Appendix D_Shorebird_survey_report_Final_Jul20_jans edits

Due to the distance from the river mouth, the extensive upstream lakes, creeks, tributaries and inter-tidal
mudflats of the Noosa River system were not incorporated into this survey though were monitored
sporadically from time-to-time. Certain species, particularly water birds, though rarely shorebirds, were
observed in these areas.
Similarly it is unlikely shorebirds, including otherwise resident species, likely remained restricted to the
Noosa River estuary throughout the year, with the Great Sandy Strait (65 kilometers), Pumicestone
Passage (50 kilometres) and Moreton Bay (70 kilometres) all providing similar sheltered habitat in near
proximity and directly along known migration paths.

Like all estuarine systems, the channels, sandbanks and islands of the lower Noosa River remain in a
constant state of flux driven by tidal range, storm water outflow, prevailing weather conditions and human
influence. An aerial comparison of the lower Noosa River in Diagram 3 taken in 2004 and 2017 depicts
changes within the survey area.

                                    Diagram 3 – Lower Noosa River – 2004 10 and 2019




Localised natural movement of channels, tidal sandbanks and permanent islands has occurred since 2005
though no changes were considered of such significance as to materially impact either the overall size or
suitability of the shorebird habitat.

Notably, significant erosion of the north bank of the river mouth over several years led, in late 2018, to a
renewed north channel “breakthrough” where previously a sand spit had extended into the estuary. This
enhanced the relative isolation of the area contributing to improved security for shorebirds. Ongoing
rehabilitation of the area by volunteer groups led by NICA has contributed to an improvement in the overall
diversity and density of riparian vegetation on the prominent sand island and adjacent islets, though some
foreshore areas, particularly around the lower North Shore, have deteriorated.

Minor human-scale development to have taken place since 2005 has been primarily intended to stabilise
and replenish foreshore areas including the installation of geotextile sand container groynes and a
submerged training wall in the Noosa Woods area in 2012, similar geotextile sand container groynes and
replenishment works at Munna Point beach in 2015 and refurbishment of the river mouth carpark in 2018.

These works have understandably increased the available foreshore areas for visitors and pets, hence
leading to more frequent disturbance of shorebirds nearby despite seasonal restrictions imposed by Noosa
Shire Council in 2007 12. Noosa Council is current considering the recommendations of the final Shoreline
Erosion Management Plan (“SEMP”) report, delivered in December 2019. Proposed works may impact
upon estuarine areas including and adjacent to the Noosa Woods dog beach.




10
     2004 aerial photo credit: Jim Upton (Sunshine Coast Daily, January 2019)
12
     The Noosa North Shore “Exclusion Zone” per Noosa Council Subordinate Local Law #4.

Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019                                                           Page 7