Christmas cheer will ring out in the hinterland with help from Noosa Council. Council has approved funding of $1200 and $1500 for Kin Kin Community Group Inc. and Lions Club of Cooroy and Pomona Inc, respectively, to deliver Christmas events this year.

Kin Kin Community Group Inc. will receive $1200 in the Community Grants 2014/2015 funding toward its community Christmas celebrations. The Lions Club of Cooroy and Pomona Inc. will receive $1500 to host the Pomona Night of Lights 2014.

Mayor Noel Playford said Council assessed the club’s applications early to ensure the funds were delivered ahead of the festive season. “These funds will help deliver Christmas spirit to the hinterland.”

Noosa traders have a greater say on the style of street performance permitted in their precincts under a new plan adopted by Noosa Council. Under the policy, endorsed on Thursday, traders groups will assess a street performer's fit with the precinct they're applying to perform in.

The new plan encourages the traders to consult with veteran local musicians for advice, while allowing them the scope to shape a suitable audition process.

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Noosa River’s health has remained relatively stable during the past year despite experiencing the lowest annual rainfall since Healthy Waterways monitoring began in 2001.

Noosa Mayor Noel Playford says that while this year’s Ecosystem Health Report Card score was not surprising taking into account low rainfall, there was no room for complacency.

“We can always do better when it comes to caring for the River. Addressing river bank erosion and improving riparian vegetation are important issues, as is ensuring effluent from vessels is responsibly managed and not allowed to enter the waterway,” Cr Playford said.

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Noosa visitor accommodation managers will be even better prepared in the event of a natural disaster following the launch of new Get Ready Noosa packs.

The Get Ready Noosa packs contain important information, advice and contact details to assist managers of resorts, hotels, motels, caravan parks and backpacker hostels to prepare their businesses before a disaster strikes.

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Noosa residents are reminded that they can now have a say on the proposed Sunshine Coast Airport expansion.

Sunshine Coast Council has opened the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for public feedback, and residents can lodge submissions until 13 November 2014. Under the proposal, much of the area above Noosa Shire would become controlled airspace. The EIS details a range of issues from potential economic impacts to local environmental and social impacts as a result of the proposed expansion.

Noosa Council is currently reviewing the EIS.