2015-04-28 Planning and Organisation Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                28 APRIL 2015


Project Scope

Work has commenced on preparing a detailed scope and brief for the hydrodynamic model
project. Initial scoping has determined three elements to management of the Noosa River
that have interdependences and co-benefits when addressed in combination. These are:
   Foreshore erosion
   Flood inundation and flood velocity mapping
   River water quality and health (pollution management).
Updates and new modelling is desired for each of these elements.

While the primary driver for the allocation of project funds is to develop a greater
understanding of erosion processes influencing foreshore erosion in the lower Noosa River,
it is apparent there are common parameters and requirements that would enable benefits to
be derived for each of the 3 river management elements. Conversely, there would be lost
opportunities if each of these elements were not considered together.

The proposed steps involve collecting various data and developing a combination of models
including the following:
   Collect measurements of tidal flow velocity (hydrographic data) and river depth
     (bathymetry) for the Noosa River
   Update catchment hydrologic (rainfall to runoff) model for the whole of Noosa River
     Catchment
   Partner with Healthy Waterways to develop a catchment pollution export model and
     associated hydrodynamic model (50/50 cost sharing agreement with Healthy
     Waterways)
   Use the hydrodynamic model to improve Council’s understanding of tidal forces in the
     river and foreshore erosion
   Establish a hydraulic model to generate flow velocities within the river and across the
     flood plain and to generate updated design flood levels and mapped flood inundation
     extents.

Based on this, a project brief for public tender will be developed. The tender process is
planned to commence in May and the project should be completed around December. Staff
will report back to Council during the Tender process.

Previous Council Consideration

Ordinary Meeting Minutes 25 September 2014, Page 4 :
That Council note the report by the Director Planning & Infrastructure and Senior Technical
Officer to the Infrastructure & Services Committee Meeting dated 16 September 2014 and:
A.   Request that a detailed assessment for the development of a hydrodynamic model for
     the Noosa River between Tewantin and the river mouth be prepared for consideration
     by Council at the next budget review; and
B.   That a Tidal Works application be submitted to the Department of Environment and
     Heritage Protection for the trialling of geotextile sandbag groynes at Noosa River
     Holiday Park located at Munna Point.




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