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Annex 6 - Public Information Sessions Report
Attached to the e-mail DA Application - Noosa Oyster Project (2 of 3).
Noosa Oyster Ecosystem Restoration Project
Public Consultation Sessions Report
On Monday the 14th of December 2020, TNC facilitated six public consultation sessions about the Noosa Oyster
Ecosystem Restoration Project.
The purpose of the consultations was to:
• Inform the Noosa community about the project
• Seek further local endorsement for the project
• Seek specific feedback and endorsement for the oyster restoration sites presented (Tewantin, Goat Island,
Noosa Sound East, Noosa Sound West and Weyba Creek A and B)
• Gain feedback as to further oyster ecosystem restoration opportunities in the Noosa River estuary
The sessions follow on from more than 70 face-to-face meetings TNC has held with Noosa’s local stakeholders about
the project, and proposed restoration sites, since February 2020 and the successful Community Engagement Work
held on the 7th of December 2020 at Noosa Shire Council.
Location
The public consultation sessions were held at ‘The J Noosa’, Noosa Heads (Figure 1). The J was a highly suitable venue,
allowing TNC to provide a COVID safe environment for the community to come and learn about the project.
Figure 1: The J Noosa was a highly suitable venue for this COVID safe event
How the sessions were run
TNC designed the sessions to allow maximum access to the community, given the strict local and TNC COVID 19
protocols applicable at the time. The structure was designed to maximise opportunities for individuals to have their
views aired, and questions adequately responded to, in a calm and informative environment.
Each of the 9 sessions included two parallel presentations, with a maximum of 12 individuals in each session. For
those who attended, and those who could not, TNC also offered to meet individuals, or groups, one-on-one before or
after the information sessions, if they preferred. No one took TNC up on this offer.
In each session, the speaker presented the oyster restoration process, referred to site maps of the preferred
restoration sites and answered questions on all aspect of the project implementation and governance.
Maps of the Noosa River estuary and the restoration sites were also presented on tables, and some groups gathered
around these to discuss river ecology, uses and oyster restoration options in detail. Other groups preferred to receive
a general overview and have a general conversation about oyster restoration.
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While the speakers facilitated the sessions, three TNC officers took notes and spoke one-on-one with the attendees.
After the sessions, attendees were asked if they were willing to complete an exit interview, but with all the
enthusiasm and discussion, this was not always possible, so 17 of the 28 attendees were formally interviewed.
Facilitation
TNC facilitated all sessions. The following TNC staff were directly involved in setting up and facilitating the event:
Speakers: Chris Gillies - Ocean Program Director, TNC,
Craig Bohm - Restoration Coordinator – SE Queensland, TNC
Logistics: Callum Dittes – Oyster Restoration Project Officer, TNC
Helen Bowyer - Community Outreach Coordinator, TNC
Mikayla Ploughman – Safety Advisor, TNC
Comms: Rachel Bailey – Director of Communications, Marketing and Membership, TNC
Jenny Luu – Digital Specialist, Marketing and Media, TNC
Advertisement
The public consultation sessions were promoted widely via TNC’s sophisticated social media outreach system.
In response, 132 people viewed the project on the TNC Website and on social media the event received 16,561 hits
(Table 1).
Table 1: Media hits
TNC Website
Date Page title Page views
27 Nov to 13
Dec Events page: Noosa info sessions 132
Social Media
Date Type Reach
27 Nov to 13
Dec Facebook event 5,472
3-Dec Facebook event post 4,569
27 Nov to 1 Dec Facebook event advertisement 2,907
3 Dec to 13 Dec Facebook event post advertisement 3,613
TOTAL HITS 16,561
TNC also put out a media release (Appendix 1) to all news outlets. The project team also notified local stakeholders
and encouraged them to promote the sessions widely.
After the event, TNC secured articles in the Noosa Today and Sunshine Coast Daily on the 15/12/20 (Appendix 2).
Community Participants
28 community members attended the sessions (9 females, 19 males) (Table 1).
A further 5 individuals confirmed for evening sessions but did not appear, and another 4 people called TNC with
information queries about the project and expressed that they supported the project but could not attend.
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Table 2: Participants List
1. Peter Thompsett 15. Roland Hill
2. Wayne Carlson 16. Wesley Manson
3. Bruce Hallett 17. John Lobb
4. Richard Howard 18. Peter Riley
5. David Jones 19. Greg Sheen
6. Prue Mcgowan 20. Amelia Lorentson
7. Patrick Lloyd 21. Trevor Clarey
8. Bruce Davidson 22. Judith Still
9. Jennifer Marohasy 23. Craig Doolan
10. Peter Morris 24. Rex Halvorson
11. Alana Morris 25. Tom Wegener
12. Alana Roland 26. Lloyd Gamble
13. Alison Cooper 27. Maureen Riggs
14. Sharon Wright 28. Clent Kempsal
Community feedback
Some 17 participants of the 28 participants were formally interviewed about their perspectives of the project. The
results are presented in Table 2 below. In summary, 15 of 17 respondents expressed unequivocal support for the
project and its plans. 2 respondents expressed lingering concerns that were unresolvable on the day. Of the 28
participants, we estimate that 24 of 28 participants expressed strong support for the project and for the projects
plans.
This support echoes the outcomes of virtually all 70+ one-on-one meetings the project has held with stakeholders in
the past 12 months and represents a fantastic result.
From the public consultation sessions, four participants however, expressed strong objections to the project, objections
which were unreconcilable at the time. Two of these participants raised matters unrelated to the project (access to
historic water quality data + the projects potential contribution to the spread of 2378 Tera-chloro-dibenzo-dioxin).
Another participant strongly objected to the project having linkages to the Noosa Parks Association. The fourth
participant raised concerns about a raft of issues relating to oyster abundance, river health, project partners and the
results of past river management actions. Although TNC invested heavily in this individual, looking to find some common
ground or agreement, the participant remained unconvinced about the project’s relevance.
Table 2: Survey Reponses
Questions Women Men Comments
YES NO YES NO
The ‘no’ person was very focused on water quality and access
Q1. Did you receive the to water quality information they thought we were hiding. It
information about the project 4 1 12 was difficult to convince the individual that we were not
you were seeking today? responsible for this information, even after one of the other
workshop participants cleared this up and provided details of
where the information is available.
One ‘no’ individual struggled to uncouple this project from
Q2 (a) Are you happy for the 5 10 2 the past NBRF/USC project and our relationship to the Noosa
project to proceed? Parks Association
One ‘no’ individual raised issues beyond the scope of the
project to address
Concerned about the project with the presence of netting and
Q2 (b) If no, what are some of the commercial fishing.
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your concerns?
Track record of past projects – follow-up.
Concerns about genesis. Passed through many hands,
originally Biosphere (not community run). Not a local priority.
Vestige of last council and targets not met.
Permits – state driven and state needs to be more involved.
But including issues raised. Transparency around funding links
to NPA.
Only to proceed under conditions. Contained in activated
charcoal area to combat 2378 Tera-chloro-dibenzo-dioxin.
I would like to get involved.
Not sure you will actually be measuring H2O quality? Mostly
want to know how the success (or otherwise) of the project
will be measured in terms of water quality. I sediment / high
turbidity could be a problem, would like to know will be
contingency to mitigate this potential issue.
Q3 Would you like to receive More emphasis on historical context.
further updates on the project as
it rolls out? 6 10 2
Women attendance - Total
9
Men attendance - Total
19
Total Attendance
28
Follow up
Participants who expressed a desire to be kept informed, have been added to the project’s mailing list and will receive
updates about the project. Participants who wished to be directly involved in the project are being connected with
relevant activities to their interests.
Appendices
1. Media Release
2. Print media secured
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Appendix 1: Public Information Sessions - Media Release TheNature Conservancy Australia Media statement ‘Thursday 3% December 2020 Learn about efforts to restore Noosa’s oyster ecosystems The Noosa community is invited to learn about The Nature Conservancy's efferts to restore oyster ecosystems in the Noosa River estuary. Public information forums will be held on Monday 14 December. Community members can register to attend any session. ‘This is a free event, however due to COVID-19 restrictions, bookings are essential, and capacity is limited. Craig Bohm, Project Manager, The Nature Conservancy, wil provide an update on the Noose project including the history of oyster ecosystems in the Noosa River estuary and the scientific process supporting their recovery. There will be time for Q&A's in each session *Oyster-dominated ecosystems were once comman in the Noosa River estuary and throughout south-eastern Queensland, By restoring them, we'll boost the health ofthe estuary and provide food and shelter for fish and other marine life,” Craig said, “Noosa’s oyster ecosystems can recover but they need our help to getstarted.” Over the past year, restoration scientists have busy been collecting new environmental information to help inform the design and location of reefs. The Nature Conservancy hes also had more than 70 meetings with community members who contributed a wealth of local knowledge on the environmental history and condition of the Noosa River Estuary. “The combination of scientific and engineering advice and local knowledge wil help ensure these new shellfish ecosystems will have the best chance to re-establish and thrive in the Noosa Estuary,” Craig said, “Each new oyster bed will grow on a foundation of locally sourced rock and oyster shell carefully positioned to align withthe best areas for natural oyster recruitment and fish habitat” He said in just a few years the oyster beds were expected to contain millions of oysters and attract, more than 100 marine species, “The Nature Conservancy is working closely with the Noosa Shire Council to deliver this project and is thankful forthe support of The Thomas Foundation and Australian Marine Conservation Society,” Craigadded. This projects part of The Nature Conservancy's national shellfish restoration program that sims to rebuild 60 ofthese ecosystems around Australia, f achieved, Australia will be the first nation in the ‘world to have recovered a critically endangered marine ecosystem. Details Info Sessions — Noosa Oyster Ecosystem Restoration Project Date: Monday, 14 December Session length: 30 minutes Time: 10.304m, 11.15am, 12pm, 1.15pm, 2pm, 2.45pm, Spm, 5.45pm, 6.30pm Location: The J Noosa, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Junction, RSVP: To Callum Dittes at [email protected]. Please include your fullname, phone number, ‘which the session you'd like to attend, and number of seats required. Please note: Due to current restrictions, registrations are essential and capacity is limited, More information Learn more about the Nooss Oyster Ecosystern Restoration Project ‘© High resolution photos and footage of the reefs are available to download here, Media enquiries Laura Griffin, Currie Communications E: [email protected] Mz 0400 170 663 About The Nature Conservancy The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organisation dedicated to conserving the lands and waterson which al ije depends, Guided by science, we focus on getting things done ficiently and with the greatest positive impact for conservation. We're a trusted organisation working in 70 countries on innovative solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. Our priorities are to tackle climate change and protect land and water. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy in Australi, vst our website or follow us on Facebook.
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Appendix 2: Media secured
The project secured articles in the Noosa Today and Sunshine Coast Daily – 15/12/20
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