ORCID
- Kizzy Beaumont: 0009-0006-2893-6961
Abstract
Executive summary This report captures insights from focus groups and interviews held in Noosa in September 2024 as part of ongoing research into Transformative Ocean Governance. Participants shared reflections on the successes and struggles of the Noosa World Surfing Reserve (WSR) and outlined visions for its future.The WSR was praised for its cultural importance, environmental values, and grassroots leadership, but concerns were raised about crowding, tourism pressure, outdated policies, and fragmented governance. Participants highlighted gaps in environmental and surf-amenity data, funding shortages, and limited capacity to engage diverse community voices. Governance overlaps between the WSR, Council, and Biosphere Reserve have led to confusion and missed opportunities.Despite these challenges, participants saw Noosa as a place with deep-rooted potential. Desirable futures included improved data transparency, formal legal recognition of surf amenity, and stronger collaboration between local and state institutions. Participants called for sustainable funding models, inclusive participation structures, and proactive responses to tourism and environmental threats. With cultural identity and community stewardship at its core, the Noosa WSR has the potential to become a leading example of surf-led coastal governance in Australia.
Publication Date
2025-01-01
Publisher
University of Plymouth
Deposit Date
2025-08-14
Recommended Citation
Molnar, K., Court, M., & Beaumont, K. (2025) 'Balancing Nature and Tradition: Ocean Governance in the Noosa World Surfing Reserve', University of Plymouth: Retrieved from https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk/ada-research/656
