3. Noosa Project Restoration Plan V12

1.7 Past actions

In recent years, TNC, NSC, TTF and a range of local stakeholders have worked together to build a deeper
understanding of the environmental significance and long-term sustainable management options for
the Noosa River. The key actions that lead to the formation of the Noosa Oyster Ecosystem Restoration
Project are summarised below.

Noosa River Expert Workshop, Powerhouse Museum, 2014

A two-day workshop, hosted by TNC on behalf of TTF and Noosa Parks Association (NPA), comprising
12 academic and NGO estuary scientists. The workshop identified 14 conservation activities that could
lead to a healthier Noosa River, with oyster reef restoration listed as a priority action in addition to
prawn restocking and sediment management in Kin Kin in the upper Noosa River catchment. These
activities (including further scoping studies) were later jointly funded by NSC, Noosa Parks Association,
The Thomas Foundation and the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation.

TNC Oyster Restoration Scoping Study, 2015

TNC and Ecological Service Professionals Pty on behalf of NSC and others undertook a short, five-month
ecological assessment to quantify oyster densities across 11 intertidal and subtidal sites within the
estuary. The study confirmed high densities of oyster recruitment particularly around Weyba Creek, the
main channel around Tewantin, and in the narrow channel between Goat Island and Noosa North
Shore. The project recommended installing a number of pilot reefs for further assessment.

University of Queensland Historical Ecology of the Noosa Estuary fisheries, 2015

Ruth Thurston from the University of Queensland undertook a historical ecology study on behalf of TNC
and NSC in the Noosa River estuary to develop an understanding of historical fisheries productivity,
including oysters. The study confirmed oyster reefs used to exist in the estuary and were commercial
harvested in the early 1900s. Fish populations were also significantly larger in the past than they are
today.

University of Sunshine Coast, Bring Back the Fish, 2018-2020

A three-year study which installed a series of experimental ‘oyster habitat restoration units’ consisting
of coir bags filled with oyster shell at 14 sites across the estuary. The project studied the structural
integrity of the units, oyster recruitment, fish and invertebrate community assemblages and human
interactions with the trail reefs.

NSC-TNC Partnership Agreement 2019

NSC and TNC, in addition to other organizations with an interest in the River’s sustainability (including
Noosa Parks Association, The Thomas Foundation and Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation), through
a series of dialogue and presentations to Noosa Shire Council, have recognized that the strategic
priorities of both organisations, and of others, would be more effectively served through a formal
partnership, rather than on an individual project basis. This led to the development of this Project, and
associated formal agreement between NSC and TNC, and is the main delivery mechanism of the TNC-
NSC Partnership.




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