The Noosa Biosphere Cultural Board is one of the proud supporters of this year’s Floating Land Festival held on the shores of Lake Cootharaba at Boreen Point.

Centred on Water Culture this free festival is made up of environmental and artistic workshops, events and installations from the 27th of May to the 5th of June, making excellent use of the lovely Lake Cootharaba, an important water catchment within the UNESCO recognised Noosa biosphere reserve.

The Gubbi Gubbi Dancers, including Lyndon Davis’ development of the installation Totem Stories, and Ghost Nets are among some of the projects that the Cultural Board have had significant involvement in.

Ghost Nets is a group of artists from North Queensland that collect loose fishing nets from the sea, using them to make art that promote awareness of the harm to aquatic life they cause in the ocean.

Ms Leah Barclay, guest curator of Floating Land and on the Cultural Board at Noosa Biosphere, believes culture is fundamental to the community and the environment.

“A lot of issues that are affecting the environment today are a direct result of culture and humanity’s actions. This festival raises awareness of behaviours we can change as a community that will maintain sustainability,” said Ms Barclay.

“The natural disasters that we have experienced this year are a reminder that climate change is a reality and the Water Culture theme links to this time where we need to be thinking about water and its impacts globally.”

The Noosa Biosphere’s social board also has an involvement in the Floating Land Festival to celebrate community interaction, education and learning.

For further information on the Floating Land Festival: Water Culture please visit www.floatingland.com.au.