The role of the Noosa Biosphere as an environmental watchdog/mediator/advocate is something the Noosa Biosphere is still discussing. 

I imagine that we will all still be discussing 'where' and 'when' we take a stance on any one issue for many years to come - because without that dialogue it would be foolish for any organisation to go head first into a topic of contention.

The Kin Kin Quarry was a topic of discussion at the recent Governance Board meeting, and the Environment Board's points of consideration on the Quarry were congratulated as a step in the right direction. 

The Environment Board chose not to take an absolute position either way on the topic, however they raised a few points of concern that they felt needed to be addressed.

"The Noosa Biosphere Environment Board wishes to highlight issues of concern regarding the proposed quarry operations at Sheppersons Lane, Kin Kin.

The proposed quarry lies within the Noosa Biosphere Reserve in the Noosa River Catchment.  The biosphere was recognised by UNESCO for the Noosa Community's potential to:

• Protect the natural biodiversity of the region
• Promote sustainable living and lifestyles, and
• Foster research and learning to share within the community and beyond.

The Environment Board puts forward these concerns as a positive step to encouraging a balance between development and sustainable living; and to conserve the natural biodiversity in the Noosa Biosphere..."

To read the full 2 page statement, download the PDF here.

Dr Seonaid Melville, the Chair of the Environment Board will be attending the upcoming community meeting on this topic on Thursday February 18th at the Pomona Town Hall at 7.15pm.  Dr Melville will be one of many community and elected representatives attending.  The meeting agenda has a line up of 10 speakers! So any presentation from Dr Melville will be brief she assures me!

The Kin Kin Community notice board has information for the local community on this and many other topics relevant to the local community.