CQUniversity Noosa senior lecturer Dr Sue Davis has been nominated as Chair of the Noosa Biosphere Ltd governance board, succeeding inaugural Chair Michael Donovan.
At the most recent Noosa Biosphere governance board meeting earlier this month the directors unanimously agreed that Dr Davis was an outstanding candidate with extensive experience in the man and the biosphere objectives of conservation, sustainable development and education.
Expressing excitement, Dr Davis said the significant community leadership role involved close partnerships with industry, environment and community groups, council, universities, United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and others.
“We have a very special community as well as a special environment, and that includes both Noosa and the hinterland regions,” said Dr Davis.
“The people and activities of the Noosa Biosphere are making an important contribution to caring for what we have and sharing that with others.
“Michael has played a pivotal role in steering the organisation thus far and has done an exceptional job and we are now in a position to capitalise on the foundational work of the biosphere sector boards and the important partnerships that have been established.”
Outgoing Chair, Mr Michael Donovan said that Dr Davis is an excellent choice and has a working knowledge of the Biosphere Community Sector boards as she has previously served on the Cultural Sector Board.
“Her faculty background is an added bonus particularly given the biosphere’s push into eco-education tourism initiatives.”
Mr Donovan will remain on the Board for a further 6 months as a category two community representative and Dr Davis welcomed Mr Donovan’s continued involvement.
“Noosa Biosphere has a number of new projects and initiatives and having Michael’s experience and knowledge remain with us for a little longer is a terrific asset,” said Dr Davis.
During the same board meeting Mr Geoff Walters succeeded Mr Phil Moran as deputy chair.
Mr Moran from Noosa and District Landcare fame will be stepping down from the board after three years and many hours of volunteer service.
Dr Davis is looking forward to working with Mr Walters and the entire network of volunteers including the many community sector board members.
“We can focus our efforts to promote key messages about sustainable human interaction with nature and the environment through dynamic and creative means,” said Dr Davis.
“I’m looking forward to working with everyone to meet the challenge of Noosa Biosphere becoming a world leader in this regards.”
For more information on Noosa Biosphere go to www.noosabiosphere.org.au