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

5. PROJECTS IN HAND AND COMPLETED


We fund and support transformational projects that protect biodiversity and enhance the Noosa Biosphere Reserve lived
experience.


                                     OVERALL PROJECT INVESTMENT & VALUE

      NBRF FUNDING                   CASH & IN-KIND                PROJECT VALUE                      LEVERAGE

          $864,790                      $1,835,100                     $2,699,890                         3:1




BRING BACK THE FISH (BBTF)

There has been great progress in completing many parts of this program in 2018/19. This was approved as a major,
multi-year collection of three projects in the 2015/16 NBRF grant round.

It had been noted that, over many years, there had been a decline in fish stocks in the Noosa River. The aim of the
program was to research and pilot what could be done to restore things. A significant scientific workshop of experts was
held to understand the cause and potential remedies.

The going in position was that there should be more mangroves and sea grass in place. However, the workshop
conclusions were that oysters and prawns are important food sources for the fish to be able to develop and their
population needs to be increased. The key problems to be overcome are the lack of structure on the river bed plus the
sediment entering the catchment.

Noosa Council is an active partner in all aspects of BBTF as part of the latest Noosa River Plan.




Three projects were approved and progress is noted on each below:-


BBTF : OYSTERS

The aim was to research and test putting oyster reefs into the river to provide a structure for the oyster spawn already in
the river to settle on and develop.

The University of the Sunshine Coast provided a team to undertake most of this work under Professor Thomas
Schlacher.

It took some time and expense to get the necessary permits from the marine authorities as the reefs had to be natural
to put into a fish habitat area. The Council was very helpful in this as the permits could only be provided to them. Reef
marking and liability insurance was also an issue. All lessons for the future.

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