2022-11-08 Planning & Environment Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   8 NOVEMBER 2022




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PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                          8 NOVEMBER 2022

         e   ~=©All High Ecological Value sites at Noosa River with data are currently non-compliant with the
             guidelines which raises the question of whether the WQOs need to be reviewed.
         e   The Noosa River has received a consistently high water quality report card grade from Healthy
             Land and Water when sample results are not compliant with guidelines.
         e   DES reviewed the WQOs with data provided from the MRCCC Waterwatch Program. Noosa
             Council is following up with DES for an update on how the review is progressing.
         *   Continuation of program, collaboration, data storage, site code and coordination revision is
             needed, with data to be used to inform guidelines, training, volunteer recruitment, and strategic

         *   Local guidelines should be developed, using local data to create local WQOs and targets.
     10. Queensland Water SWIMlocal database
     Queensland Water SWIMlocal Manager David Scheltinga provided a description of the use and
     functionality of the SWIMlocal data management tool, which is a customisable database that allows the
     inclusion of extra parameters, sites and indicators.
    The database also has a report generation tool.
     Noosa Council has access to SW/IMlocal and plans to distribute login details to MRCCC.
     11. Noosa Council Environmental Health Monitoring Program
     Noosa Council Environmental Health Coordinator Sunil Kushor provided an overview of Council's
     responsibilities for recreational water monitoring in local water bodies.
     Previously Unitywater had a contract to obtain water samples during the summer months along the
     Eastem Beaches and Noosa River including Gympie Terrace, Sunshine Beach, Burgess Creek, Sunrise
     Beach, and Peregian Beach. Biological parameters are analysed.
     Discussion:

         e The group discussed whether the results are accurate and representative of the water quality
             across Noosa Shire and if the monitoring program is targeting the nght areas in terms of primary
             and secondary recreational activities.
         ¢   Aregular water sampling routine and event water monitoring program will give Noosa Council
             more control over local water quality.
         e  There are benefits to be realised in terms of communicating recreational water quality conditions
            to the public using online platforms and local signs to provide real time data for recreational use.
     12. DES Pollution Incidents
     DES Team Leader Waste Development and Southeast Compliance Officer Joseph Wizenberg explained
     his background as a Compliance Officer who works investigations including contamination issues in the
     Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Gympie regions.
         e   When necessary biological water parameters are assessed as part of the source investigations.
         ¢   DES relies on community reporting via a 24/7 Pollution Hotline (1300 130 372).
         e There is a focus on investigating water pollutant cases that cause environmental health issues.
         e   =Itis sometimes difficult to be proactive with the response because the evidence can be
             questionable/arguable.

    Minutes — Water Quality Workshop 24/08/22                                                   Page 7

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