2020-09-14 GC Agenda - Item 7 - Attachment 1 - Noosa River Oyster Ecosystem Restoration Project Annual Report No. 1

                               presented to                                       with Central Queensland
                               Noosa Council                                      University.


Unforeseen issues arising and project adaptation
The delayed appointment of the project manager, along with a legacy of confusion in the community about the nature
of the project, its purpose, relationship with the previous project (led by the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation
and University of the Sunshine Coast) and role in broader river issues, has meant considerable effort has had to be
placed on community consultation meetings with numerous key stakeholders, rather than on progressing the
refinements to the restoration design, engineering technical support, ecological assessments and shell recycling.

The project manager has invested heavily in stakeholder meetings (see ‘Stakeholder’ section) and building stakeholder
relationships. While this work is far from complete, considerable progress has been made. Focus on these meetings
will continue but work on the operational aspects of the project will also receive attention.

The project, project team and Noosa stakeholders have all been affected by COVID-19. Noosa has lost businesses,
families have had to leave the region, and long-trusted systems of engagement and participation have been dissolved.
We have all had to adapt to new ways of operating, of working together, of achieving progress. This has taken time,
and much effort, as we all learn about ‘Zoom’, ‘Microsoft Teams’ and the art of working from home.

The Noosa oyster project has been particularly challenged in terms of community engagement. Personal contact has
been constrained, prevented or limited. Group meetings and event planning have been stifled, and many locals made
less available due to COVID-19 adaptation overload, reprioritisation of efforts, the fear of contamination and the
pressure of home office and/or home schooling. However, the project has adapted to these changes and remains on
track.

The mechanisms for community consultation have changed to primarily to ‘one on one’, or small group meetings. This
is a highly effective consultation method, but is very time consuming. Progressing the restaurant component of ‘Shuck
don’t Chuck’ oyster recycling was delayed due to the COVID-19. This component will soon be reinvigorated. A shell
recycling system with wholesalers has progressed and is in place. Community forums and presentations will now be
primarily held ‘online’, rather than in face-to-face gatherings.


Community consultations and engagement

Community meetings
The project manager, working closely with council staff, has met with more than 67 key stakeholders and community
representatives (see Table 2 below). Most of these meetings have occurred since February 2020. The list does not
include individual households met (for reasons of privacy), some political meetings held at a state level and with
research institutions, or internal meetings with TNC or Noosa Council staff.

The project manager met with some organisations on multiple occasions. While more meetings are needed, and a
formal community consultation process regarding the selection of the restoration sites warranted, the overwhelming
feedback received so far is positive and supportive. Once the project has been clearly explained, and contextualized,
many groups have offered help and provide resources or public communication channels to share key messages and
stories about the project.




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