6. Noosa River DMP Ver0 (Combined)

5 Impact Assessment
This project will result in the direct removal of soft sediment habitat and biota from within the
extraction footprint.

Water depth will also increase throughout the extraction footprint. As a result, the seafloor within
the extraction footprint is expected to receive slightly lower light levels than present due to light
attenuation with increasing depth.

Sand will be reinstated in the replenishment areas to reduce the current levels of erosion and
create a beach which will be able to be used for recreational purposes. The sand replenishment
has the potential to impact on the tree protection zones of some mangroves on the foreshore.

The following section details the impacts that are likely as a result of extraction and
replenishment. Table 5.1 summarises the key processes for each project component that has
the potential to affect ecological values of the marine environment.
                                 Table 5.1 Impacting Processes and Impacts Summary
  Impacting Process                  Impact                                Impact Duration
  Extraction and                     Change      in    benthic  habitat    Extraction area:
  Replenishment                      conditions (e.g. sediment and light   Medium-term impacts associated with
                                     penetration)                          increased water depth (and therefore,
                                                                           decreased light penetration).


                                                                           Replenishment areas:
                                                                           Medium-term impacts         associated    with
                                                                           additional substrate.

                                     Localised loss of benthic fauna       Short-term impacts – recolonization          of
                                                                           seafloor is expected to occur.

                                     Increased turbidity                   Short-term impacts – suspended solids in the
                                                                           water column are expected to reduce to
                                                                           ambient levels soon after cessation of
                                                                           extraction/replenishment.

                                     Acoustic effects to marine fauna      Short-term           impacts              while
                                                                           extraction/replenishment is in operation.

  Increased potential for            Toxicity effects to marine biota      Short-term impacts while extraction and
  spills to enter marine                                                   replenishment are in operation.
  environment                                                              Operating procedures are to have safeguards
                                                                           in place for dealing with spills.




5.1 Legislative Requirements
Under the Planning Regulation 2017, works involving the removal, destruction or damage of
marine plants must be undertaken in accordance with the relevant accepted development
requirements or under a development approval (assessable development). Sand extraction and
beach nourishment are assessable development and must be carried out with relevant authority
from Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The Planning Act 2016
makes it an offence to carry out assessable development without a development permit.



Noosa River                                                                                                       Page 9
Marine Plant Impact Assessment
Project Number: BC-20067