2022-12-12 General Committee Meeting Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                             12 DECEMBER 2022


5    NOOSA REEF HEALTH MONITORING PROGRAM

Author           Principal Environment Officer, River Strategy and Engagement - Amy
                 Kimber
                 Environment and Sustainable Development Department

Index            ECM/ 63.07/Noosa River Plan

Attachments      Nil



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The procurement of all Council’s goods and services must be carried out in compliance with the
Local Government Act 2009 (‘the Act’) and the Local Government Regulation 2012 (‘the
Regulation’). The Regulation provides for the procurement of medium-sized and large-sized
contracts and allows for exceptions to these requirements under certain circumstances such as
the approval of a supplier being deemed a specialised provider.
The location of Noosa’s unique subtropical reefs offers significant recreational benefits – they are
well-utilised for fishing, and for some dive tourism, however they are also subject to the
compounding pressures of increased visitation and climate change. The health of the corals in
Noosa provides an indication of the water quality in the region and the overall health of the
catchment. Nearshore coral reefs are also important for coastal protection and species
conservation. As such, long-term monitoring of these habitats is critical.
Reef Check Australia’s primary objective is to protect Australian reefs and oceans by engaging the
community in hands on research and education and is a specialised organisation in undertaking
reef health surveys while engaging citizen scientists.
This proposal is in line with Noosa Council’s Corporate Plan 2017-2037, which includes a 20-year
goal of our environment being protected, enhanced, and valued by the community. It aligns with
the Corporate Plan’s values of community, sustainability, and innovation. It also aligns with:
•    Theme 1, Key Focus Area 7: 'Plan our response to Climate Change’
     o     20-year goal: ‘Noosa Shire is better prepared for Climate Change’
•    Theme 2, 20-year goal: ‘Council and the Noosa community are resilient in the face of
     emergencies and disaster events’
•    Theme 3, 20-year goal: ‘Our economy is diverse and resilient’
•    Theme 4, 20-year goal: ‘Noosa Shire is well-managed and sustainable’

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Principal Environment Officer – River Strategy and Engagement
to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 December 2022 and approve the addition of Reef
Check Australia to Council’s Specialised Supplier List.


REPORT
Reef Check Australia (RCA) has been actively engaging the community in reef citizen science,
education and conservation activities in South East Queensland (SEQ) since 2007. More than 20
locations have been monitored annually across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay/Quandamooka
and the Gold Coast.


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