the real people of noosa

I was born on the Coast, so I can remember the day trips to Noosa as a kid (from Nambour). But I guess my initial adult connection with Noosa was towards the end of my University Degree, when I got involved in the Pandanus dieback issue in 1995. That got me stuck on National Parks and, I would have to say, has made Noosa a special place for me.

2    What did you do in a former life, before coming to Noosa?

I was helping plan and build the latest Great Walks (multi-day hiking trail) out in the Conondale Ranges – just an hour west of here.

3    What makes you stay in Noosa?  Describe your relationship with the place?

The surf, the feel (it still feels like a coast town, even if it is getting more and more crowded), my job (I love it) and the beautiful natural landscape.

I feel I have a great responsibility to manage the increasing pressure on Noosa’s protected areas in the future.

4    What do you do?  

I am in charge of the Noosa Management Unit for Queensland Parks and Wildlife. We take care of the National Parks, Forest Reserves, State Forests and other protected areas from Maroochy River to Kin Kin. People probably don’t see us much and don’t understand what we do, but we manage the largest tracts of land in the Noosa area. We do everything from guided walks to building infrastructure to fire management. In particular, most people don’t know the role we play in fire. QPW has played critical roles in every major wildfire we have had in the Noosa area – you just don’t see us on tv.

5    What makes Noosa ‘tick’ and what are its unique characteristics?

Not to belabour a point, but I would have to say its’ National Parks. They seem to be in the background, but whether you are driving along David Low Way or in Hastings Street – there’s not many places you can go and not see a bit of National Park. It makes the smell, the atmosphere of Noosa. And the good thing is that these areas will not be developed – so Noosa should keep that aspect into the future.

Related to that, there is also a strong sense of ownership from the local community of the National Parks. Locals, more often than not, are quite protective of these areas – which is a great thing. We need to protect what we have here and it is everyone’s responsibility. It’s good to see a visitor to the park tell someone not to drop that cigarette butt or to keep their dog out of the park.

6    How would you describe Noosa to someone with no knowledge of it?

A beautiful coastal community within a real coastal bushland setting.

7    What’s your favourite haunt/spot/view/thing to do around Noosa?

It’s becoming a rare thing these days, but it’s hard to top a surf at Granite on a nice big day without a crowd. And walking back along the Coastal Track (in the National Park) after a surf with the sun setting over Laguna Bay, filtering through the trees – always reminds me why I stay.

8    Your most unusual Noosa experience…

I have many unusual experiences and it’s hard to name the most unusual, but recently I surfed with dolphins out at Granite Bay. It was a rainy afternoon and I had the waves to myself for a change and a large pod came in close to the point. They were surfing the waves and leaping out of the water – even the young dolphins. The late, grey afternoon made it incredibly beautiful and eerie at the same time.

9    Where was your last holiday?

To Victoria and Tasmania. Hiking and camping in Mt Field and the Grampians.

10     Name someone who has inspired you and why?

My late father. I didn’t fully realise how much inspiration he has given me until after he passed away. But he instilled in me my love of nature and wilderness.