2022-04-12 Planning & Environment Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                   12 APRIL 2022


6    NOOSA RIVER OYSTER ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION PROJECT UDPATE

Author           Environmental Services Manager (Acting), Shaun Walsh
                 Department of Environment and Sustainable Development

Index            ECM/ Waterways Management / Noosa River

Attachments:     1.   TNC Noosa Oyster Project 6 Monthly Report
                      (39-page attachment provided separately to this agenda)
                 2.   Appendix 1: Reefbuilder Presentation Report
                      (20 page attachment provided separately to this agenda)
                 3.   Appendix 2: Current and Historical Distribution of Seagrass in the
                      Noosa Estuary (full report), Report
                      (40 page attachment provided separately to this agenda)
                 4.    Appendix 3. Seagrass Report Executive Summary
                 5.    Appendix 4: Spring Oyster Chronicle
                 6.    Response from TNC on Winter Mortality / QX Disease risk assessment



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The report provides an overview of the Noosa River Oyster Ecosystem Restoration Project
including:
•    6 monthly update report from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) about achievements and
     obstacles of the project
•    An informative presentation on the nationwide reef restoration programs
•    Rescheduled project delivery due to delays in obtaining Queensland Government Approvals
•    Findings of a Sea Grass distribution report, delivered as part of the project that notes
     significant decline in the Noosa River
•    Risk considerations of Winter Mortality / QX Disease on the oyster project
The report also seeks endorsement for the CEO to commence negotiations with TNC about
extension / renewal of the Funding and Alliance Agreement with TNC.
RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Environmental Services Manager (Acting) to the Planning and
Environment Committee Meeting concerning the Noosa River Reef Shellfish Restoration Project
dated 12 April 2022 and:
A.   Note the 6 monthly report for the project submitted in accordance with the Alliance & Funding
     Agreement between Noosa Council and The Nature Conservancy;
B.   Authorise the CEO to commence negotiations with The Nature Conservancy regarding the
     Noosa River Reef Restoration Alliance and Funding Agreement and report back to Council
     on the outcomes; and
C.   Note that a separate detailed report and considerations will be presented to Council
     regarding the findings of the Current and Historical Distribution of Seagrass in the Noosa
     Estuary Report presented by The Nature Conservancy.




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