2019-12-10 P&E Agenda - Item 6 - Attachment 1 - NBRF Annual Report 2018-19

Glossy Black Recovery Project

As one of the Big Ideas that generated a lot of interest NBRF board members have received input from members
of the local Glossy Team Sunrise community group (represented by Bob Carey, Tim Lennon, Bettina Walter and
Desire Grafton) as well as Peter Milne representing the Glossy Black Conservancy group.

One of the key learnings is that while work has been done around identifying Glossy Black food trees little is
known about the location(s) or robustness of nesting sites in the region.

Given the destruction of potential nesting hollows from large scale housing developments as well as brushfires
this may be the more significant limiting factor and as such is a potential area for research and remediation
support. Proposals are being sought for potential pilot projects around

         •   Identifying existing GBC habitat areas and feeding/breeding habits and the viability of
             supplementation with nesting boxes in key areas
         •   Initiating a program of increasing and/or rehabilitating food trees on public lands (utilizing council
             landscaping resources as well as local bush/landcare groups).
         •   Supporting education aimed at engendering GBC friendly areas on private lands (individual
             homeowners, school/churches etc) with NICA and other organizations.


Bring Back the Fish

Oyster Diversity

As mentioned earlier in Bring Back the Fish, good diversity of oyster species in the Noosa River is an important
factor in the resilience of future oyster reefs against disease and infection.

NBRF has joined with Griffith University on an analysis of our river and how it compares with Moreton Bay.
The outcomes will assist in establishing robust reefs in the Noosa River.

Toxins in the Benthic Layer

It is very likely that the final reports on the Prawn part of Bring Back the Fish will require a study of toxins in the
benthic layer of the river bed. Potential research programs are being formulated.


Improved Shark Protection – Marine Species Preservation

NBRF have begun investigating the impact to the Noosa Biosphere with regard to the existing shark nets in Noosa
Lagoon and drumlines along the stretch of beach between Sunshine to Peregian Beach to ascertain whether there
are complementing technologies, or techniques, that would provide a better outcome for the environment (reduce
bi-catch and effect on endangered shark species) while maintaining or improving swimmer safety.

Discussions have been undertaken with experts on this subject at the Australian Marine Institute (AMI), Flinders
University (FU), University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), and the Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and
Fisheries.

The NBRF has had a very positive response from AMI, FU and USC in wanting to combine and be involved in
researching improvements for the Noosa Biosphere. They have put NBRF in contact with the Department of
Agriculture and Fisheries regarding their Shark Control Program, which has established a scientific working group
and commissioned a report into alternative or complementary shark mitigation measures.

It is the aim of NBRF to combine with all the above-mentioned entities to study and trial the latest advances in
shark mitigation techniques in keeping with the principles of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve.


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