Annex 6 - Public Information Sessions Report

 

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.