Annex 6 - Public Information Sessions Report

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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