Annex 11 - Code 11 - Marine Plants

  Performance outcomes                          Acceptable outcomes   Response
                                                                      The proposed oyster reef patches are designed and
                                                                      certified by engineers. The oyster reef patches are spaced
                                                                      (1-4m apart) so as not to not impede fish passage, cause
                                                                      significant erosion (due to wave refraction) or impact
                                                                      negatively on natural hydrological processes of the
                                                                      waterway including laminar river flow.

                                                                      The oyster reef patches are set away from the shoreline
                                                                      and will not interfere with overland flow and runoff as a
                                                                      result of floods.

                                                                      Water quality will be monitored and maintained at the
                                                                      restoration sites during the construction phase in
                                                                      accordance with the sediment management protocol
                                                                      outlined in this Restoration Plan (see Project Restoration
                                                                      Plan. Section 6.4: Sediment management).

                                                                      The restored oyster ecosystems will enhance water quality
                                                                      by filtering estuarine water, removing algae and particulate
                                                                      matter from the water column and converting nutrients, such
                                                                      as nitrogen and phosphorus, into biogenic oyster growth as
                                                                      well as binding these into the surrounding sediments.

                                                                      Water quality will be monitored at the restoration sites using
                                                                      standard parameters (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen,
                                                                      salinity, total dissolved solid) and significant changes
                                                                      reported.

                                                                      The works will maintain recreational access to shorelines or
                                                                      the waters in which the oyster ecosystems grow. All
                                                                      shorelines with recreational access have been excluded
                                                                      from the selection process. Visual amenity will be
                                                                      maintained, as less than one third of the reef patch area will
                                                                      be exposed to view at low tide. Signage used to indicate the
                                                                      location of the restoration footprints will be optimised, with
                                                                      agency input, and will generally be considered temporary
                                                                      until the oyster ecosystems are established, at which time
                                                                      most signage, if not all will be removed from the river (as
                                                                      per government direction).

                                                                      The work also enhances cultural and spiritual connection to
                                                                      place, enjoying the support of Kabi Kabi Traditional Owners.
                                                                      Kabi Kabi Elders are providing the project with valuable
                                                                      cultural and historic information and share the common


State Development Assessment Provisions – version 2.6
State code 11: Removal, destruction or damage of marine plants                                           Page 21 of 24