Multi-functional Rural Landscapes and Economic Diversification Potential in Queensland's Noosa Hinterlands

Keywords: multifunctional landscapes, rural planning, economic diversification, land use, biosphere reserve
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Monday
Session Start / End Time: 2/28/2022 03:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/28/2022 05:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 44

Abstract

The rural multi-functional transition involves a re-ordering of the three basic purposes underlying human use of rural space: production, consumption, and protection. This paper explores the potential for multi-functional rural landscapes in Queensland Australia’s Noosa Hinterland region and the application of these findings to rural planning and economic development policy in comparable parts of the world. Noosa’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation both recognizes its unique and special natural attributes and provides a focus for community’s aspirations to strive for a sustainable future based on building economies, communities, and knowledge. The objective of our research was to develop a better understanding of rural activities in the NBR and to provide economic development specialists and landowners with a prospectus addressing a range of land-based opportunities for hinterland properties. Following a participatory methodology, a multi-functional activity scheme was developed using a combination of data collection techniques including an online survey of Noosa Hinterland landholders and a series of workshops in rural communities in which interactive digital mapping techniques were used to gain public input to address survey data gaps. This was complemented by additional geospatial mapping of existing land use and landscape suitability, type of primary production, and local food-supply chains, with a goal of illustrating commercial and social food networks and enabling identification of potential rural ‘neighborhood’ collaborative ventures.