Amended Noosa Project Restoration Plan V12_5

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 interest of restoring oyster beds and reefs to the Noosa River
system.

Declared FHA (A areas) – Noosa River

Works propose to restore ecological values and enhance fisheries resources at the site by the
restoration of oyster ecosystem to the site, which provide habitat and food resources, breeding sites
and nursery areas for marine fish.

The works at the Tewantin restoration site will not impact on mangroves or seagrass. According to
project consultants, ESP, macroalgae growing on rocks, dominated by Padina sp. is sparse (less than
15% of the surface area), with a footprint of less than 479m2. The macroalgal assemblages are in
relatively poor condition due to high sediment loads observed on and around the existing rocky reef
and rubble areas, with some sections of reef having a high coverage of fine sediment.

ESP also confirmed that given the speed at which Padina can colonise hard surfaces (dead oyster shell)
elsewhere in the estuary, it is anticipated that supplementary habitat provided as part of the proposed
restoration project would be colonised rapidly within 1 year of deployment, and that coverage would
be similar to the current condition within 2 to 3 years post deployment, particularly in sections that
particularly in sections that remain subtidal and not covered by fine silt.




                                                                                                     28