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2022-04-12-P&E Agenda - Item 6 - Attachment 1 - TNC Noosa_Oyster Project _6_Monthly_Report
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Planning & Environment Committee Agenda 12 April 2022
Attachment 1 to Report 6
Noosa Oyster Ecosystem Restoration Project
Restoration and conservation of shellfish reefs in the Noosa River
Six monthly Report No. 3
Report prepared by: The Nature Conservancy
Reporting Period: August 2021 to February 2022
Figure 1. Mullet feeding over a rock oyster reef in NSW. Photo by Francisco Martinez-Baena
This project was made possible by The Nature Conservancy, Noosa Shire Council, The Thomas Foundation and
Australian Marine Conservation Society. The project is located on Kabi Kabi Country.
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Full text of the other 38 sections
Section 2
Contents
Purpose and scope .............................................................................................................................................................................3
Background .........................................................................................................................................................................................3
Project overview .................................................................................................................................................................................4
Project partners and governance ......................................................................................................................................................5
Conservation deliverables ..................................................................................................................................................................6
Work sequence ...................................................................................................................................................................................6
Total progress to date ..................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Shuck Don’t Chuck ....................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Shell cleaning ............................................................................................................................................................................... 21
School talks .................................................................................................................................................................................. 24
Senior schools project ................................................................................................................................................................. 24
Junior schools project ................................................................................................................................................................. 24
Oyster gardening project ............................................................................................................................................................ 26
Indigenous engagement ............................................................................................................................................................. 27
Ozfish ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Hatchery partnership .................................................................................................................................................................. 28
Handling oysters and oyster shell - biosecurity ......................................................................................................................... 28
Waterwatch ................................................................................................................................................................................. 29
New communication products ................................................................................................................................................... 30
Media ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Project finances ............................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Next steps ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 38
Appendix 1: Reefbuilder Presentation ........................................................................................................................................... 39
Appendix 2: Current and Historical Distribution of Seagrass in the Noosa Estuary .................................................................... 39
Appendix 3: Seagrass Report Summary ......................................................................................................................................... 39
Appendix 4: Spring Oyster Chronicle .............................................................................................................................................. 39
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Section 3
Purpose and scope
The purpose of this report is to provide an update on overall performance and progress of the project: Noosa Oyster
Ecosystem Restoration Project; a partnership between The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Noosa Shire Council (NSC) and the
community of the Noosa shire.
The governance arrangements for the Project are defined in the Alliance and Funding Agreement between The Nature
Conservancy and Noosa Shire Council, which was executed on the 25th of July 2019.
This report pertains to the period of 23rd of August 2021 and 28th of February 2022
Report Log
Six Monthly Report 1 – 28th July 2019 to 28th of February 2020
Annual Report – 28th of July 2019 to the 21st of August 2020.
Six Monthly Report 2 - 22nd August 2020 to 28th of February 2021
Annual Report 2 – 22nd August 2020 to 22nd August 2021
Six Monthly Report 3 – 23rd August 2021 to 28 February 2022
Background
Noosa Shire Council (NSC), The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and a range of stakeholders 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:
Noosa River Expert Workshop, Powerhouse Museum, 2014
A two-day workshop, hosted by TNC on behalf of The Thomas Foundation and Noosa Parks Association, 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 Kin Kin sediment management.
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 several 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 ‘reef units’ consisting of coir bags filled with oyster shell at 15 sites
across the estuary. The project studied the structural integrity, oyster recruitment, fish and invertebrate community
assemblages and human interactions with the reefs. This project collected important ecological information that will support
the final design and implementation of reef restoration in this Project.
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Section 4
NSC-TNC Partnership Agreement and Contract 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 the strategic priorities of both organizations and of others would be more effectively served
through a formal partnership, rather than on an individual project basis. This agreement led to the development of this
Project, and associated contract between NSC and TNC, and is the main delivery mechanism of the TNC-NSC Partnership.
Noosa River Plan, 2020
The completion of the Noosa River Plan by NSC in 2020 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. The Noosa River Plan will support the delivery
of the Noosa Environment Strategy.
TNC Project Management Plan 2020
The TNC Project Management Plan including Communications Plan and Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (MER) Plan was
finalized and endorsed by Noosa Shire Council in November 2020.
Project overview
Past research projects demonstrated that the Noosa River estuary held the promise of sufficient oyster recruitment and
survival, and invertebrate colonization, at a number of locations to make the estuary a viable place to pursue an oyster reef
restoration project at scale.
The primary objective of the Noosa Oyster Ecosystem Restoration Project (“The Project”) is to construct and restore shellfish
ecosystems to the Noosa River estuary. These oyster ecosystems will be here for the benefit of nature and for people.
Historically, oyster-dominated ecosystems were prolific throughout the Noosa River estuary. These ecosystems (beds and
reefs) were created predominantly by Sydney rock oysters (Saccostrea glomerata) which formed three-dimensional
infrastructure in the river and attracted a myriad of species and their associated ecosystem functions.
The oyster ecosystems added extensive ‘natural infrastructure’ to the estuary and provided the estuary with a range of
environmental services including:
- Providing complex habitats for marine species such as fish, invertebrates, corals, ascidians, encrusting sponges and
algae, and reef communities.
- Filtering sediment and pollution.
- Aiding bank stabilization and protection, and
- Providing complex vertical and horizonal living spaces, and feeding grounds, for a multitude of intertidal and marine
creatures, which are today important for marine and coastal tourism activities such as fishing, diving and bird
watching.
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Section 5
Project partners and governance
This Partnership commenced on 25 July 2019 and will run for three years and three months, with the outcomes of the
Partnership to be reviewed in July 2022. The total operating budget is $2.4M, inclusive of $1.2M from The Nature Conservancy
(TNC), which includes $200,000 from the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS), and $1.2M from NSC. In 2021, the
Australian Government-funded national Reef Builder project provided an additional $1.2m to the project, bringing the total
project budget to $3.6m.
Project management is led by TNC in partnership with NSC and the Noosa community (see Figure 2). A Technical Advisory
Committee will oversee scientific and technical aspects of the project and include representatives from TNC, NSC, State
Government, Kabi Kabi Traditional Owners and other experts as required. The governance arrangements for this project are
defined in the Alliance and Funding Agreement between TNC and NSC executed on 25th July 2019.
Figure 2. Project Delivery Team, including Project Sponsors, Technical Advisory Group and Subject Matter Experts.
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Section 6
Conservation deliverables
The Project principally delivers the following conservation initiatives:
1. Restoration of Noosa’s oyster ecosystems at practical and agreed locations.
2. Engagement of the Noosa community and local businesses in meaningful volunteering and marine education
opportunities.
3. Exploration of the potential to restore seagrass habitats in Lake Cooroibah (and potentially elsewhere) to reduce
sediment resuspension and increase invertebrate and fish biomass in the estuary (to be delivered as part of Objective
two and five), and
4. Provision of technical advice to NSC in identifying opportunities for sustainable commercial and recreational fisheries
in the Noosa River.
Work sequence
The Project is split into three work packages, or phases, to reduce ecological and financial risks through the application of an
adaptive management framework whereby learnings from previous phases are included in future phases to consider prior
learning and minimize risk:
1. Optimal design and siting (2020) which includes pre-planning to determine the optimal design, locations and most
cost-effective method of reef restoration.
2. First site implementation (2020-2021) which will construct full sized oyster beds at two sites in the estuary to test
initial restoration methods and designs; and,
3. Full restoration (2021-2022) which restore oyster beds at all suitable (and approved) sites within the estuary.
These timings have been adjusted are as follows:
1. Optimal design, siting, detailed bathymetric, ecological and engineering assessments and public consultations and
engagement (2020 - 2021).
2. Quarry selection, selection and appointment of construction and monitoring companies, permit negotiations and
approvals (late 2021 to present)
3. Construction of oyster reef patches at all sites (subject to costs) and baseline ecological monitoring (mid 2022)
4. Post reef construction monitoring and ongoing monitoring (end 2022, then annual throughout the permit period)
Progress summary (September 2021 to February 2022)
TNC has achieved the following:
• Submission of all permit applications to government including development of an detailed project restoration plan.
Permits requested include:
o Owners Consent – to allow certain developments to occur on public land (permit secured from the Department
of Resources)
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Section 7
o Resource Allocation Authority (RAA) - to undertake restoration activities in the Noosa Fish Habitat Area
(currently under negotiation with Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF)
o General Fisheries Permit - to collect and spawn adult oysters from the Noosa River (permit received)
o General Fisheries Permit - for handling and translocation of live oysters during the oyster reseeding activity
(permit agreed and drafted by not yet issued)
o Development Approval - under the Queensland Planning Act 2016 and related acts, regulations (nearing
finalisation pending the outcome of discussions between TNC and government related to liability and indemnity)
o Development application for Operational Works with Noosa Council
o Roads and Footpaths permit with Noosa Council
• Preparation for construction work including:
o Identification and site visit with TNC’s preferred specialist construction contractor (M&J Marine Services)
o Review of all regional quarries and selection of a referred quarry (Boral - Moi Pocket)
o Confirmation of the construction load out site in consultation with Noosa Council Staff. The site is at the end of
Hilton Esplanade, which will be managed in accordance with a special site management plan and in accordance
with the requirements of a Roads and Footpaths Permit to be requested from Noosa Council.
• Completion of a detailed construction engagement plan in consultation with Noosa Council staff. The plan includes:
o Strategic communications for residents near to the load out site and the constructions sites
o General communications to the community about the reef building process and timeframes
o Public notices, temporary signage designs and QR code linked to online information.
• Continued to partner with three local restaurants as part of Noosa’s Shuck Don’t Chuck shell recycling project. The
restaurants are:
o Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club
o Noosa Harbour Fish Market
o Grenny’s Noosa by the River
These restaurants continue to supply oyster shell with collection facilitated by the Resource Recovery Australia facility.
The project has diverted more than 10 tonnes of oyster shell from entering local landfills.
• Facilitated the washing and bagging of cured oyster shell at the Doonan Resource Recovery Centre between October
and December 2021. The activity included:
o Participation of 18 volunteers who contributed over 160 hours of labour
o On site presentations to 2 school groups (coordinated with Noosa Council staff) and one community tour
o Washing and bagging of over 10 tonnes of oyster shell
o Packing of 7 pallets with 5kg bags of oyster shell and delivery of these to the Bribie Island Research Centre ready
for setting with oyster spat
o Washing, drying and bagging of a further 5 pallets of oyster shell, for direct use in reef base construction
• Continued to partner with Noosa Integrated Catchment Association (NICA) to deliver oyster gardening and water
quality monitoring.
• Approximately 20 interested oyster gardeners from waterfront properties, and additional volunteers interested in
participating (those that do not have a suitable jetty but are keen to participate). Three information workshops have
been held, as well as letterbox drops and face to face engagement with over 400 households fronting the river.
• Developed Noosa’s Rock Oyster Gardening Manual for local our local Oyster Gardeners.
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Section 8
• Continued to partner with Noosa Environmental Education Hub (EEhub) to deliver the Noosa Senior Schools
engagement project with local schools. School activities are in preparation including two activities focused on First
Nations and their relationship to oysters and the Noosa River planned post flooding recovery.
• Continued to partner with Noosa Biosphere Community Association (NBCA) to deliver the Junior Schools
engagement project. The project has developed a large banner showing local connections to the Noosa River,
stunning oyster hand puppets for use in school events, pottery oyster babies and delivered its first live performance
in Kin Kin Primary School.
• Developed and distribute special project information sheets on biosecurity, rock oysters, reef design and sites and
frequently asked questions and answers (Q&A sheet).
• Developed the Spring 2021 edition of the Noosa Oyster Chronicle news circular. Direct circulation of each edition
was to over 100 locally engaged stakeholders on the Noosa mailing list.
• Reached 32,289 people through mainstream media and 3,884 people through social media.
• Appointed an independent restoration monitoring contractor (Ecological Service Professionals). Baseline restoration
monitoring will commence in Autumn 2022.
• Entered into contract negotiations with the DAF for the Bribie Island Research Centre to support oyster seeding.
Oyster seeding will take place in early Spring 2022 following construction of the oyster reef patches.
• Entered into contract negotiations with International Coastal Management, specialist coastal engineer consultants,
to oversee and accredit the construction of the oyster reef patches.
• Responded to an inquiry to Noosa Council regarding the project’s risk management approach to QX and Winter
Mortality diseases, which are endemic diseases of oysters in river systems of eastern Australia.
Currently in progress:
TNC is currently:
• Finalising scope of build based on financial analysis and negotiations with construction contractor and quarry.
The reef build is planned to occur at all 4 restoration sites in one build to save time, considerable cost and to reduce
impacts on Noosa residents. The build will occur over winter (subject to permits) and subsequent seeding of the
oyster reef patches with oyster spat (set on oyster shells) planned for Spring 2022. At this time the oyster spat will
grow fastest and be more resilient to local predators than if set during winter.
• Finalising contract negotiations for construction, oyster seeding and monitoring (subject to issuance of permits).
• Developing a request to Noosa Council for a Roads and Footpaths Closure Permit (for the load out site).
• Preparing interpretive signage for the Tewantin demonstration site.
• Preparing for baseline monitoring prior to construction commencement.
• Supporting community partnership programs involving junior and senior students continuing with activities
scheduled for term 1 and 2, 2022.
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Section 9
• Supporting a PhD student from Griffith University who is studying the diversity of oysters and their settling patterns
in the Noosa River.
• Finalising a grant to Noosa Parks Association who is undertaking a baseline scientific study of sedimentation patterns
in the Noosa River.
• Finalising community information packages related to the reef build. Information packages include letters to
residents adjacent to Weyba Creek (Noosa Sound) sites, as well as those affected by the load out site at Hilton
Esplanade. This is part of the community engagement plan.
Reef Builder
In January 2021, TNC launched the Australia-wide Reef Builder initiative. The initiative aims to bring shellfish reef ecosystems
back from the brink of extinction across Australia– for the benefit of both people and nature. The initiative is a partnership
between the Australian Government and TNC.
For Noosa, Reef Builder resulted in a cash injection of an additional $1.2m for reef building on top of the already $1.2m
already committed to the project from TNC and the Thomas Foundation and the $1.2m committed by Noosa Council.
The additional Reef Builder funds means the project can restore oyster reefs at all 4 restoration sites thus more than meeting
TNC’s contract obligations. A presentation about the national Reefbuilder program is attached (see Appendix 1).
Unforeseen issues arising and project adaptation
The following were unseen and required an adaptive management response:
Permits
There is no efficient state planning and approvals process for marine restoration in Queensland. TNC has had to navigate
multiple layers of tenure and environmental protection over the Noosa River and has required the development of
sophisticated restoration and site management plans, detailed risk assessments, multiple regulatory code and environmental
assessments, ecological mapping, and site engineering, as well as multiple contingency measures for the construction and
site management aspects of the project.
While TNC supports the thoroughness of the process, it has taken more time than was originally forecast in the partnership
agreement to negotiate Queensland’s development approvals process.
TNC has responded to this situation by:
- Partnering with bathymetric, ecological, and engineering consultants to help collect data, undertake analyses, and populate
the restoration plan and regulatory code assessments.
- Regularly liaising with stakeholders and agency staff.
- Actively enlisted the support of the Noosa TAG to advise on technicalities.
- Engaging two casual assistants to help with data acquisition, assessments and community consultation and engagement
actions,
- Engaging consultant firm ICM to specifically to support TNC through the complex permit application review and submission
process, and
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Section 10
- Enlisting the support of TNC’s Chief Executive Officer, Operations Manager and Lead Scientist (Asia Pacific) to help expedite
the numerous contracting and assessment steps.
- Engaging consultant legal firm, Prolegis, to review the Queensland regulatory environment and to advice TNC (and
government) in respect of the permitting process.
TNC is now working directly with the Queensland Government and Noosa Council to look possible solutions to the outstanding
matters of liability and indemnity. All other aspects of the project related to construction and restoration monitoring are in
place awaiting final development approval.
Community engagement
There is a high level of community enthusiasm about the project, which has been very encouraging. This has best been
demonstrated by the high public interest in and contact to the oyster gardening project, its three community events, riverside
letterbox drops and one-on-one contact with NICA’s extensive riverside network about the project.
TNC discovered relatively limited local capacity to take the lead on developing relevant initiatives in a short time frame, that
is, they lacked the staffing capacity to drive targeted projects specifically related to oyster restoration. TNC met with groups,
heard their concerns, and responded by:
- Working closely with local groups to design great projects (which took 9 months).
- Resourcing some projects with contracts or grant agreements to increase local capacity (i.e., with NICA, NCBA, EEHub). These
grant agreements and contracts are now in place. They are due to conclude in July 2022. Further information on these projects
included later in the report.
- Appointing an additional TNC staff position in Noosa, full time, to support community outreach and general project activities
is now in place. Megan Connell is facilitating the outreach and stewardship activities and is coordinating communication and
reporting activities. Megan can be contacted at [email protected]
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Section 11
Total progress to date
Table 1: Total Progress to Date
# Deliverable Progress
1.1 1 Technical Advisory Group with TOR established Achieved
1.2 1 Project Manager appointed Achieved
1.3 1 Project Implementation Plan completed and endorsed by Noosa Council Achieved
1 Detailed Risk Assessment included
1 Communications and Media Plan completed
1 Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Plan completed
1.4 3 community engagement forums facilitated Achieved
3 media statements released
1.5 3 six monthly status updates submitted to Noosa Council On Track
3 annual reports submitted to Noosa Council
2.1 1 Habitat suitability model developed which incorporates industry, Kabi Kabi and Achieved
public interests
2.2 1 set of ‘all’ relevant state and local permits for oyster reef restoration obtained Delayed
2.3 1 set of engagement records provided to Noosa Council of public and stakeholder Achieved
consultations, including one-on-one meetings, open forums, media, etc.
3.1 1 consultation completed Achieved
1 volunteering opportunities identified
3.2 1 volunteering program defined Achieved
1 volunteering program implemented
4.1 1 approval from Noosa Council secured to restore 2 trial restoration sites Delayed
2+ sites recovered with at least overall 80 m shore length of reef constructed
4.2 1 approval from Noosa Council secured to restore an additional 2+ sites Delayed
2+ additional sites recovered with at least an overall additional 600m 2 surface area
4.3 1 related reef monitoring program established Achieved
2 six monthly status reports submitted On Track
2 annual monitoring and evaluation report cards produced and published
5.1 1 workshop facilitated Achieved
5.2 5 peer review reports submitted to Noosa Council during the three-year term of On Track
this Agreement, if requested by Noosa Council.
5.3 3 study tours facilitated during the three-year term of this Agreement, if requested On Hold
by Noosa Council.
5.4 1 Conservation Action Plan developed, as required On Track
1 set of Community Workshops facilitated, as required.
5.5 1 new formal networking connections facilitated to assist Noosa Council with On Track
ongoing and future marine conservation activities, as requested
5.6 1+ presentations given at national conference/s over 3 years On Track
1+ presentations given at international conference/s over 3 years
5.7 1+ New corporate/ government/ philanthropic alliances formed Achieved
1+ New in-kind support/financial funding contributions secured
5.8 1 Habitat mapping report, habitat suitability model, PhD study or similar output Achieved
completed and presented to Noosa Council
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Section 12
Table 2: Total Progress to Date - Detailed
Deliverables Measurable Expected Progress Total progress to date and notes
outcomes Timeframe
(A1.1) A Technical Advisory 1 Technical 30 April Achieved Terms of Reference (ToR) for the
Group (TAG) is established Advisory Group 2020 TAG finalised
to provide project with TOR
oversight. This will include established Inaugural meeting held 13 May
a clear terms of reference 2020.
(ToR) and consist of
representatives from key TAG meetings are held as
stakeholders (NSC, TNC, required and TAG members are
Kabi Kabi and at least two mostly engaged on a regular
other independent basis out of session to advice on
parties). specific aspects of the project
(e.g. biosecurity, permits) and to
review draft project reports.
(A1.2) Appointment of 1 Project 31 January Achieved Craig Bohm appointed by TNC as
dedicated project manager Manager 2020 Marine Coordinator for
who is a marine biologist appointed Southeast Queensland, based in
with extensive project Noosa. Position commenced 29
management experience, January 2020.
for the term of the
Agreement.
(A1.3) A Project 1 Project 31 Achieved The project implementation plan
Implementation Plan Implementation December was endorsed by Noosa Shire
detailing at a minimum: Plan completed 2019 Council as the ‘Project
A detailed risk assessment and endorsed by Management Plan’ at its
associated with the Noosa Council Ordinary Meeting held 16 July
project. 2020. The Project Management
A communications and 1 Detailed Risk Achieved Plan included a detailed risk
media plan, outlining Assessment assessment, Communications
media protocols, included and Media Plan and Monitoring,
opportunities, and the role Evaluation and Reporting (MER)
of TNC and NSC. 1 Plan.
A monitoring, evaluation Communications Achieved
and reporting plan which and Media Plan The MER Plan was then reviewed
identified ecological and completed by an independent consultant
social monitoring and the recommendations
programs, how they will 1 Monitoring, Achieved responded to and adopted by
be reported on and how Evaluation and TNC.
this will fed-back into the Reporting Plan
project. completed
(A1.4) Participation and 3 community 30 June Achieved Noosa Community Engagement
delivery of public engagement 2022 Workshop
education and forums
engagement forums and facilitated Public Information Sessions
media statements
3 media Achieved Produced and distributed:
statements
released - Noosa Oyster Chronicle
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Section 13
- Project information sheet
- Project Q&A sheet
- Rock oyster fact sheet
- Project Brief (restoration sites
and designs)
- Project FAQs (conversational
edition)
- Oyster Biosecurity fact sheet
(A1.5) Annual project 3 six monthly First On track This document is the last of
reports and final reports status updates Report: 31 three 6 monthly reports
each of which address, at a submitted to January submitted
minimum: Noosa Council 2020
Activities undertaken Six Monthly Report 1
during the subject Six Monthly Report 2
financial year, status and Six Monthly report 3 (this one)
progress against
deliverables, budget 3 annual reports For each On track Two of three annual reports have
progress, income and submitted to annual been submitted.
expenditure, report Noosa Council report -
against monitoring and yearly Annual Report 1
evaluation program and Annual Report 2
measurable outcomes and
outline of proposed
upcoming works/activities
for future period.
(A2.1) Oyster reef 1 Habitat 30 June Achieved Habitat Suitability Model +
restoration suitability suitability model 2020 refined Restoration Suitability
model incorporating developed which Model developed.
physical parameters of incorporates
oysters and public and industry, Kabi Previously reported:
industry usage, access etc. Kabi and public
to identify priority sites for interests 1 restoration suitability model
restoration. developed as well as associated
habitat suitability model and
socio-economic suitability
models.
1 restoration suitability
presentation
(A2.2) Obtain necessary 1 set of ‘all’ 30 June Delayed Permit applications submitted:
State Government relevant state 2020 - Owners Consent
permits/authorities permits for - Resource Allocation
including resource oyster reef Authority
restoration in
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Section 14
allocation authority, for the Noosa River - General Fisheries
oyster reef restoration obtained Permits
- development approval
(DA)
(A2.3) Community, 1 set of 30 June Achieved TNC has continued to meet with
industry, and stakeholder engagement 2020 stakeholders, to keep them
consultation sufficient to records provided updated and seek input to
gain majority support for to Noosa Council various aspects of the project.
reef restoration locations. of public and
stakeholder Community oriented
consultations, publications and media
including one- opportunities have been
developed.
on-one
meetings, open Information continues to be
forums, media, shared via the Noosa Oyster
etc. Chronicle, personal
communications and through
development and release of
special information sheets.
(A3.1) Community, 1 consultation 31 August Achieved Shell Recycling facilitated at
industry, and stakeholder completed 2020 Doonan Solid Waste Depot
consultation to identify utilizing 166 hours of volunteer
most appropriate 1 + volunteering contribution.
community volunteering opportunities
opportunities (e.g., shell identified NICA volunteers have
recycling, oyster gardens, contributed over 150 in-kind
oyster watch, video hours toward the project
monitoring). additional to the above.
(A3.2) Establish at least 1 + volunteering 31 Achieved TNC established community-
one community program defined December based oyster gardening with
volunteering program and 2020 NICA, who will lead oyster
identified from the above implemented gardening activities with 20
process which considers households/businesses/groups
current and future Record of volunteer
hours dedicated to
resources, management, TNC established a volunteer
community
and interest. volunteering water quality monitoring project
programs, such as: with NICA.
shell recycling, oyster
gardens, oyster
TNC established three
watch, video
monitoring. community partnerships with
local restaurants who now
voluntarily supply the project
with oyster shell under the Shuck
Don’t Chuck project banner.
The restaurant partners are:
• Noosa Yacht and
Rowing Club
• Noosa Harbor Fish
Market
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Section 15
• Grenny’s Noosa by the
River
TNC established a senior schools
and indigenous engagement
project with Noosa
Environmental Education Hub
(EEHub).
TNC has established a junior
schools and indigenous project
with Noosa Biosphere
Community Association (NBCA).
TNC is working with Tewantin
Bushcare to establish a foreshore
demonstration project at
Tewantin
TNC has agreed with Noosa and
District Landcare (NDL) to
provide training opportunities
for Kabi Kabi Youth once oyster
beds are laid.
TNC collaborates with Ozfish to
collect underwater footage of
the Noosa River and is planning
actions to educate fishers about
oyster ecosystem restoration
and the value of conserving and
restoring river riparian and
aquatic habitats.
(A4.1) Restoration at two 1 approval from 30 June Delayed Full reef build planned for winter
sites (approx. 40m-50m Noosa Council 2021 2022
shore length per site) secured to
which test reef design and restore 2+ trial
construction and oyster restoration sites
growth and survival. in the Noosa
River estuary
2+ sites
recovered with
at least overall
80 m shore
length of reef
constructed
(A4.2) Restoration across 1 approval from 30 June Delayed Full reef build planned for winter
multiple further sites, as Noosa Council 2022 2022
determined by habitat secured to
suitability modelling and restore an
15
Section 16
outcomes of community additional 2+
consultation. sites as agreed
to by
stakeholders, in
the Noosa River
estuary
2+ additional
sites recovered
with at least an
overall
additional
600m2 surface
area of
established
oyster reef,
constructed in
the Noosa River
estuary.
Se;(A4.3) Monitoring and 1 related reef As Delayed The Monitoring, Evaluation and
evaluation study for both monitoring required Reporting (MER) Plan is in place.
pilot and full restoration program Water quality monitoring has
sites. Monitoring to established commenced with local partner,
include oyster metrics, NICA. Trials of Remote
invertebrates, and fish use 2 six monthly Underwater Video (RUV)
(detailed in MER plan). status reports techniques has commenced with
submitted local partner, Ozfish. Baseline
monitoring to commence with
2 annual selected partner, Ecological
monitoring and Service Professionals, in Autumn
evaluation 2022.
report cards
produced and
published
(A5.1) Run workshop with 1 workshop 31 March Achieved TNC and NSC met regularly to
Noosa Council to identify facilitated 2020 discuss ideas and opportunities.
ongoing focus areas for
TNC support.
*(A5.2) Provide 5 + peer review 30 June On Track As requested
technical/peer review on reports 2022
minimum five submitted to
plans/reports/studies if Noosa Council
requested by Noosa during the
Council. three-year term
of this
Agreement, if
requested by
Noosa Council.
If Noosa Council
requests a peer
review, TNC will
16
Section 17
provide a minimum
of 3 experts who are
qualified in the
relevant area of
expertise for Noosa
Council consideration
and Noosa Council’s
acceptance of 1
expert for the peer
review.
*(A5.3) Facilitate a 3 + study tours 30 June On hold Study tour 1 was in planning for
minimum of three study facilitated during 2022 2020 but has been placed on
tours of relevant sites in the three-year hold due to COVID-19 travel
line with objectives and term of this restrictions.
scope of the program in Agreement, if
Australia/US if requested requested by The study tour schedule will be
by Noosa Council (flights Noosa Council. revisited by TNC and NSC once
and incidentals covered COVID-19 travel restrictions have
separately by Noosa been eased or lifted.
Council, accommodation
and in country travel
covered by this Grant).
*(A5.4) Review and 1 Conservation 30 June On track If requested by Noosa Shire
feasibility of opportunities Action Plan 2022 Council
for sustainable commercial developed, as
and recreational fishing required
management options for
the Noosa River. 1 set of
Community
Workshops
facilitated, as
required.
*(A5.5) Facilitate access to 1+ new formal 30 June On track TNC have provided two peer
TNC conservation networking 2022 reviews when requested on the
networks and researchers connections following:
if requested by Noosa facilitated to 1. Draft Noosa River Plan
Council. assist Noosa 2. Fishing Futures Report
Council with
ongoing and
future marine
conservation
activities*
* As and if
requested by
Noosa Council
(A5.6) Promote Noosa 1+ presentations 30 June On track Reef Builder presentation,
Council’s Noosa River Plan given at national 2022 including the Noosa Project given
and shellfish restoration conference/s at the International Conference
project in at least one over 3 years for Shellfish Reef Restoration at
national and one Port Stephens (April 2021)
international conference. 1+ presentations
given at Reef Builder presentation with a
international spotlight on Noosa given at the
17
Section 18
conference/s National Coast to Coast
over 3 years Conference (July 2021)
Further opportunities are being
sought.
(A5.7) Promote Noosa 1+ New 30 June Achieved TNC has secured an additional
Council’s Noosa River Plan corporate/ 2022 $1.2m under the Reef Builder
and shellfish restoration government/ program to support oyster
project to corporate, philanthropic ecosystem restoration in Noosa.
philanthropic, and alliances formed
state/federal government TNC is currently entering a
audiences to establish 1+ New in-kind partnership with the QLD
further support for support/financial government-owned Bribie Island
conservation activities that funding Research Centre (BIRC), to
support the Noosa River contributions enhance its capacity to support
Plan secured oyster ecosystem restoration in
Noosa and across the state, as
well as commercial oyster
aquaculture development.
TNC is working through its
university network to encourage
projects which can further
knowledge of the Noosa River.
TNC is specifically sponsoring
one PhD student who is studying
shellfish; the Noosa Parks
Association who is investigating
sediment distribution in the
system and Ecological Service
Professionals who have been
mapping marine habitats,
seagrass distribution and
seagrass abundance.
(A5.8) Assess feasibility of 1 Habitat 30 June On track TNC contracted Ecological
seagrass restoration in mapping report, 2022 Service Professionals to develop
Lake Cooroibah as a habitat a baseline map of seagrass in the
method of reducing suitability Noosa River estuary and to
sediment resuspension model, PhD evaluate trends in seagrass
and increasing study or similar distribution and abundance.
invertebrate biodiversity output This Seagrass Distribution Report
completed and is attached as Appendix 2.
presented to
Noosa Council
______________________
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Section 19
Table 3: Community Partnerships Update
Project area Objective Partnership Status
Shuck Don’t Engage local businesses 3 restaurants participating in Restaurants enthusiastically
Chuck in the project supplying local oyster shell to collecting, washing, and
the project as Shuck Don’t storing shells.
Chuck partners:
• Noosa Yacht and Contractor engaged to
Rowing Club collect shell from
• Noosa Harbor Fish restaurants on a fortnightly
Market basis.
• Grenny’s Noosa by the
River
Collect oyster shells to Resource Recovery Australia More than 10 tonnes of
add to oyster beds and (RRA), Cleanaway and oyster shell are now clean
for use in oyster Mooloolaba Fish Market and awaiting seeding or
gardening construction
Water quality Improve resolution of NICA to provide water quality Partnership established
monitoring water quality data sets at information at the oyster
the oyster restoration restoration sites Baseline monitoring has
sites commenced
Oyster gardening Engage local households, NICA to implement oyster Partnership established
businesses and/or groups gardening, beginning with a
in the project pilot phase, then review and Grant agreement in place
consideration of upscaling, if and work has commenced
Improve public practical
knowledge about
shellfish restoration
Indigenous Support the aspirations of Noosa and District Landcare to Partnership established
inclusion Kabi Kabi Nation involve indigenous youth in
hands-on or on-water actions, Events to be planned on an
Benefit from traditional where opportunities arise. ongoing basis.
knowledge
Endorsement from Kabi Kabi
elders and permission to
integrate traditional
knowledge in project-
related products secured.
Elders kept up to date with
project happenings. TNC will
meet with elders as they
request.
Schools’ Engage local schools in Noosa Environmental Hub to Partnerships established
participation the project integrate Sunshine State High and activities in planning
School into the project and underway.
Improve public
knowledge about Noosa Biosphere Community
shellfish restoration Association to carry out school
activities and indigenous river
19
Section 20
awareness actions with
Tewantin schools
Tewantin Provide a focus site for Tewantin Bushcare to help Partnership established
Demonstration community education develop restoration
Site activities and access to demonstration site at Tewantin Discussions underway
one of the oyster
restoration sites Interpretive signage concept
raised at Council / TNC
meeting
Fish habitat Bring Noosa’s underwater Ozfish – Noosa Chapter MoU in place between TNC
monitoring life and the value of Ozfish to use Remote and Ozfish
habitat diversity to life in Underwater Video (RUV)
the public realm, techniques to seek out and Ozfish has equipment locally
particularly to fishers record marine species diversity and is being supported by
Ozfish to also help test RUV TNC where needed to
techniques at different river identify and record Noosa
locations and promote the River fish habitats
importance of marine habitats
and restoration to its members TNC is also being supported
and public by the Pumicestone Passage
oyster ecosystem
restoration project (Ozfish +
Healthy Land and Water).
The project is sharing oyster
gardening experiences and
equipment with the Noosa
project team.
20
Section 21
Shuck Don’t Chuck
TNC continued its exciting partnerships with three local Noosa restaurants:
• Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club
• Noosa Harbour Fish Market
• Grenny’s Noosa by the River
These proud project partners supply the project with buckets of washed oyster shell, which
they collect from their customers, then wash and store.
The shell is collected fortnightly from the restaurants by the project’s contractor, Resource
Recovery Australia (RRA) and cured at the dedicated site at the Doonan Solid Wast Depot
This is a big effort for the restaurants and an important contribution, which is adding to the
project’s shell recycling collection.
Shell cleaning
TNC worked closely with partner, and generous sponsor, Resource Recovery Australia (RRA) to involve the Noosa community
in oyster shell washing and bagging. The activity included:
o Participation of 18 volunteers who contributed over 160 hours of labour
o On site presentations to 3 school groups (coordinated with Noosa Council staff)
o Washing and bagging of over 10 tonnes of oyster shell
o Packing of 7 pallets with 5kg bags of oyster shell and delivery of these to the Bribie Island Research Centre ready
for setting with oyster spat
o Washing, drying and bagging of a further 5 pallets of oyster shell, for direct use in reef base construction
After spending more than six months baking in the Queensland sun, the dried, sterile oyster shells were washed by a team of
staff and 18 volunteers over more than 160 hours.
Repurposing everything from buckets, baskets, ladders, and chairs, supplied the team at RRA, the Doonan Waste Recovery
facility shell washing station evolved into a highly efficient washing system. The project team and a troupe of volunteers
washed over 10 tonnes of oyster shell– saving all this resource from ending up in landfill.
Following washing, the shell was bagged up and sent to the Bribie Island Research Facility or stored locally for use in reef
building.
21
Section 22
Figure 3: Staff and volunteers wash oyster shells at the Resource Recovery Centre, Doonan. Photo by Craig Bohm
Figure 4: Volunteer Ruby Bowyer inspects oyster shells after washing. Photo by Craig Bohm
22
Section 23
Figure 5: Volunteers that assisted with the shell washing process get a kick out of making a contribution. Photo by Craig Bohm
Figure 6: Washed oyster shells are loaded onto a truck for transport to Bribie Island Research Centre. Photo by Craig Bohm
23
Section 24
School talks
During the shell washing process, Council’s Waste Education and Sustainability Officer, Emma Menzies, ran tours of the
recycling facility for school groups and groups of interested community members. Emma and Megan Connell (from TNC)
coordinated opportunities to share information on the shell recycling process and the oyster ecosystem restoration project
to a broad, interested audience.
Figure 7: Megan Connell giving a talk to local school students about oyster shell recycling Photo by Emma Menzies
Senior schools project
TNC continued its a partnership with Noosa Environmental Education Hub (EEHub) to
deliver the Senior Schools Project.
This project engages local secondary schools in curriculum-centred student activities,
which celebrates the values of the Noosa River, the role that oyster ecosystem restoration
plays, and the important connection between the Kabi Kabi Nation. Dalia Mikhail has been
working closely with local schools to identify activities, which will be rolled out to schools
during 2022.
Junior schools project
TNC continued its partnership with the Noosa Community Biosphere Association
(NCBA) to deliver the Noosa Junior Schools and Community Awareness Project.
This project engages local junior schools and the general Noosa public in actions which
lead to the local participation in on-ground activities, which raise awareness about the
oyster restoration project and the importance of environmental restoration.
24
Section 25
In November 2021, the “pilot” junior schools event took place at Kin Kin State School. Further activities are planned to be
completed in 2022.
Figure 8. Kin Kin State School student, Eli, in the puppet theatre. The Puppet show is part of a presentation on the Oyster
Restoration project and the habitats of the Noosa River. Photo by Megan Connell
Figure 9: The Joyology presenter Marc Bright at Kin Kin State School. Photo by Megan Connell
25
Section 26
Oyster gardening project
TNC partnered with NICA to facilitate oyster gardening in Noosa. Oyster gardening is an
activity whereby locals grow out local oysters, provide by the project, in baskets, or
‘oyster gardens’ suspended from jetties. The volunteer gardeners care for the gardens,
keep citizen science records of their experience and become better educated about
oysters and oyster restoration in the process. Once the juvenile oysters are large
enough to survive on their own, they are carefully placed onto the oyster reef patches
in the project’s restoration sites. These oysters help kick start ecosystem recovery.
An oyster gardening information evening was held in early December to share information with interested Oyster Gardeners
and to share information about the ecosystem restoration project.
Figure 10: Noosa Integrated Catchment Association representatives Alex Western (foreground) and Richard Howard at the
Oyster Gardening information session at Tewantin Marina. Photo by Megan Connell
NICA has also:
• Engaged over 20 river-front households, 5 community groups and multiple schools through partnerships with NCBA
and EEH as prospective oyster gardeners. Interested households located in geographically diverse locations across
the river system including the Noosa Waters canals.
• Identified multiple additional residential and commercial sites, including Tewantin Marina, where gardeners without
direct access to the river can also participate in oyster gardening (Jul 2021 - present)
• Hosted 1 x presentation to NICA's "Monday with NICA" forum (attendees 40+, Oct 2021)
• Provided volunteers and engaged additional community groups to participate in the cleaning and drying of oyster
shells located at the Doonan Solid Waste Depot (Nov 2021)
• Conducted letter drops and engaged residents at over 400 households fronting the river in Noosa, Noosaville, Weyba
Creek, Tewantin, Cooroibah and Noosa North Shore (October to December 2021)
26
Section 27
• Provided multiple social media updates via NICA's social media channels and newsletters (June 2021 - present, views
+1000)
• Conducted 1 x river-side workshop to build and prepare oyster baskets (attendees 15+, September 2021)
Figure 11: Noosa Integrated Catchment Association oyster garden demonstration activity at Ely Park on the Noosa River.
Photo by Richard Howard
Indigenous engagement
TNC continues to keep Kabi Kabi elders up to date with project happenings and supplies them with periodic reports, as per
their request. TNC also continues to work with elder, Uncle Fred, to scope opportunities for Kabi Kabi students and youth to
be involved in marine restoration. Uncle Fred has also agreed to work with TNC to design interpretive signage for the
Tewantin demonstration site. This activity will also involve further liaison with Brian Warner and Kabi Kabi elders more
broadly as it unfolds over the next 12 months.
Late in 2021, TNC worked with Noosa and District Landcare to bring indigenous trainees to the shell washing activity. The
team spent a very hot and busy day scrubbing shell, learning about biosecurity and talking about shell restoration. TNC is
also engaging Kabi Kabi in oyster gardening and is currently scoping opportunities for them to be more directly involved
with TNC and NICA.
Ozfish
TNC is working with the Noosa chapter of Ozfish to collect Remote Underwater Video (RUV) footage
of estuarine habitats in the Noosa River. Ozfish has been using this exercise to hone its techniques,
educate its members and to celebrate the value of diverse habitats to estuarine fish communities.
Ozfish has has shared some of the RUV footage gained on YouTube.
See: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsJuJi_1WAnE8yi_dyBMzdFxRA8dWNCMt
27
Section 28
Figure 12: Ozfish Noosa River RUV footage
Hatchery partnership
TNC is working with the Bribie Island Research Centre (BIRC) in a project, which will spawn a handful of adult rock oysters
(called ‘brood stock’) under controlled conditions in tanks and settle the oyster larvae onto the project’s cured oyster shell
(called ‘cultch’). The oyster larvae attach to the oyster shell and form oyster ‘spat’. The oyster cultch set with oyster spat is
called ‘seeded oyster cultch’. An oyster seeding event is called a ‘set’. A set takes 2-3months to orchestrate.
The TNC-BIRC partnership is new and cutting edge. It is involving many personnel, as spawning rock oysters for restoration
purposes is highly technical and has not been undertaken before. Even though TNC would typically partner with the private
sector to undertake the hatchery work, there are few commercial shellfish hatcheries in South-East Queensland and none
with the current capacity to support oyster ecosystem restoration.
The TNC-BIRC partnership will support the Noosa project, aligns with the Queensland Government’s strategy for marine
habitat restoration and will deepen the Queensland Government’s involvement in delivering on that strategy. The partnership
will also benefit the rock oyster aquaculture industry throughout Queensland, as TNC’s support of BIRC has helped
reinvigorate BIRCs investment in oyster research and industry development.
Handling oysters and oyster shell - biosecurity
TNC is a registered as a ‘resource provider’ with the Department of Environment and Science, as per the Queensland End of
Waste Code - Oyster shells (ENEW07278317) and Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011.
28
Section 29
TNC cures the oyster shell following best practice, in compliance with the Code, and in consultation with Queensland
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries biosecurity, who also sits on the project’s Technical Advisory Group. Shell curing
occurs using the following protocol:
1. Shell is only cured at the designated and sign-posted shell curing site.
2. Clean, shucked oyster shell is collected by the contractor from wholesaler/s, in bulk, in 1 tonne food-safe seafood
transport containers and delivered to the shell curing site.
3. Pre-washed shell is collected by the contractor from oyster retailers in Noosa in clean 20 litre buckets and
delivered to the designated shell curing site.
4. All containers used for shell transport are thoroughly washed and disinfected before storage and re-use.
5. At the shell curing site, shell is placed on the ground in rows separated and sign-posted by month collected.
6. The shell is dried and cured (desiccated) in direct sunlight for 6 months, which is two months more than is required
by the End of Waste Code.
7. The shell is turned after three months of curing, as an additional desiccation measure.
8. Each shell pile is no higher than 1 metre, which further enhances the desiccation process.
9. The site is regularly monitored and maintained to reduce contamination of the shell piles.
10. The curing site is located in an isolated area of the depot, so the risk of contamination from the depot’s other
waste management activities is negligible.
11. Once cured, and prior to its removal from the depot, oyster shell may be washed with freshwater to remove any
cumulated sediment or dried organic matter, and
12. The shell, when needed, is transported in clean containers
Waterwatch
TNC is also partnering with NICA to record water quality information at the restoration sites.
NICA volunteers led by Bruce McConkey have been busy collecting baseline water quality information for the Tewantin
restoration site. Other restoration sites will be added to this data set in the coming months and ultimately a valuable
monitoring output.
29
Section 30
Table 4 – Water quality data for the Tewantin restoration site, up to January 2022.
New communication products
Biosecurity Fact Sheet
After discussions with DAF, TNC developed a biosecurity factsheet to help further explain the raft of biosecurity protocols
TNC follows in close liaison with government and private sector experts.
30
Section 31
Figure 13: TNC’s Noosa Oyster Shell Biosecurity factsheet
Oyster Gardening Manual
The oyster gardening manual has been developed as part of the toolkit for oyster gardeners.
Figure 15: Oyster Gardening Manual
31
Section 32
Frequently Asked Questions (conversational edition)
A frequently asked question document was developed to aid project partners in communicating information about the
project to Noosa community members and project participants.
Figure 16. Project Frequently Asked Questions, conversational edition
32
Section 33
E. Frequently asked questions – conversational edition
A new, simpler, shorter version of the Frequently Asked Questions factsheet was developed for project partners and
interested community members.
Figure 17: Frequently asked questions, conversational edition.
33
Section 34
Noosa Construction News page (DRAFT)
A draft construction news information product has been developed for the Noosa Shire Council Works In Progress (WIP)
page. Please note that the final product will include relevant dates for the construction period.
Figure 18: DRAFT Project Noosa page ready for the construction phase
34
Section 35
F. Noosa Estuary Seagrass Distribution Report, and Executive Summary.
Part of the partnership with Noosa Shire Council includes a report or summary of the extent and condition of seagrass in the
Noosa River Estuary. This report has been provided to Noosa Shire Council, and an Executive Summary developed for
sharing with interested parties that want a quick overview of the facts. Appendix 2 provides the report in full. The executive
summary of the report is presented in Appendix 3.
Media
A summary of media exposure is presented in Table 5.
Table 5: Media secured
Media
Date Page title Reach
21-09-21 Noosa Today – Noosa Estuary 11289
16-02-22 ABC Radio – Noosa Oyster Project 21,000
Social Media
Date Type Reach
3-11-21 Facebook post – shell cleaning 3572
3-11-21 Instagram – Shell cleaning 312
TOTAL 36,173
TNC also produced its quarterly community news update: The Noosa Oyster Chronicle – Spring 2021 (attached as Appendix
4).
Project finances
The budget under the Noosa Partnership Agreement is $2.4m. TNC secured an additional $1.2m from the Australian
government to augment this work. The Reefbuilder funds are being directly used to:
o Increasing the construction budget to allow twice the area of oyster reef patches to be constructed
o Engage the Noosa outreach coordinator, Megan Connell, until June 2023
o Resource community engagement activities until June 2023
o Fund post construction independent ecological monitoring
Table 5 below presents expenditure against the $2.4 milliion partnership budget across the five project activity codes:
1. Reef Building
2. Hatchery and seedling
3. Reef integrity and performance assessment
4. Community engagement, volunteering and media
5. Project management
Considerable savings have been made in the following areas:
• Data analysis and restoration suitability mapping – achieved in-house rather than outsourcing
• Office space and equipment and sundry costs – project manager is working from home office
• Technical assessments – project manager and in-kind contributions from experts
• Travel, training and conferences – COVID-19 impact has minimised travel opportunities
35
Section 36
Considerable savings have been made under the following budget lines:
- Hatchery and seeding – Bribie Island Research Centre offered TNC and excellent partnership rate for this work.
- Reef integrity and performance assessment - Monitoring in Year 2 will be funded from Reef Builder.
Savings made have been incorporated into the reef building budget to maximize the extent of the reef build.
Contracts
• NorthGroup Pty Ltd – Bathymetric and intertidal surveys at oyster restoration sites ($13,200) – final outputs
submitted. Payment pending.
• Ecological Service Professionals Pty Ltd - Seagrass and habitat mapping contract ($42,592) – outputs submitted.
Final report submitted. Final payment made.
• Integrated Coastal Management Pty Ltd – Engineering advice and RPEQ certifications ($37,290) – outputs
submitted. Final payment made.
• Integrated Coastal Management Pty Ltd – Permitting support (up to $10,000) - ongoing
• Resources Australia Ltd - Oyster shell transport (up to $10,000) - contract ongoing
• Griffith University PhD student sponsorship for Noosa River oyster research ($20,000). Payment made.
Contracts pending (under negotiation)
• Integrated Coastal Management Pty Ltd – Construction engineering oversight and certification
• Ecological Service Professionals Pty Ltd – Restoration monitoring and reporting (Year 1)
• M&J Marine Services Pty Ltd – Reef construction
• Government of Queensland – Bribie Island Research Centre – Oyster seeding
36
Section 37
Table 5: Total project expenditure (Noosa Partnership agreement funding only)
PROJECT COSTS Total Budget FY20 FY21 FY22 (Jul-Dec Total Remaining
reported 2021) Expenditure budget
number
Reef Building 861,982 100,915 256,678.26 42,780.72 400,374 461,608
Bathymetric, hydrological
assessments, oyster bed
engineering, rock and shell
material procurement,
construction and engineering
assessments.
Hatchery and seeding 293,332 29,575 104,913.35 36,154.13 170,642 122,690
Procurement of oysters,
hatchery/farmer engagement,
shell transport, recycled shells
collection, permitting, record
keeping and reporting.
Reef integrity and 580,289 24,325 140,001.04 32,525.61 196,852 383,437
performance assessment
Pre-substrate deployment site
assessments (bottom ecology,
surface profiles, oyster
densities, vulnerable habitats
mapping (e.g. seagrass), river
uses analysis (e.g. boating,
fishing), data analysis, WHS
and safety plans, operational
equipment, periodic reports.
Community engagement, 424,397 177,722 171,911.72 55,314.48 404,948 19,449
volunteering and media
Community engagement
products, engagement
coordination, sub-contractor
identification, contracting and
management, volunteer
briefings, volunteer
recruitment, stakeholder
meetings, personal protective
equipment, media statements,
media management and
education material production
and distribution.
Project Management 240,000 102,017 135,947.49 1,918.66 239,883 117
Production of Project
Management Plan, Monitoring
Evaluation and Reporting Plan,
Communications Plan, project
risk assessments, plan and risk
refinements and revisions,
government permitting, legal,
technical science support
Total 2,400,000 434,554 809,451.86 168,693.60 1,412,699 987,301
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Next steps
The steps planned for the next six months of the project include:
• Finalise construction contract to build reefs at 4 sites
• Finalise contract for engineering oversight of reef builds
• Construct reefs, map reefs and provide construction report to government
• Finalise contract for independent monitoring of the sites
• Undertake baseline monitoring
• Support Oyster Gardening Project activities
• Support Senior Schools Project activities with EEHub
• Support Junior Schools Project activities with NCBA
• Finalise grant to Noosa Parks Association (NPA) to undertake baseline sediment study
• Establish Tewantin demonstration project site
• Produce Summer/Autumn/Winter editions of the Noosa Oyster Chronicle
• Produce construction information package and distribute to community, respond to community queries
• Distribute seagrass report
• Review partnership arrangement
• Prepare final Annual Report – due September 2022.
38
Section 39
Appendix 1: Reefbuilder Presentation
Appendix 2: Current and Historical Distribution of Seagrass in the Noosa Estuary
Appendix 3: Seagrass Report Summary
Appendix 4: Spring Oyster Chronicle
39