2019-05-07 P&E Agenda - Item 3 - Attachment 2 - Addendum to Sustainability Institute Concept Paper

Organisation Name          CQ University
Description of             Education, Research
Sustainability Activity:
i.e. advocacy, projects,
                           CQU undertakes a range of research and is growing its capacity as a leading research institute, specifically Noosa Council
tech, ‘think tank’,
                           and CQ University are considering research partnerships through the development of an MOU across a number of
research, etc.
                           sustainability and environmental projects. Some examples for potential research opportunities include:
                           •    Development of a methodology and baseline for the ecosystem health of the Noosa River wetlands, specifically to
                                monitor long-term impacts related to climate change (saline intrusion, groundwater impacts etc).
                           •    Ecotoxicology investigation related to potential long-term pesticide residues in the Noosa River and its impacts on
                                ecosystem health.
                           •    Causes of long-term declines of aquatic invertebrates in the Noosa River and wetlands, and potential
                                management/mitigation actions.
                           •    What is the economic cost/acceptable losses from coastal hazards (e.g. sea wall construction for private property
                                protection) at the expense of estuarine wetland migration. In coastal hazard areas, what value do we put on biodiversity
                                assets and associated ecosystem services and their protection? Important for considering retreat options for Noosa
                                North Shore and other vulnerable areas.
                           •    Detailed study on the role of groundwater systems on the Noosa River and associated wetlands, and potentially human
                                impacts on groundwater quality.
                           •    The Climate Change Biodiversity Assessment Report (first draft now available) highlights the vulnerability of freshwater-
                                wetland dependent aquatic species including the Honey Blue-eye and Oxleyan Pygmy Perch. What specific
                                management strategies would assist with natural adaptation for these species in Noosa?
                           •    Long-term study of specific threatened (or key economic or indicator) aquatic species in the Noosa River.
                           •    Changes in catch in recreational and/or commercial fish catch as a result of management actions taken to restore
                                biodiversity of the Noosa River (eg. survey of recreational fishers and catch times (hours taken to catch a legal sized
                                fish). Potential to link this to the importance of recreational fishing as an economic driver for Noosa?
                           •    What are the Carbon sequestration opportunities in the Noosa Shire focusing on Blue Carbon?
                           •    What are the virtual power plant opportunities for Girraween Sportsfield and local residents?
                           •    What is the carrying capacity of the Noosa River with regard to marine infrastructure and boating?
                           •    Could Noosa Council act as a potential power supplier to the Noosa Shire?
                           •    What is the contribution of the Noosa Biosphere brand to the local economy?

Governance                 Based out of CQ University. Noosa Council and CQ University are considering an MOU

Funding                    University funded


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