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2019-01-14 General Committee Agenda - Attachment 1 to Item 2 - Noosa River Partnership Proposal
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Attachment 1 to Item 2
General Committee Meeting Agenda
The Nature Conservancy 14 January 2019
PROPOSAL
Noosa Council and The Nature Conservancy
Noosa River Partnership
&
Bring Back the Fish
Oyster Reef Restoration (Phase II and III)
2019 - 2021
The Nature Conservancy
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Section 2
The Nature Conservancy
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................... 3
2.0. NOOSA RIVER PARTNERSHIP (initial scope) ......................................................................................... 5
3.0. OYSTER RESTORATION PROJECT SCOPE .......................................................................................... 8
4.0. PROJECT STAGES AND DELIVERABLES ............................................................................................11
5.0. RESTORATION APPROACH ..................................................................................................................13
6.0. FUNDING STRATEGY ............................................................................................................................17
7.0. LOCAL CONTENT AND PROCUREMENT .............................................................................................17
8.0. TRADITIONAL OWNER ENGAGMENT ..................................................................................................18
10.0 PROJECT LEAD, PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDER ROLES ...............................................................18
11.0 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ..................................................................................................................19
Noosa River Partnership Page | 2
Section 3
The Nature Conservancy
1.0. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Noosa River Partnership
This project proposes to establish an innovative and regionally significant Noosa River
Partnership, between the Noosa Council and the global conservation organization The
Nature Conservancy, which seeks to improve the health and resilience of the Noosa River
and the industries and local communities that rely on its long-term wellbeing.
The focus of the Public-Private Partnership is to:
• Capitalize on the expertise of The Nature Conservancy’s global networks and
experience (through knowledge brokering, mentoring, study tours and access to
subject matter experts) to improve River management and strengthen the long-term
social, environmental and economic health and resilience of the River;
• Demonstrate a leading example of a replicable, environmentally focused, Public-
Private Partnership that achieves superior outcomes for the environment and local
communities compared to existing river management models; and,
• Increase government (State and Federal), private, industry and community support
for restoration and conservation-focused activities that improve the long-term social,
economic and environmental health and resilience of the River.
The Partnership will initially prioritize the restoration of oyster reefs in the lower estuary (as
described below) as the first activity, with other potential activities including:
• General strategic support/advice for planning, management and evaluation
associated with the new Noosa River Plan and other initiatives and projects
associated with the river system;
• Coordination of research required to inform the delivery of the implementation of the
Noosa River Plan; and
• Critical evaluation and potential reform of current and future management activities
(e.g. commercial and recreational fishing, recreation, tourism, wetland restoration,
sediment and nutrient inflows, community engagement).
The partnership will commence from July 2019 and will run for at least three years with the
outcomes of the first three years of the partnership to be reviewed in July 2022. The total
operating budget is $2.4M, inclusive of $1.2M from The Nature Conservancy and $1.2M
from Noosa Council with the expectation that further funding will be raised from a variety of
other sources to support on ground management activities. $1.36M of the available $2.4M
will be quarantined to support the next phase of oyster reef restoration as described in
Section 3 in this proposal.
The terms of reference for the partnership will be finalized between January - June 2019,
culminating in a Memorandum of Understanding and grant agreement between The Nature
Conservancy and Noosa Council executed by July 2019.
Oyster reef restoration
Oyster reefs were once common throughout the lower sections of the Noosa River estuary,
particularly around Tewantin but have been lost over the last century, primarily as a result
of historical overfishing and physical and ecological changes to the estuary. The project will
help deliver community aspirations identified in the Noosa River Plan (Noosa Council, 2019)
particularly objectives relating to upholding and improving the ecological resilience and fish
life within the lower estuary by restoring oyster reefs created by the native rock oyster,
Saccostrea glomera.
Noosa River Partnership Page | 3
Section 4
The Nature Conservancy The restoration project will be delivered through a public-private partnership led by The Nature Conservancy and Noosa Council, and include Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi), Noosa Parks Association and Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation. Key stakeholders include: Queensland Government, Healthy Land and Water, The Thomas Foundation, local universities, fishing and aquaculture industries, restaurants and community groups. including State Government and private businesses, individuals, trusts and foundations. The Project will commence in July 2019 and operate until at least 2021 when the need for further restoration will be assessed. Oyster reef restoration methodology will follow standards aligned with best practice oyster restoration and the Society for Ecological Restoration global guidelines. Deliverables associated with the project include: 1. Planning and governance, 2. Reef restoration, 3. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting and 4. Community engagement and volunteering. The project will follow a staged approach to restoration: Phase I – feasibility which has been completed by University of Sunshine Coast, Phase II- optimal design (2019-2020) which seeks to determine the optimal design, locations and most cost effective method of reef restoration and Phase III- full restoration (2020-2021) which seeks to construct reefs at all feasible locations identified during Phase I and II. This phased, timebound approach will reduce ecological and financial risks through the application of an adaptive management framework. Project outcomes include: The restoration of a threatened ecosystem (shellfish reefs) and associated increases in local marine biodiversity and recreationally important fish species and increased community engagement, volunteering and environmental stewardship within the Noosa community. Noosa River Partnership Page | 4
Section 5
The Nature Conservancy
2.0. NOOSA RIVER PARTNERSHIP (initial scope)
2.1. Recognition of prior collaboration and rationale for Noosa River partnership
Over the last four years, Noosa Council and The Nature Conservancy have worked
together to build a deeper understanding of the environmental significance and long-term
sustainable management options for the Noosa River. This has included:
1. Noosa River Expert Workshop, Powerhouse Museum, 2014
A two day workshop, hosted by The Nature Conservancy on behalf of The Thomas
Foundation and Noosa Parks Association, comprising 12 academic and NGO estuary
scientists. The workshop identified 14 conservation activites that could lead to a healthier
Noosa River, with oyster reef restoration listed as a priority action in addition to prawn
restocking and Kin Kin sediment management. These activites (including further scoping
studies) were later jointly funded by Noosa Council.
2. TNC Oyster Restoration Scoping Study, 2015
The Nature Conservancy and Ecological Service Professionals Pty on behalf of Noosa
Council 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.
3. 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 The Nature Conservancy and Noosa Council 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.
4. University of Sunshine Coast, Bring Back the Fish, 2017-2019
A three year study which has installed a series of reef units consisting of coir bags filled
with oyster shell (pilot reefs) at 15 sites across the estuary. The project will assess the
structural integrity, oyster recruitment, fish and invertebrate community assemblages and
human interactions with the reefs. This project will collect important ecological information
that will support the final design and implementation of reef restoration in Phases II and III
of this Project (see 6.1. below for more information on project phases). The initial concept
was developed by The Nature Conservancy and University of Sunshine Coast and is
partially funded by Noosa Council.
5. Review of Bring Back the Fish Project, 2018
In February 2018, The Nature Conservancy and several independent academics provided
a review of the Bring Back the Fish project (including a review of the Prawn Study, Oyster
Restoration and Keep it in Kin Kin) and provided a number of strategic recommendations
to Noosa Council, Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation and Noosa Parks Association
associated with their continuation.
Noosa River Partnership Page | 5
Section 6
The Nature Conservancy
6. Noosa River Plan, 2019
The completion of the Noosa River Plan by Noosa Council in early 2019 will identify
current and future threats and management interventions to abate identified threats within
the Noosa River estuary. The Plan will identify the strategic alignment of oyster reef
restoration to the long-term health and resilience of the Noosa River estuary. TNC
provided comments on the initial draft of the plan.
Noosa Council and The Nature Conservancy 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 Council Executive Committee, have recognized the strategic priorities of
both organizations and of others would be more effectively served through a formal public-
private partnership, rather than on an individual project basis. This agreement has led to
the development of this proposal and rationale for establishing the partnership.
2.2. Partnership scope
The Partnership will initially prioritize the restoration of oyster reefs in the lower estuary (as
described in the section below) and will also include support for other potential activities
including:
• Strategic support for planning, management and evaluation associated with the new
Noosa River Plan;
• Coordination of research required to inform the delivery of the Noosa River Plan and
other initiatives and projects associated with the Noosa River systems; and
• Critical evaluation and potential reform of current and future management activities
(e.g. commercial and recreational fishing, recreation, tourism, wetland restoration,
sediment and nutrient inflows, community engagement).
Engagement could occur through:
• Access to TNC subject matter experts (particularly in conservation planning,
fisheries, aquaculture, restoration, community engagement) to provide guidance
and advice to Council environment and river management staff
• Assistance with strategic planning, co-creation of management plans and
activities and evidence-based decision analysis, particularly through the
development of reports, workshops and mentoring
• Site visits and study tours to TNC projects and TNC expertise visiting
The specific terms of reference for the partnership (including deliverables and outcomes)
will be developed between Noosa Council and The Nature Conservancy between January
- June 2019. The terms of reference will form the basis for of a Memorandum of
Understanding and/or Grant Agreement between the two organizations.
To finalize the scope of the partnership, it is proposed to match the needs of Noosa
Council and the management objectives of the Noosa River Plan to The Nature
Conservancy’s global marine and coastal expertise, which includes:
• Marine ecosystem restoration
• Community conservation planning and engagement
• Marine protected area and marine spatial planning design and management
• Fisheries management
Noosa River Partnership Page | 6
Section 7
The Nature Conservancy
• Aquaculture
• Coastal resilience planning and adaptation
• Nature based adaptation and natural solutions to coastal risks
This needs and expertise analysis will occur through a joint workshop scheduled within the
first quarter of 2019.
2.3. Draft budget
Indicative resources required to deliver the Noosa River Partnership including support for
oyster reef restoration (detailed in next section) are outlined in the table below.
Resource include support for:
• TNC conservation staff to provide support and capacity building to Noosa Council
Environment and River Management staff
• Travel costs and management associated with site visits and knowledge exchanges
• Management of the oyster reef restoration project for Phase II and Phase II, including
planning, permitting and management of associated sub-contractors with
researchers and maritime companies
• Construction costs associated with of Phase II oyster reef restoration
• Communication and media
• Community engagement including workshops and public presentations
A final budget will be provided with the partnership terms of reference.
DRAFT PROJECT COSTS Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Total
Activity #1 - Strategic planning, project planning, governance and
support 132,904 136,069 139,329 408,303
Activity #2 – Site visits, exchanges, workshops 52,246 52,799 53,368 158,412
Activity #3 - Oyster restoration 404,438 646,999 310,860 1,362,297
Activity #4 – Communication, community engagement and media 62,472 57,920 58,877 179,269
Activity #5 - Project and contract management 106,413 92,136 94,366 292,916
Subtotal 758,473 985,924 656,800 240,1197
Noosa Council contribution 379,237 492,962 328,400 1,200,599
Total Expense (GST exclusive) 758,473 985,924 656,800 2,401,197
Noosa River Partnership Page | 7
Section 8
The Nature Conservancy
3.0. OYSTER RESTORATION PROJECT SCOPE
3.1. Historical significance
The underwater environment of the Noosa River lower estuary was once dominated with
extensive reef ecosystems created primarily by the Australian rock oyster (Saccostrea
glomerata). These reefs provided food and habitat for many other species including
desirable fish species such as whiting, bream and snapper whilst also filtering and
removing nutrients from the water column (a single oyster can filter up to 100 L of water a
day). The reefs were largely lost in the late 1800s to early 1900s primarily as a result of
dredging (which broke up the reef complex) and overharvesting (which removed oyster
biomass) by commercial wild oyster fishers. At the peak of the wild oyster harvest industry
(1906-1907) it is estimated that 2-3 million oysters were harvest in the lower estuary each
year1.
The loss of oyster biomass likely resulted in the ecosystem collapsing, with reefs now
replaced primarily by soft (sandy and muddy) sediments. Changes to the estuary’s
physical-chemical condition, canal development and shoreline armoring have also likely
contributed to the decline of the ecosystem or inhibited its natural recovery. Today, no
oyster reefs exist in the Noosa River estuary despite the presence of individual and small
populations of rock oysters. The closest known intact reef ecosystems occur near North
Stradbroke Island in Morton Bay. Notably, a recent study has identified that the Australian
rock oyster ecosystem is the most threatened marine ecosystem in Australia, with up to
94% of the ecosystem lost throughout Australia since European settlement2.
3.1. Project Purpose
The purpose of this project is to improve the ecological productivity and resilience of the
Noosa River lower estuary, and the industries and local community that rely on its long-
term health, by restoring oyster reef ecosystems and thereby increasing biodiversity,
fish habitat, natural water filtration and amenity value.
The project will support the implementation of the Noosa River Plan3 particularly
objectives relating to upholding and improving the ecological resilience and fish life
within the lower estuary.
The ecological purpose, or ecosystem goal, is to re-establish a reef ecosystem
developed by the indigenous rock oyster (Saccostrea glomerata) in the lower estuary.
Higher levels of biodiversity and biomass, including desirable recreational and
commercial fish species, are associated with oyster reef ecosystems (in some instances
up to 500% greater than adjacent soft sediments). The restoration goal is to meet
ecological community and biomass targets defined during the planning stages of the
project and adapted from nearby reference sites.
1
Thurston R. 2015. Historical ecology of the Noosa Estuary fisheries. Report to: Noosa Council, The Nature
Conservancy and The Thomas Foundation (available on request from TNC).
2
Gillies et al. 2018. Australian Shellfish Ecosystems: past distribution, current status and future management. PLoS
ONE 13(2):e0190914. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0190914
3
Noosa River Plan, Noosa Council, 2019. Http://noosa.qld.gov.au
Noosa River Partnership Page | 8
Section 9
The Nature Conservancy
3.2. Funding Sources
This project is funded through a public-private partnership including:
$1.2M from the Nature Conservancy
$1.2M from Noosa Council
$1.2M from various other sources yet to be secured (likely State Government,
corporate businesses and private individuals, trusts and foundations).
The Nature Conservancy and project partners will endeavor to secure the $1.2M during the
first 18 months of the project, with resource acquisition to be led by The Nature
Conservancy’s Business Development Team (see 7.0 below). The unsecured $1.2M
component of the project will be used to support Phase III construction (see Project
Construction Phases below).
3.3. Project Description and workflow
This project seeks to restore an oyster reef system comprised of several individual but
connected reef patches (collective known as a reef ecosystem) throughout the lower
sections of the Noosa River estuary. The project builds on the ecological studies and trials
led by University of Sunshine Coast (2016-2018) identified as the feasibility component of
this project (i.e. Phase I, see 6.1. below).
The project workflow encompasses four work streams:
1. Planning, governance and communication
The first 12 months of the project will deliver activites required to effect successful
ecosystem restoration and community engagement. These include: Development of a
project implementation plan, project risk assessment, communications framework,
habitat suitably modelling, community volunteering projects, reef design and
construction briefs, permits, project governance and monitoring and evaluation reporting
framework.
2. Reef restoration and long-term management
This phase of the project focuses on the procurement of materials and in water
construction of oyster reefs. Activites associated with this phase will be outlined in the
project implementation plan and include: preparation of tender documents and legal
contracts for procurement of materials and reef construction by third parties, final
preparation of reef design, locations and site management, execution of permit
requirements and reef construction. The long-term management and tenure of
restoration sites including the harvest of oysters and associated marine life is an
important component of the project which should be negotiated amongst stakeholders
prior to reef construction. This component is best led by the responsible governing
agency and guided by TNC and stakeholders.
3. Community engagement and volunteering
Noosa River Partnership Page | 9
Section 10
The Nature Conservancy
The project will establish a number of community engagement and volunteering
opportunities, to be determined collaboratively by project stakeholders during the
detailed planning phase of the project. These could include:
• Oyster shell recycling with local restaurants, oyster growers and seafood
suppliers
• Oyster gardening
• Fish surveys
• Reef construction
• Reef monitoring including oyster settlement surveys
The concurrent delivery of community volunteering and engagement activities is an
important component of reef restoration, helping to foster a high level of support and long
term stewardship amongst the local community and estuary-dependent businesses.
Volunteering also helps to reduce costs associated with reef construction and monitoring
and strengthens community support for the Project and other related estuary management
activites. Community volunteering and engagement activites will include regular public
information nights, seminars and consultation.
4. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting
During the planning phase of the project a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation and
Reporting framework will be developed to support the project. This includes:
Clear articulation of the project’s goals, targets, objectives, monitoring and reporting
methodology. Stakeholder roles and responsibilities will be defined separately in the
Project Implementation Plan.
Project targets are defined under five ecological and social categories, each with a
number of associated measures:
• Shellfish- assessment of density, growth and survival of the ecosystem engineer,
S. glomerata
• Biodiversity - assessment of increase in marine life and biomass
• Fish- assessment of increase in desired fish species and biomass
• Reef Integrity- assessment of structural features of the reef including height,
shape and stability
• Social-economic- assessment of social outcomes including volunteering, job
creation, community support.
The project’s annual progress will be reported in digestible, community friendly
project report cards. A more detailed technical monitoring report and annual project
report will also be developed.
Noosa River Partnership Page | 10
Section 11
The Nature Conservancy
4.0. PROJECT STAGES AND DELIVERABLES
Deliverable Lead Details Indicative
Origination Timeline
1. Planning, governance and communication
Project staffing TNC Hiring of project manager and 2 months
identification of project staff responsible
for project delivery.
Project Advisory Group TNC Informal advisory group chaired by TNC 6 months
established consisting of and containing representatives from
key stakeholders funding partners, responsible agencies
and technical advisors. Group to meet
quarterly or as determined in the TOR.
Communication strategy TNC Outlines key media opportunities, 3 months
notification protocols, key messages and
responsible persons.
Project Implementation TNC Contains detailed information relating to 9 months
Plan delivery of the project.
Project Risk Assessment TNC Contains information on environmental, 9 months
social and economic project threats, risk
ratings and mitigating actions
Habitat suitability model and TNC Identifies the optimal locations for 6 months
analysis restoration based on pilot studies
undertaken during feasibility in addition
to new analysis. From these analyses,
restorable bottom area targets for each
restorable site are defined.
Identification of suitable TNC Identifies the project(s) most suitable for 9 months
community community engagement and
engagement/volunteering volunteering (e.g. shell recycling, fish
activites monitoring, reef building, oyster
gardening)
2. Reef restoration and long-term management
Long-term reef Noosa Outlines the long-term management plan 12 months
management plan Council and agency responsibilities, including
public access, anchoring, oyster
resource extraction, signage,
compliance, liability and risk
management. Requires consultation/
negotiation with Queensland
Government.
Construction permits TNC Submission and procurement of 18 months
construction and scientific permits
Noosa River Partnership Page | 11
Section 12
The Nature Conservancy
Reef design and TNC Final construction designs and briefs and 24 months
engineering engineering recommendations. Includes
site management plan for construction.
Procurement management TNC Procurement tenders, legal contracts Ongoing
and bid management associated with
procurement of reef materials and reef
construction.
Reef construction Contractors Construction of reef base from materials 24 months
such as recycled shells, limestone or
indigenous rock. May also include
addition of oyster spat from hatchery if
necessary.
5.0. Community engagement and volunteering
Community volunteering Partner May comprise of one or more of the Ongoing
project(s) (TBD) (supported following: shell recycling, oyster (established
by TNC) gardening, OysterWatch, fish monitoring, by 12
oyster reef construction and monitoring. months)
Final project(s) to be determined during
initial stakeholder meetings during
planning stage.
Community information TNC Includes public presentations and regular Ongoing,
sessions information sessions regular
Volunteer management Partners and Includes risk assessments, public liability 12 months
TNC and management protocols for
volunteers
4. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting
Monitoring, evaluation and TNC Provides the framework and rational for 9 months
reporting plan monitoring, evaluation and reporting
Six monthly report cards TNC Provides a 2 page progress summary in 6 monthly
report card format from year 2
Annual Project Report TNC Provides a details report on the status of Annual
all project objectives and deliverables
Annual Technical TNC Provides a detailed report on the Annual
Monitoring Report monitoring and analysis of project
measures of success
Annual project review TNC In person annual review meeting for Annual
project funders and Project Advisory
Group members and including external
independent reviewers
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Section 13
The Nature Conservancy
5.0. RESTORATION APPROACH
The Nature Conservancy follows the international Society for Ecological Restoration’s
principles and key concepts for ecological restoration4. In brief, this includes:
1. The use of a reference ecosystem or model ecosystem which is uses to set
ecological targets for the project, taking environmental change into account
2. Identifying the target ecosystem’s key attributes prior to developing goals and
objectives
3. Focusing on creating the ecological ‘enabling conditions’ that lets nature restore
itself
4. Seeking ‘highest and best effort’ progression towards full recovery
5. Drawing on all available relevant knowledge sources to inform decisions
6. Early, genuine and active engagement with all stakeholders
In addition to the above principles, The Nature Conservancy also applies current best
practice approaches for shellfish reef restoration as outlined in: A Practitioners Guide to
Shellfish Restoration Design and Monitoring5. Importantly, our process includes principles
of adaptive management, whereby lessons learnt from prior research studies, pilot projects
and other restoration projects in Australia and the US are incorporated into the design and
monitoring of current and future restoration.
6.1. Project Construction Phases
The restoration or construction element of the project is split into three phases that
allow for a review of progress, targets and lessons learnt and incorporation of these
into subsequent construction periods (i.e. adaptive management principles). These
phases align with the concepts of a feasibility or pilot phase (Phase I), replicable reef
unit development (Phase II) and full restoration (Phase III).
Phase I (2016-2018)
Phase I of the project was largely undertaken by University of Sunshine Coast with
support and co-funding from Noosa Council, Noosa Parks Association, The Thomas
Foundation and Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation. The key objectives and
lessons learnt from Phase I include:
• An understanding of oyster recruitment potential, growth and survival at 16
different locations in the lower estuary. This information will be used in Phase
II to assist with identification of priority sites and methods for restoration
• An understanding of state government permitting and regulatory
requirements required to undertake reef restoration
• To a lesser degree, an understanding of material use, reef stability and
design of reefs
• To a lesser degree, an understanding of community assemblages likely to be
associated with restored shellfish ecosystems
4
McDonald T, Gann GD, Jonson J, and Dixon KW (2016) International standards for the practice of ecological
restoration – including principles and key concepts. Society for Ecological Restoration, Washington, D.C.
5
Brumbaugh, R. D., Beck, M. W., Coen, L. D., Craig, L., & Hicks, P. (2006). A practitioners guide to the design & monitoring of shellfish
restoration projects: an ecosystem services approach. P. Hicks. 2006. A Practitioners' Guide to the Design and Monitoring of Shellfish
Restoration Projects: An Ecosystem Services Approach. The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA.
Noosa River Partnership Page | 13
Section 14
The Nature Conservancy
The project was also successful in raising awareness amongst the local community of the
need to restore oyster reefs.
Phase II (2019-2020)
Phase II of this project seeks to identify the most appropriate design for a replicable
‘reef unit’ that will be deployed during Phase III at multiple sites across the estuary.
Specifically, the goal of Phase II is to confirm the most cost-effective and
appropriate construction materials, reef design and deployment methods. Once
confirmed, the most appropriate reef ‘unit’ will then be replicate at multiple locations
across the estuary during Phase III. Phase II will occur at only one or two locations
within the estuary and would seek to test and determine the cost-effectiveness and
appropriate use of:
1. Different ratios of recycled shells vs limestone or other rock materials (cost of
deployment vs reef stability vs suitability for oysters and marine life)
2. Seeding vs not seeding the reef base with oysters (oyster density)
3. Using bagged vs non-bagged materials (structural integrity)
4. Different methods of reef construction (e.g. commercial barges, community
support)
5. Reef design (e.g. optimal length, width and height of reef base)
The outcome of Phase II will determine the most cost effective, replicable reef unit that can
be easily deployed at multiple sites across the estuary during Phase III.
Phase III (2020-2021)
Phase III will take the most optimal design from Phase II and replicate this at other
suitable locations across the estuary (identified through the habitat suitability modelling).
This phase is analogous to a ‘roll out’ or ‘full restoration’, where the majority of works are
carried out as a maritime construction project.
Costs required to construct Phase III are not included in the draft budget (Section 2.3) but
are anticipated to cost approximately $1.2M.
Noosa River Partnership Page | 14
Section 15
The Nature Conservancy
2016 - 2018 2020 - 2021
PHASE I (USC) PHASE III (TNC)
Feasibility Full restoration
2019 - 2020 2021 - beyond
PHASE II (TNC) PHASE IV
Habitat suitability Investigation of
Site selection other restorative
Optimal reef design actions
and construction
Figure 1. TNC’s phased approach to determining optimal sites and methods for restoration.
6.2. Critical Assumptions
Our critical Theory of Change assumptions are:
1) That the community will advocate for and support oyster reef restoration if the
environmental, social and economic benefits and outcomes of the project are
clearly articulated and they are included in key decision points;
2) That private and philanthropic investors will invest in PHASE II and PHASE III if a
clear business and/or philanthropic (ecological, social, economic) return on
investment proposition is presented;
3) That partners and stakeholders will continue to support and invest in similar natural
infrastructure projects as a result of capacity building and improved confidence after
the completion of this project.
4) That oyster reefs will persist and thrive if a sufficient population of native rock
oysters is established through ecological restoration and their main threats
managed sufficient to sustain oyster populations.
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Section 16
The Nature Conservancy
6.3. Assessment of Options
A mix of qualitative and quantitative assessments of different construction options are
provided in the table below:
Option Benefit Cost Risk Response
Construct Reef Requires Unlikely to Undertake
reefs in staged construction multiple barge result in staged
approach over method can be or other plant complete reef approach to
two phases improved over equipment failure but may restoration.
time (adaptive mobilization/ result in need to Incorporate
management). demobilization deploy oysters pilot project
Possible costs. over several lessons into
improved oyster Depending on time periods. reef design.
survival/ size of barge This is still likely Work with local
enhanced required this to be cheaper coastal
biodiversity for could be up to ($20-50k) than engineers to
reefs an additional multiple barge optimize final
established in $100k per mobilization reef design for
later years deployment. costs. location to
minimize
threats.
Use recycled Lower cost Requires May result in Work with local
shell as reef compared to sufficient slumping/ coastal
base using rock as recycled shell spreading/ engineers and
reef base. material to be smothering of ecologists to
Likely results in available, reef base due optimize final
greater reef biosecurity to lightweight reef design and
extent and cost protocols and nature of materials for
effectiveness permits in materials and locations.
place. lower reef
profile.
Use only Lower cost Requires Recruitment is Assess the
natural compared to sufficient less than need for
recruitment as hatchery natural spat required to form hatchery
means of produced recruitment and oyster produced
populating oysters. Does minimal reef/sustain oysters in
oysters not require biofouling population Phase II and
translocation during time of monitor natural
permit or recruitment recruitment
broodstock over time with
harvest. view to move
away from
hatchery
produced
oysters if
natural
recruitment
sufficient
Noosa River Partnership Page | 16
Section 17
The Nature Conservancy
The final construction design and material specifications will consider the tradeoffs
amongst the reef material, barge size, barge availably and timing of deployment (listed in
the above table) to optimize the efficient use of resources against the primary objective of
creating the maximum amount of oyster reef. This can only be completed once the full-
time Project Manager is in place, who will investigate opportunities to save costs through
local partnerships, donations and in kind support.
6.0. FUNDING STRATEGY
The Nature Conservancy will endeavor to work with Noosa Council and other partners to
seek an additional $1.2M in investments through local and federal government and private
and philanthropic sources to fund the cost of Phase III construction. The Conservancy has
a track record of securing private and public funding for oyster reef restoration in Australia;
for instance in South Australia, The Nature Conservancy leveraged an initial $600,000 SA
State Government commitment into a $4.1M public-private partnership; and in Victoria, The
Nature Conservancy has leveraged the Victorian State Government’s $1M commitment into
a $2.5M public-private partnership.
The funding strategy and funding procurement will be led by The Nature Conservancy’s
Business Development Team.
7.0. LOCAL CONTENT AND PROCUREMENT
The resources required to construct and monitor the reef will primarily be sourced from
local suppliers, including:
• Project Coordinator based locally in Noosa
• All rock/shells required to build the reef base sourced from nearby quarries
• Local trucking companies will be hired to move rock/shells from the quarry to wharf
• Queensland based research institutions (e.g. USC, JCU, UQ), commercial divers
and engineering firms given priority for sub-contractor work
• Local oyster farmers in adjacent estuaries may be paid a fee if ongoing
management of juvenile oysters is required
• All small vessels used for reef integrity checks/monitoring will be hired locally
• Interstate personnel to stay locally in Noosa, contributing to local economy
• Local plant equipment hire and maritime construction companies to be given priority
over interstate companies if bids are otherwise similar
The Nature Conservancy has a set of global Standard Operating Procedures which it
must abide by for all procurement processes (provided on request). The Nature
Conservancy will also seek to source goods and services locally where possible and
align with the procurement policy of Noosa Council.
Noosa River Partnership Page | 17
Section 18
The Nature Conservancy 8.0. TRADITIONAL OWNER ENGAGMENT PHASE I of this project had limited consultation with Kabbi Kabbi, the Traditional Owners of the Noosa River land and waters. This project has intent to engage Kabbi Kabbi Traditional Owners as key stakeholders from the beginning, and ideally as project partners (as defined below). Traditional ecological knowledge will be an important source of information to support restoration suitability modelling in addition to supporting education activites associated with the cultural importance of oysters, oyster middens and the Noosa River to Traditional Owners. Depending on the extent and desire for engagement by Kabbi Kabbi, additional opportunities that support the project such as Indigenous rangers, project support officers, aquaculture and tourism ventures will be explored. 10.0 PROJECT LEAD, PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDER ROLES A brief description of the project partners, roles and governance structure is provided below. This will be finalized in the Project Plan where all parties can agreed to the project governance structure, roles and responsibilities. Project Lead The Project Lead is the principle point of contact between the project partners and has the primary responsibility and accountability for project delivery and financial spend. Specifically, the Project Lead is responsible for assembling the project team and ensuring all parties perform duties and tasks adequately, all project partners (and where appropriate project stakeholders) are consulted in major decision-making, all project partners and stakeholders are adequately kept informed of project progress, oversees a work plan with appropriate goals, timelines and budgets, makes day-to-day project decisions and develops and executes a media/communications strategy. The Project Lead is expected to have a high level understanding of all activities associated with the project. TNC will act as the Project Lead throughout the duration of this project. Project Partner Project Partners provide financial and organisational support and expertise to the project. They provide technical and logistical support to the Project Lead and other project partners and stakeholders required to deliver project tasks and activities. Project Partners are included in major decision-making but may not necessarily be involved in day-to day project management. The Project Partners are responsible for various tasks and responsibilities related to the project and in some instances assisting in the execution of media and communications strategies. Project Stakeholders Project Stakeholder(s) are any group that have an interest or may be affected (positively or negatively) by the project. They may be responsible for delivering non-core project related activities but are more likely to be involved in consultation and decision making to ensure the project does not negatively affect their operations and/or provides benefits. Examples of Project Stakeholders include: Noosa River Partnership Page | 18
Section 19
The Nature Conservancy • Local oyster growers • Commercial fishers • Commercial recreational fishing guides • Foreshore residents • Environmental community groups • Restaurants, seafood wholesalers • Boat and recreational equipment hire businesses • Hotels and accommodation providers • Sunfish and Ozfish Unlimited • Local Member of Parliament • Queensland Minister(s) • Federal Ministers(s) • Stage Government agencies Project Stakeholders require regular dialogue and information to ensure they are kept informed of the project’s status and outcomes and are involved in major decisions. 11.0 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS Report to The Thomas Foundation and Noosa Parks Association on assessment of aquatic restoration and management options for Noosa Estuary and Lakes. 2015. The Nature Conservancy, January 9, 2015. Restoration of Noosa Estuary: An Assessment of Oyster Recruitment. 2015. The Nature Conservancy and Ecological Service Professionals. July, 2015. Historical ecology of the Noosa Estuary fisheries. Report to: Noosa Council, The Nature Conservancy and The Thomas Foundation. 2015. Thurston R. University of Queensland. 2015. Gillies et al. 2018. Australian Shellfish Ecosystems: past distribution, current status and future management. PLoS ONE 13(2):e0190914. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0190914 Monitoring of the Noosa River Oyster Reefs: November 2017 - November 2018. Report to Noosa Council, and Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. 2018. University of Sunshine Coast. December 2018. Noosa River Partnership Page | 19