2022-11-14 GC Agenda - Item 3 - Attachment 1 - Draft Eastern Beaches Foreshore Management Plan

Nutrient levels and other pollutants have significantly increased, and water quality generally
decreased. This means that wetland and waterway species that can handle both the permanent,
high inundation, nutrients and reduced water quality survive in and near the original creek banks in
the lower reaches.

Erosion
There are two erosion concerns near the mouth of Burgess Creek. Up to about 270 metres of the
frontal dunes to the north of the creek mouth can be eroded during high flow events. The northern
bank of the creek near the mouth, east of the David Low Way, is eroding, due to a combination of
lots of uncontrolled foot traffic down, and on, a very steep creek bank, and high peak waterflow.
The creek alignment at the mouth is highly mobile.

Water contact
Many people are accessing the creek mouth via the informal access off David Low Way. Contact
duration and types range from brief lower limb skin contact while crossing the creek, to prolonged
contacts that are likely to incur ingestion, such as adult supervised children and dogs playing in the
water, and rod fishing. Council recommends people do not put their head underwater in the creek.

Protecting Noosa’s environment
While Burgess Creek itself is affected by treated water discharge, it helps protect Noosa River,
Laguna Bay and the Coral Sea. Noosa River’s good condition and A- rating reported in its lower
reaches through the Healthy Land and Water Report Card7 is unique in urban SEQ rivers, and due
in part to Burgess Creek receiving the treated wastewater from the densely populated coastal
areas rather than Noosa River. The higher levels of infiltration, filtration and nutrient uptake
afforded by the natural surfaces and native and weedy vegetation in the bed, banks and surrounds
of Burgess Creek reduces the amount of water, sediment and nutrient entering the Coral Ocean
and being swept up into Laguna Bay when compared to a piped outfall. This in turn helps improve
inshore water quality and reduces algal blooms that may affect swimming and beach resources.

Environmental and community values
Despite past and ongoing impacts, some of them highly significant, Burgess Creek Bushland
Reserve contributes significant site and landscape conservation biodiversity and environmental
values. Values include waterway and land-based wildlife connectivity, connecting nearby national
park to the coastal foreshore strip, essential habitat, and significant plant and animal species.

It is highly valued by the local community, with enthusiastic Bushcare volunteers contributing to
planning and rehabilitation activities in the reserve. These activities are supported by Noosa
Council’s Bushland Care program, Natural Areas team and Unitywater, the managers of the STP.


EBFMP Management actions
The following actions are identified for implementation:

 Action                                              Responsible           Resources          Due date
                                                     party                                    and status
 14.1. Work with Unitywater, Infrastructure          Infrastructure        Subject to         2023/24
 Services, and community members to                  Services              future budget
 prioritise and develop catchment                    Environmental
 management plans for coastal creeks that:           Services
      consider all sources of water and             Environmental
          influences on hydrology                    Health


7 Healthy Land and Water (2021). “Report Card 2021”. Available Online: https://hlw.org.au/report-card/


Eastern Beaches Foreshore Management Plan – Draft (V4 26.9.22 – for public consultation)            Page 40