foreshore - CCA requested an upgrade in time for Floating Lands Festival. Council advised that Mayor Bob Abbot’s unallocated money left in budget would be used to replace and add to existing picnic tables.
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Ralph and Jean Duffield bench seat - CCA applied to Sunshine Coast Regional Council for funding for the seat. The seat was subsequently erected beside the path leading to the main jetty.
2008/2009
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Special Community Meeting August 2008 - CCA organised a special meeting so residents could meet with their council representative and discuss community concerns. Issues raised included:
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Noosa Biosphere legislation
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review of camping ground foreshore and signage
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safety on school bus routes
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option of speed limit on Kildeys Road
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status of roadworks on Lake Flat Road
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changes to Village Precinct Plan.
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Ralph and Jean Duffield bench seat - CCA proposed that council install a seat on the lake foreshore to honour the contribution to the community of Jean Duffield and her late husband Ralph. Council indicated it was supportive but asked for an alternative design.
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Village Precinct Plan (ongoing) - Streetscape modified to comply with requirements of Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
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The installation of bollards alongside the Boreen Point esplanade proved a contentious aspect of the Village Precinct Plan. After careful consideration of the issues, council prioritised the use of the beach for families and increasing safety for children, and protecting the foreshore, over easy access for launching boats.
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Toilet block day picnic area - council modifying design to be appropriate for Boreen Point.
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Lake Flat Road and Kinmond Creek Road proposal - CCA met with council about the possibility of sealing both roads as part of a five year plan. Advised a further section of Lake Flat Road would be sealed in the coming financial year. However, Kinmond Creek Road was of low priority. Also advised that some roads may never be sealed.