The Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation held its Annual General Meeting on Friday, 9 December 2016.

The Board presented to members its Annual Report including audited financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2016 and an update on activities since commencement in July 2015.

A similar presentation was also provided to the Noosa Council on 24 November including current strategic thinking and an overview of programs current and in the pipeline.

Highlights of the report included the commitment of around $600,000 towards five key projects for a total value of approximately $2 million among other organisations.

A detailed report on oyster history in the Noosa River Estuary was presented at the meeting by Simon Walker as part of his work with the Bring Back the Fish project.

Members of the Board acknowledged the contribution of Rowland Hill to the Foundation, noting he and The Thomas Foundation were principal founding parties to the project.

The Board also acknowledged the work of the groups that came before them. Foundation Chairman Campbell Corfe says it is important to recognise those involved since the original application to the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere program in 2007.

“We recognise the enormous contribution to the Noosa Biosphere Reserve concept from a large number of people since our original application to UNESCO. Our story today is their story as well,” says Mr Corfe.

Mr Corfe says the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation in 2017 looks positive.

“Operational spending is under budget for our 18 months of operations and the Foundation has laid good foundations for extending its efforts during the 2017 financial year.

“We will also look to seek additional funding external to Council through our DGR status,” says Mr Corfe.

As a sign of things to come for 2017, the Board has approved to engage the services of PHD graduate, Jeremy Simmonds to assist in the development of a special purpose grant with the Global Change Institute.

It has also agreed to retain the services of the World Wildlife Fund to assist in developing a Fish Management Program as a continuation of its work in the Noosa River Estuary.

The Annual Report will be made available on the website, www.noosabiosphere.org.au.