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Approvals Application Supporting Material · MCU26/0084
OFFICIAL
Noosa Harbour & Las Rias
Foreshore Management Works
Approval Application Supporting Material
Customer Body Corporates for Noosa Harbour and Las Rias
Project 004024
Deliverable 001
Version 00
10 August 2026
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Document Control
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Document Identification
Title Noosa Harbour & Las Rias Foreshore Management Works
Project No 004024
Deliverable No 001
Version No 00
Version Date 10 August 2026
Customer Body Corporates for Noosa Harbour and Las Rias
Classification OFFICIAL
Author Josue Velez, Jeremy Visser
Checked By Jeremy Visser
Project Manager Daniel Wishaw
Amendment Record
The Amendment Record below records the history and issue status of this document.
Version Version Date Distribution Record
00 10 August 2026 Body Corporate for Noosa Report
Harbour and Las Rias
This report is prepared by BMT Commercial Australia Pty Ltd ("BMT") for the use by BMT's client (the "Client"). No third
party may rely on the contents of this report. To the extent lawfully permitted by law all liability whatsoever of any third
party for any loss or damage howsoever arising from reliance on the contents of this report is excluded. Some of the
content of this document may have been generated using the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Where this report has been prepared on the basis of the information supplied by the Client or its employees, consultants,
agents and/or advisers to BMT Commercial Australia Pty Ltd ("BMT") for that purpose and BMT has not sought to verify
the completeness or accuracy of such information. Accordingly, BMT does not accept any liability for any loss, damage,
claim or other demand howsoever arising in contract, tort or otherwise, whether directly or indirectly for the completeness
or accuracy of such information nor any liability in connection with the implementation of any advice or proposals
contained in this report insofar as they are based upon, or are derived from such information. BMT does not give any
warranty or guarantee in respect of this report in so far as any advice or proposals contains, or is derived from, or
otherwise relies upon, such information nor does it accept any liability whatsoever for the implementation of any advice
recommendations or proposals which are not carried out under its control or in a manner which is consistent with its
advice.
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Contents
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1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 4
2 Project Background........................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Overview and Site Location ................................................................................................................. 5
2.2 Works Description ................................................................................................................................ 9
2.3 Construction Methodology ................................................................................................................. 10
2.4 Maintenance Works............................................................................................................................ 11
3 Receiving Environment and Potential Impacts................................................................ 13
3.1 Water and Sediment Quality .............................................................................................................. 13
3.2 Coastal Processes ............................................................................................................................. 13
3.3 Ecological Values ............................................................................................................................... 15
3.4 Environmental Management Arrangement ........................................................................................ 16
4 Planning and Legislative Context .................................................................................... 20
4.1 Approval Requirements...................................................................................................................... 20
4.2 Local Interests .................................................................................................................................... 20
4.3 State Interests .................................................................................................................................... 21
4.4 Environmental Authority for ERA 16 (1) Dredging ............................................................................. 21
4.5 Allocation of Quarry Material .............................................................................................................. 21
5 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 22
6 References ..................................................................................................................... 23
Annex A Basis of Design .......................................................................................... A-1
Annex B Identification Survey ................................................................................... B-1
Annex C Pre-lodgement Advice ................................................................................ C-1
Annex D Framework Dredge Management Plan ....................................................... D-1
Annex E Assessment Benchmark responses ........................................................... E-1
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1 Introduction
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The Noosa Harbour Resource and Las Rias Holiday Apartments are two adjoining resorts located on
Quamby Place, Noosa Heads, with frontage to the Noosa River. The body corporates for these facilities
(Noosa Harbour CTS 11159 and Las Rias CTS6315) are seeking approval to redevelop a failing
revetment wall along this river frontage, including development of groynes to support retention of sand
and associated burial of the wall. Sand to support both groyne construction and initial revetment burial
will be sourced from a sand bank adjoining the main channel within the Noosa River. These works have
been necessitated by the long-term deterioration of the revetment wall and increased erosion pressures
from the changed configuration of the Noosa River and nearby Weyba Creek.
This report presents supporting material for the following approvals applications associated with these
works:
• Development Permit for Prescribed Tidal Works associated with:
Revetment wall repairs
Groyne construction
Establishment of a once off sand sourcing site
• Development Permit for Material Change of Use (MCU) associated with concurrence Environmental
Relevant Activities (ERAs) for capital sand sourcing (dredging) works
• Environmental Authority associated with ERA 16(1)(a) for capital sand sourcing (dredging) works
• Allocation of Quarry Material for the proportion of sand brought above mean high water springs
(MHWS) during works.
Once the works are established, ongoing maintenance may be required to ‘top up’ sand eroding into the
marine environment. This would be subject to existing approvals held by local dredging contractors and
are not in the scope of the current application.
This supporting material has been structured as follows:
Section 1. Introduction
Section 2. Project Background
Section 3. Planning and legislative context
Section 4. Conclusion
Section 5. Annexures
This application is accompanied by a full detailed design drawing package and owners consent for the
Project works.
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2 Project Background
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2.1 Overview and Site Location
The Noosa Harbour Resort and Las Rias Holiday Apartments and associated foreshore (collectively
referred to as ‘the site’) adjoins the Noosa River. The two resorts are located on strata parcel land (Lot
0 on BUP4021 and Lot 0 on BUP9869), with an ambulatory boundary that has become ‘fixed’ by the
presence of an historical revetment wall (see identification survey information at Annex B). The site was
originally developed as part of the Hays Island development undertaken by the Noosa Island Estate Pty
Ltd between 1971 and 1974 which included development of a rock revetment along the northern and
northwestern frontages of the island to manage erosion. This area was further modified by the Beach
Protection Authority (BPA) under the Scheme for the Protection of Hays Island (BPA, 1971), including
significant diversion of the Noosa River to create calm waters around the island.
Severe flooding in February 2022 resulted in substantial sand loss along the riverfront exposing much
of the rock revetment wall at the site (Figure 2.1 and Figure 2.2). This became further exacerbated by
alterations in the river channel which moved closer to the shore, increasing erosion pressures on the
shoreline, including on the wall itself. Figure 2.3 shows the migration of the river channel over the past
few years, demonstrating this impact.
In response to this erosion, sand nourishment works were undertaken in 2024, utilising sand sourced
from the adjoining river channel, but this was unsuccessful. The migration of the river meant that any
nourishment material would rapidly erode from the site, unless accompanied by engineered structures
to ‘hold’ material in place.
A site visit undertaken by BMT on 17 December 2024 indicated that the rock wall has deteriorated, with
significant slumping of the primary armour stone, exposing secondary armour layers and geotextile
which is not suitable for erosion protection (1.1). This rock revetment has historically been shielded by
occasional sand nourishment, both to reduce impacts to the revetment, and support the weight of the
revetment and thereby reduce the risk of a rotational failure of the revetment. At different times in the
past, the revetment has been exposed by erosion leading to on-going maintenance risks.
To provide ongoing protection to the site, it is necessary to rebuild a significant proportion of the
revetment wall. However, to improve the longevity of the revetment wall and to provide for ongoing
public use of the foreshore at the site, it is proposed to bury the wall with sand. This in turn necessitates
the development of groynes to avoid the immediate loss of sand into the immediately adjoining river
channel. Beach nourishment and the construction of groynes will require accessing sand from within
the Noosa River via dredging.
Similar works have been undertaken at Munna Point, immediately west of the site across Weyba Creek.
The proposed location for revetment wall rebuilds, geotextile sand groynes, initial beach nourishment,
and sand sourcing are shown in Figure 2.4. A full set of design drawings is provided alongside this
application report.
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Figure 2.1 Rock revetment in front of Las Rias resort, with significant slumping of primary armour
stone and exposure of underlying layers (BMT, 2025)
Figure 2.2 Exposure of rock revetment wall and erosion of beach at the site
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Figure 2.3 Channel movement within the Noosa River 2017-2024
I:\004024- Noosa Resort\JPG\Fig.2.4.Historical channel mapping
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Figure 2.4 Location of project elements
I:\004024- Noosa Resort\JPG\Fig2.2.projectlocation.png
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2.2 Works Description
The proposed development relates to coastal protection measures associated with rock revetment wall
repairs and nourishment works. These measures will consist of the following:
1. Repair existing rock revetment wall with suitable material to restore its functionality.
This will entail the replacement of existing rock material and addition of new material based on
the site conditions and engineering requirements.
2. Groyne and nourishment works
Construction and filling activities for three groynes. Filling of the groynes will require capital
dredging from a sandbank located below mean high water springs (MHWS) to source the
material.
Beach nourishment activities for the placement of sand within the foreshore area.
These coastal protection measures are anticipated to reduce erosion risks by preserving the foreshore
area and improve safety for its visitors. Note the works will not interfere with public access to the
foreshore area and will enhance the beach amenities.
A full detailed layout set for the nourishment works including cross sections for the proposed groynes
construction, rock repairs and beach profile are provided alongside this application.
2.2.1 Reconstruction of Revetment Wall
Based on an options assessment, the preferred approach to reestablishment of the existing revetment
wall will be a targeted replacement and repair along the most at risk portion of the wall, based on
complete reconstruction to a similar design. This will retain the same footprint and alignment of the
existing wall and provide a new design life of 25 years.
The reconstruction process will involve the partial removal of parts of the wall not meeting design
specifications. For these sections, the wall section will be removed, the ground levelled and the wall
reconstructed using a geotextile membrane, two layers of underlay small rock, and two rock armour
layers. Full design detail is provided at Annex A in the Basis of Design and in the accompanying design
pack.
Details on the construction methodology, rock sourcing and laydown/stockpiling areas is provided in
Section 2.3.2.
2.2.2 Groynes and Beach Nourishment Commented [JV1]: @Daniel Wishaw / @Verity Taylor -
The construction of the three groynes will be comprised of 109 geotextile bags and an underlying can you please update the sand volumes and no.
geotextile bags in this section (29 was noted in previous
geosynthetic sand mattress per groyne. The groynes have an approximate design life of 25 years. The text but isn’t a multiple of 3?). Please ensure distinction
proposed groynes are between nine and thirteen meters in length and are spaced at approximately between sand placed above and below MHWS
20m.The rationale for choosing geotextile groynes as opposed to rock structures was consistent with
groynes treatments implemented elsewhere in the immediate region (e.g. at Munna Point) and presents
a lower safety risk, noting there will still be public access along the Noosa foreshore.
The groyne installation will include partial profiling of the beach to achieve a uniform surface, followed
by laying of a geosynthetic sand mattress and then two to three layers of geotextile sand containers.
The sand containers will be filled on site using sand sourced from within the Noosa River, as described
in Section 2.3.3. The total volume of sand required to fill the bags will be 400m3. The length and width
of the groynes differ across the site based on the current beach width.
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Beach nourishment will be undertaken to completely bury the revetment wall and partially bury the
groynes. This will slope gently from the crest level of the revetment towards the beach, reaching a 1:3
batter. Based on current beach profile, this will require approximately 5,000m3 of sand, of which 1830m3
will be placed above MHWS.
Full design detail is provided in Annex A in the Basis of Design and in the accompanying design pack.
A summary of all sand volume requirements is noted in Table 2.1.
Details on the construction methodology and sand sourcing is provided in Section 2.3.3.
Table 2.1 Sand sourcing volumes
Work component Total volume required Volume placed above Volume placed below Indicative tonnage (t)*
(m3) MHWS (m3) MHWS (m3)
Geosynthetic sand 100 0 100 180
mattresses (3 units)
Geotextile containers 300 7.5 292.5 540
(109 units)
Beach nourishment 5000 1830 3170 9000
*Conversion of 13 to 2.04t based on Aquac-Calc for wet sand.
2.3 Construction Methodology
2.3.1 Overview
It is anticipated that all works would be undertaken by a single Principal Contractor, noting that aspects
of the development may need specialist subcontractors (e.g. dredging contractor, marine contractor).
The works would be undertaken with the following general sequence:
• Mobilisation to site, including establishment of laydown areas
• Reprofiling to prepare the site
• Reconstruction of deteriorated segments of the revetment wall
• Dredging and delivery of sand to fill geotextile containers in groyne configuration
• Dredging and delivery of sand to bury revetment wall and groynes, including reprofiling works
• Demobilisation.
Details of key components of construction are noted below. Note that the specific methodology may
change depending on the Contractor appointed and would be confirmed through a Marine Execution
Plan and Construction Management Plan.
Construction works are expected to take a period of 16 weeks and would require the temporary closure Commented [JV2]: @Daniel Wishaw /@Verity Taylor -
of this area during this time. While the foreshore is open to the public, due to its current eroded state, please include the expected construction time
there is limited existing access and therefore disruption to public access would be limited.
2.3.2 Revetment Wall Works
While there is capacity for small excavators and similar plant to access the beachfront for construction
works, access is not appropriate for trucks delivering rock and other material for construction.
Additionally, there are no appropriate areas along the foreshore for the stockpiling of rock and material
for construction. Therefore, it is intended that rock and geotextile material required for the revetment
wall repairs would be delivered by road to temporary stockpiling areas located at the nearby Quamby
Park and/or Bicentennial Park, subject to local approvals and site management arrangements to be
agreed with Noosa Shire Council.
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From these sites, material would then be loaded to marine barges and progressively delivered to the
site for unloading and placement by excavators. These parks both have sloping foreshore access and
would not require the use of any temporary structures (e.g. marine offloading facilities, pontoons),
although beach access matting may be used to reduce potential erosion risks. The location of these
stockpiling areas is shown in Figure 2.5 and included in the accompanying design pack. Following
completion of all works, the contractor for the works would be required to ‘make good’ any disturbance
in these parks to the satisfaction of Council, subject to relevant management arrangements.
All construction works on the foreshore of the site would involve excavators and similar plant.
2.3.3 Sand Sourcing and Groyne Construction Commented [JV3]: @Daniel Wishaw /@Verity Taylor -
Following completion of the revetment wall repair, sand sourcing and groyne construction works will please include the surface area and associated volume
for the sand shoals
proceed in parallel. This will involve dredging sand from the sandbank immediately north of the Noosa
River channel with a cutter suction dredge, with material then hydraulically pumped back to the site and
directly into the geosynthetic containers. These containers will be placed in the configuration of the
groyne, with additional layers added as the base layers are completed. Excess water from the dredging
will filter through the bags and back to the Noosa River.
Once the groynes are completed, additional sand will be dredged and pumped to bury the revetment
wall and groynes and achieve the design beach profile. This will involve some support from an
excavator to ensure appropriate profile is met. Excess water from this placement will flow back to the
Noosa River.
The location identified for sand sourcing is shown in Figure 2.4 and in the detailed design plans
accompanying this application. This site has been chosen as it immediately adjoins the main channel
and therefore can be dredged in a way that does not cause change in local hydrodynamic conditions.
Dredging would occur across the footprint to a maximum depth of 1m to ensure only sand is targeted.
The footprint shown is currently 7,055m2 with a total capacity of 7,055m3 if cut to a 1m depth, well in
excess of the sand requirements for the project.
Pumping of sand will require the use of pipelines from the dredging area to the site. To avoid
navigational safety risks, the pipeline will be sunk under the channel. Due to the proximity of the
dredging area to the site, booster pumps are unlikely to be required.
Following completion of dredging works, the dredge vessel and associated pipe will be demobilised. All
land-based plant and site equipment will also be demobilised.
2.4 Maintenance Works
Sand placed during the works is expected to naturally erode over time back into the river channel. To
allow for ongoing burial of the revetment and groynes, therefore, further sand sourcing and placement
would be required. This would be undertaken subject to existing approvals for dredging and
nourishment in the area (i.e. Development permit IPDE01304708 and EA EPPR00197213). Therefore,
future maintenance works are not required to be included in the scope of the current approval, with
dredging volumes of up to 5,000 tonnes of sand material to be excavated within the sandbank adjacent
to the foreshore area and broader Noosa River channel (See Section 4.1).
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Figure 2.5 Location of laydown and stockpiling areas (green highlight), with indicative marine route Commented [JV4]: @Daniel Wishaw/@Verity Taylor -
shown (dark blue lines) please include a figure showing the proposed laydown
areas comparative to the works site, inclusive of a
arrows showing the marine route to take to get from the
laydowns to the works site
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3 Receiving Environment and Potential Impacts
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This section presents an overview of environmental context for the site and anticipated environmental
impacts and management considerations for the works.
3.1 Water and Sediment Quality
Dredging and placement works present a risk of impacting water quality through suspension of
sediment in the water column (at the dredging site) and runoff of sediment-laden water (at the
placement site). Additionally, where dredged material contains acid sulphate soils (ASS) or
contaminants, mobilisation and exposure of this can lead to impacts in receiving environment water
quality. The waters of the dredging footprint and immediately downstream of the placement footprint are
mapped as high ecological value (HEV) lower estuary waters under WQ1401 and therefore has a
management intent of maintain indicators for all environmental values (EVs) of water. This includes
meeting the relevant water quality objectives (WQOs) for these EVs.
Sediment sampling across the Noosa River has been undertaken historically on behalf of Noosa Shire
Council, inclusive of the shoals through to the Noosa River mouth. The most recent testing was
undertaken by BMT in 2022 in accordance with the National Assessment Guidelines for Dredging 2009
(NAGD) and the National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure 2013
(NEPM). This identified the following:
• Shoals within the Noosa River are comprised principally of sand (up to 98% of shallow sediment
present)
• Sediment had no concentrations of metals, metalloids or organic compounds above NAGD
screening levels or NEPM guideline values
• Nutrients occur at depth but mostly absent from surface material
• Potential ASS is present in pockets/hot spots but generally at low levels and with self-neutralising
capacity.
Based on these findings, it will be possible to undertake dredging without disturbance of ASS or
contamination but site-specific sediment sampling will be required prior to dredging to inform the exact
dredging locations. Where it is not possible to avoid ASS, material can be treated with low level
application of lime.
Similarly, it will be possible to avoid dredging of silts, clays and other material that would otherwise
create a persistent dredge and/or tailwater plume.
On this basis, the dredging and placement works are anticipated to cause only highly localised sand
plumes at the dredging and placement locations. Sand naturally falls out of suspension rapidly, with
plumes likely <100m. This may lead to temporary and isolated increases in turbidity above the
scheduled water WQO for aquatic ecosystem EV of 8 NTU but no broader changes in water quality for
the lower Noosa River.
3.2 Coastal Processes
Coastal processes within the Noosa River estuary have been extensively investigated through historical
studies and recent site‑specific assessments, including the options assessments. These investigations
confirm that shoreline behaviour at the site is governed by estuarine processes, primarily tidal currents,
channel alignment, and episodic high‑flow events, rather than open‑coast wave‑driven longshore
transport.
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Analysis of historical aerial imagery and bathymetric change demonstrates that the foreshore area
adjacent to the site has migrated southward since at least 2019 due to the evolution and infilling of sand
shoals to the northwest of the site (Figure 2.3). This migration has resulted in a progressive constriction
of the channel width adjacent to the foreshore, increasing tidal current velocities in close proximity to
the shoreline.
Previous modelling undertaken for the lower Noosa River indicates that peak tidal velocities occur on
the flood tide, with velocities historically in the order of 0.5 m/s (See Figure 3.1). The observed reduction
in channel cross‑section adjacent to the site is likely to have increased both flood and ebb tide
velocities, thereby increasing erosion pressure on the foreshore and reducing the capacity for placed
sand to settle and be retained.
Figure 3.1 Water velocity and water level in the foreshore area adjacent to the Site from 20
December 2018 to 27 December 2018 (adapted from BMT, 2025 – Figures 2.5)
The interaction of elevated tidal currents with vessel traffic closer to the shoreline has further
contributed to localised sediment loss, particularly during periods of high-water levels and energetic
flow conditions. As a result, the site experiences chronic erosion, and recent nourishment campaigns
have proven unable to maintain a stable beach buffer in isolation.
The proposed groynes, nourishment works, and revetment wall repairs have been designed to respond
directly to the localised coastal process drivers at the site. The groynes are low‑profile, shore‑normal
structures intended to locally interrupt sediment transport, reduce nearshore wave energy, and promote
retention of nourished sand within discrete sand compartments.
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The scale, orientation and location of the groynes ensure their influence is confined to the immediate
foreshore zone, as shown in 1 above. The works will not obstruct the main navigation channel, alter
tidal flows, and will have negligible impacts on tidal flows and estuarine circulation patterns within the
broader Noosa River system. No redirection of the river channel or modification of regional sediment
pathways is proposed; rather, the works are intended to stabilise locally at the site location.
Sediment used for filling geotextile containers will be sourced from shoal areas within the Noosa River
that have been identified as actively accreting. The volume of material to be dredged is minor when
considered relative to the size of the shoals and the magnitude of natural sediment redistribution that
occurs during flood events. The indicative dredging footprint and accreting shoal locations are shown in
1.1 above.
The redistribution of sand from accreting shoals to an erosion‑prone shoreline represents a net benefit
to coastal resilience at the site and will not result in measurable adverse impacts on sediment
availability or channel stability.
The proposed design allows for adaptive management of the shoreline, including adjustment of
nourishment volumes and the potential staging of groyne construction based on observed shoreline
response. This approach recognises the dynamic nature of the Noosa River system and provides
flexibility to respond to future changes in channel alignment or flow conditions without the need for
large‑scale structural intervention.
The proposed works are consistent with Performance Outcome PO12 of State Code 8 for tidal works,
as they:
• Maintain the operation of natural estuarine processes and avoid significant interference with tidal
flows, channel hydraulics, and sediment transport pathways;
• Limit impacts to the immediate foreshore and previously disturbed areas and are appropriately
scaled to the site‑specific coastal process drivers; and
• Improve shoreline stability without increasing erosion risk elsewhere within the Noosa River system.
Overall, the proposed works will result in a localised improvement in shoreline stability and will have a
negligible impact on the coastal processes within the Noosa River estuary.
3.3 Ecological Values
The lower Noosa River is highly dynamic, as evidenced in localised changes in the channel morphology
and location of sand shoals. As a result, at present, no seagrass is known to occur within the dredging
footprint. Similarly, the foreshore is in a heavily eroded state such that no marine plants have
established in the intertidal area. There is also no known macroalgae on the revetment wall, as
indicated in Figure 3.2.
Despite this, the lower Noosa River is known to support a series of marine ecological values, including
habitat for fish and shorebird species. Migratory shorebirds are known to utilise the sand shoals across
the lower Noosa River as intertidal habitat for feeding, with roosting occurring in supratidal habitat
around Noosa Spit and the northern banks of the river. Migratory shorebirds are present from October
to April and include a range of nationally and internationally important species. Some occasional
foraging may occur within the proposed dredge footprint, although this would be offset by the
abundance of similar shoal habitat throughout the lower river. In particular, based on historical
assessments by Noosa Shire Council, the dominant areas utilised by shorebirds are near the mouth of
the river, where coastal processes have generated extensive, interconnected sand shoals and intertidal
habitat (Figure 3.3). Thus, while dredging during migratory shorebird season could cause localised
disturbance, this is unlikely to have any material impact on shorebirds more generally.
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As noted in Section 3.1, water and sediment quality impacts are not expected from the dredging and
placement sites and therefore impacts to aquatic ecological values are not anticipated.
The combination of a groynefield and sand nourishment along the foreshore is expected to re-create a
sandy foreshore environment, compared to the current, highly eroded state. This will improve habitat
values for shorebirds and other intertidal species by maximising the land available for these species to
utilise. At present, due to erosion, there is limited to no intertidal habitat available for these species.
Overall, the works are not anticipated to cause any long-term changes to ecological values for the lower
Noosa River and any disturbances during the works would be temporary only.
Note also that, as shown in Figure 3.4, the works are set back a significant distance from any mapped
Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES), including the Noosa River fish habitat area and
wetlands of high ecological significance.
3.4 Environmental Management Arrangement
To appropriately provide for environmental management, the works contractor will be required to
develop and implement a Dredge Management Plan (DMP), inclusive of all dredging and foreshore
works. A framework DMP is attached at Annex D which provides the minimum management
requirements for the DMP.
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Figure 3.2 Revetment wall showing lack of marine plants
"I:\004024- Noosa Resort\JPG\Fig.3.2. MSES.png"
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Figure 3.3 Shorebirds presence map related to the sand sourcing location. Adapted from Noosa Shire Council (2019).
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Figure 3.4 Matters of State Environmental Significance relevant to the site area
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4 Planning and Legislative Context
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4.1 Approval Requirements
Table 4.1 presents the assessment context for the approvals being sought for the proposed works. This
has been informed by pre-lodgement with Noosa Shire Council, the State Assessment and Referral
Agency (SARA) and the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI).
A full set of assessment benchmark responses is provided in Annex E for the Noosa Plan 2020 and
State Development Assessment Provisions (SDAP), with summaries provided in the subsequent
sections. Assessment for Environmental Authority and Allocation of Quarry Material are also provided
below.
While the Waterway Works Code is triggered under the Noosa Plan 2020 for prescribed tidal works, the
code relates solely to access-related infrastructure (e.g. jetties, wharves, pontoons, boat ramps) and
are not applicable to the proposed works. Similarly, the Noosa Heads Local Plan applies to the
development but focuses principally upon street scape and land use, without direct application to the
proposed works.
Table 4.1 Assessment context for project approvals
Approval Type of development Determining authority Assessment requirements
Development Permit for Code assessable Noosa Shire Council Noosa Plan 2020 codes:
Prescribed Tidal Works (assessment manager) • Acid Sulfate Soils Overlay Code
Development Permit for Material SARA (referral agency) • Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands
Change of Use for Concurrence Overland Code
ERA
State Development Assessment Provisions:
• Prescribed Tidal Works Code
• State code 7: Maritime safety
• State code 8: Coastal development and
tidal works
• State code 22: Environmentally relevant
activities
Environmental Authority ERA 16(1)(a) DETSI Environmental Protection Act 1994 and
regulation
Allocation of Quarry Material - DETSI Coastal Protection and Management Act
1995 and regulation
4.2 Local Interests
While there is the potential for ASS to be found within the dredge shoals, pre-dredging sampling will be
undertaken to identify any potential pockets of ASS for the dredge contractor to avoid. Typically, this
has been located at depths exceeding that to which dredging would occur so the likelihood of ASS
disturbance is considered to be extremely low. Where disturbance is necessary, lime application would
be undertaken by the dredge contractor.
The dredging and placement areas are located within a riparian buffer area, with all areas below MHWS
considered part of a waterway. These are considered ecologically important areas under the Noosa
Plan but will not be subject to a significant impact due to the lack of existing marine and terrestrial
vegetation. The works will enhance local access to the foreshore and provide improved habitat
outcomes for foreshore specialist species.
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4.3 State Interests
The proposed foreshore works have been designed by a Registered Professional Engineer of
Queensland (RPEQ) to meet prevailing Australian Standards including the requirements of the
prescribed tidal works code under the Coastal Protection and Management Regulation 2017. The works
are design to provide coastal protection to the foreshore while minimising consequential impacts at the
dredging site. By taking a minimal volume of sand to a depth of 1m, there will be no material changes to
channel morphology that could otherwise impact coastal processes.
Importantly, the coastal protection works being developed is the reconstruction of the revetment wall
which will be wholly located on private land (noting the property boundary is marked by the revetment
structure); public land is not being used to protect private assets. The works will require supplement
with beach nourishment to improve their functionality and to ensure that this area of the foreshore
remains accessible to the public. In turn, beach nourishment requires groynes to ensure sufficient sand
remains on the beach. The groynes and beach nourishment, therefore, supplement the coastal
protection structure while also benefiting public access, rather than serving to directly protect private
assets.
Dredging works and marine logistics will be undertaken subject to a Notice to Mariners and associated
maritime safety arrangements to be agreed between the dredge contractor and Regional Harbour
Master.
Sand dredging is readily manageable subject to standard operational controls, as set out in the
framework DMP attached in Annex D.
4.4 Environmental Authority for ERA 16 (1) Dredging
Dredging and placement works constitute ERA 16(1)(a) for dredging 1,000 to 10,000t/yr. An
environmental assessment of these works is presented in Section 3, with no impacts to environmental
values anticipated from the dredging. This is due to dredging targeting clean sand in areas not known to
support sensitive receptors and MSES values. Sand dredging is readily manageable subject to
standard operational controls, as set out in the framework DMP attached in Annex D.
4.5 Allocation of Quarry Material Commented [JV5]: @Daniel Wishaw /@Verity Taylor -
can you confirm the dredging volume based on the
As noted in Section 2.2.2, up to 1,830m3 of dredged material will be taken from the sand shoals and above
placed above MHWS and therefore will be subject to an allocation of quarry material. This volume of
material represents a negligible proportion of the total sand available within the lower Noosa River and
will have an immaterial effect on broader morphology and coastal processes.
Measurement of sand taken will be based on survey of the beach and groynes after construction work
as not all sand extracted from the dredge footprint will be removed from the marine environment.
Due to the lack of material environmental impact and as sand will be kept within the local coastal
system, the works are considered permissible under the approvals regime for an Allocation of Quarry
Material.
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5 Conclusion
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The proposed works have been necessitated to address ongoing erosion issues affecting the Noosa
Harbour and Las Rias foreshore. Revetment wall reconstruction and burial is required to ensure an
appropriate terminal structure is in place to protect the foreshore while still maintaining appropriate
public access, thereby requiring a combination of revetment wall works, dredging, groyne construction
and beach nourishment.
Assessment of the receiving environment indicates that the works can be undertaken with limited and
manageable environmental impacts. Dredging will target clean sandy sediments and, subject to
standard environmental controls and pre-dredging investigations, is not expected to result in significant
water quality, sediment quality, or ecological impacts. Any disturbance associated with the works is
anticipated to be temporary and localised.
The proposed groynes and nourishment works have been designed to address the site-specific erosion
processes operating along this section of the Noosa River. The works will promote retention of
nourished sand and improve foreshore stability without materially affecting navigation, tidal flows,
channel morphology, or broader estuarine processes.
The works are consistent with the applicable planning and environmental assessment framework and
can be appropriately managed through standard construction controls and implementation of a
framework DMP. On this basis, the proposed development is considered suitable for approval.
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6 References
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BMT (2023a), Noosa Spit Dredge Management Plan 2023, ref. R.A10342.003.02, prepared for Noosa
Shire Council.
BMT (2021), Noosa Spit Ecological Assessment 2023, ref. R.A10342.002.00, prepared for Noosa Shire
Council.
BMT (2025), Coastal Erosion Options Assessment, ref. R.003575.001.02, prepared for Las Rias and
Noosa Harbour Resorts.
BMT (2025), Sunshine Coast and Noosa Coastal Process Model, ref. R.003818.004.00 prepared for
Sunshine Coast Regional Council and Noosa Shire Council
Noosa Integrated Catchment Area (2020), an analysis of migratory and resident shorebird diversity and
abundance in the Noosa River estuary 2005 – 2019, prepared for Noosa Shire.
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Annex A Basis of Design Commented [JV6]: @Daniel Wishaw / @Verity Taylor -
̶
insert link to final pdf’d BoD report
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R.004024.Las Rias Noosa Harbour Coastal Protection - Basis of Design Report.docx
Support insert once pdf’d
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Annex B Identification Survey
̶
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IS347472.pdf
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Annex C Pre-lodgement Advice
̶
C.1 Noosa Shire Council- Pre-lodgement Material
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PLM25-0014 Updated Meeting Minutes - 3 June 2025.pdf
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C.2 SARA Pre-lodgement Material
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2506-46727 SPL - Pre-lodgement meeting recordFINAL_.pdf
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Annex D Framework Dredge Management Plan
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R.004024.002.00_LasRias_DMP.docx
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Annex E Assessment Benchmark responses
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E.1 Local Government Benchmarks
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Insert pdfs from Noosa
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E.2 SDAP Benchmarks
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Insert pdfs from SARA
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Used in these records
Approvals Application Supporting Material.pdfRelated documentApplication case desk ↗
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