3. Noosa Project Restoration Plan V12

nitrogen and phosphorus, into biogenic oyster growth as well as binding these into the surrounding
sediments[1].

Water quality will be monitored at the restoration sites using standard parameters (pH, temperature,
dissolved oxygen, salinity, total dissolved solid) and significant changes reported.

The works will maintain recreational access to shorelines or the waters in which the oyster ecosystems
grow. All shorelines with recreational access have been excluded from the selection process. Visual
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 and B areas)

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

The works at the Goat Island restoration site will not impact on marine plants.

Protected Area (estates)

The Goat Island Conservation Park is a protected area that is estuarine in nature and protects
mangroves, related tree communities and tidal flats of Goat Island. The park sits adjacent and landward
of the proposed Goat Island restoration footprint. The values of the park are protected from the
restoration works as all mangrove and tree communities within the park are outside of the restoration
footprints. Aerial mangroves roots, fallen timber and other marine plants encountered on the tidal flats
are further protected by a 2m separation area between them and the oyster reef patches as per this
Restoration Plan (Section 2.3, Table 2.2., line 1).

The proposed works are designed to minimise the potential for erosion of the park shoreline. On the
contrary, it is expected that the works may enhance protection of the park shoreline by attenuating
some wave action due to the high rugosity and positioning of the oyster reef patches, which will
attenuate wave energy before it reaches the shoreline at all but the highest points of the tidal cycle
(see Section 7.4. Erosion control).




[1]
  Kellogg, M. & Cornwell, Jeffrey & Owens, Michael & Paynter, Kennedy. (2013). Denitrification and nutrient
assimilation on a restored oyster reef. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 480. 1-19. 10.3354/meps10331.
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