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

Process undertaken for site selection
and reef patch design
The process of site selection and design included:
1. Development of a restoration suitability model by
   scientists at TNC that identified areas of the estuary
   where oysters were likely to thrive (information listed in
   the table Restoration Criteria at the end of this brief).
2. The maps produced from this model were then further
   refined through community and Indigenous consultation
   and extensive scientific and state agency input to ensure
   current river values and public access were maintained.
3. After the restoration sites were selected, and consulted
   on publicly, engineers from ICM Engineering worked
   alongside restoration practitioners and expert ecologists
   to consider a range of designs that would support oyster
   survival and growth, fish habitats and biodiversity whilst
   also minimising disturbance to natural processes in the
   Noosa River. The final designs are provided in Figures 2-5
   below.
4. The location and designs of the oyster reef patches were
   presented to an independent Scientific Committee made
   up of Queensland Government representatives, Noosa
   Shire Council staff and local marine biologists prior to
   their formal submission to Government to seek
   restoration permits.




    A huge thank you to the many fishers, residents,
    Traditional Owners, shop and restaurant owners,
    local scientists and engineers who helped provide
    local knowledge and support throughout the site
    selection and design process. Thank you!




   © Francisco Martinez-Baena                                   © Francisco Martinez-Baena



Noosa Oyster Ecosystem Restoration Project Update | July 2021                                3