3. Noosa Project Restoration Plan V12

2.3 Restoration suitability

TNC overlayed the Habitat Suitability Model with ecological considerations, logistical constraints, and
details of the built infrastructure and human uses of the Noosa River. These parameters were then
allocated exclusion criteria, to minimise potential interactions of the river users with restoration sites
(e.g. distances from tidal works, foreshore access points, moorings, submarine cables) (Table 2.2). The
results of this analysis are presented, geospatially, in the restoration suitability model (Figure 2.2). The
exclusion criteria where determined in consideration of regulated distances applied to vessels (e.g.
distances from moorings) and on practical consideration of river uses (e.g. access to foreshores from
the river, distances from navigation channels). This assessment was undertaken in consultation with
Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and NSC and reviewed by the Noosa TAG.

Table 2.2: Restoration suitability parameters and exclusion criteria for rock oyster ecosystems in the
Noosa River estuary

 PARAMETER           ENVELOPE     CRITERIA (more       RATIONALE                                            SOURCE
                                  suitable = 4, less
                                  = 0)
 Marine plants       10m –        Areas within 10-     Connectivity to other structured habitats such as    (Duncan et
 proximity           500m         500m buffer =4;      seagrass, mangroves, increases diversity. 10m        al. 2019)
 (including                       all other areas      minimum distance used to mitigate damage to          Confirmed
 seagrasses)                      =2                   marine plants and 2m from mangroves, aerial          with
                                                       mangrove roots and fallen timber, but ensuring       engineers
                                                       connectivity.
 Rocky reef          2m – 500m    Areas within 5-      Connectivity to other structured habitats
 proximity                        500m buffer =4;      increases diversity. 2 metre minimum distance
                                  all other areas      included to mitigate damage to rock substrates
                                  =2                   while maintaining connectivity. Direct
                                                       augmentation of degraded rocky reef by permit
                                                       only.
 Extant oyster       2m – 250m    Within 2m –          Connectivity to other structured habitats            (Boor et al.
 ecosystems                       250m = 4; all        increases biodiversity. Connection to other oyster   2018, Guy
 proximity                        other areas = 2      reefs increases meta-population connectivity,        et al. 2018,
                                                       successful reproduction and oyster recruitment. 2    Duncan et
                                                       metre minimum distance included to mitigate          al. 2019)
                                                       damage to extant oyster ecosystems but ensuring
                                                       connectivity.
 Historical oyster   Within 250   Within 250m =        Sites which have historically supported oyster       (Gillies
 ecosystem           m            4; all other areas   ecosystems are thought to be able to support         2018)
 proximity                        =2                   future oyster ecosystems. Restoration takes place
                                                       on the sites of historic oyster ecosystems, which
                                                       may now be lost, where known and practical.
 Mobile seabed       Exclusion    Within exclusion     Highly mobile seabeds generally offer unsuitable     Agreed
                     area         area = 0, all        substrates for shellfish restoration.                with TNC
                                  other areas = 4                                                           restoration
                                                                                                            scientists
 Mangroves           +2m          Within exclusion     Minimum distance of 2m maintained between            (Boor et al.
 (including          minimum      area = 0, all        intertidal marine plants and oyster ecosystems to    2018, Guy
 pneumatophores),    distance     other areas = 4      protect plants, as well as fallen trees (which are   et al. 2018,
 fallen trees and                                      also important habitats) from works associated       Duncan et
 timber in                                             with the oyster ecosystem. Relatively close          al. 2019).
 waterways.                                            proximity maintained to maximise ecological          Discussed
                                                       connectivity.                                        with
                                                                                                            engineers




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