2021-09-13 GC Agenda - Item 11 - Attachment 1 - Noosa Oyster Project Annual Report 2

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.

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.




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