2015-11-10 Planning & Organisation Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                         10 NOVEMBER 2015


In 2014 an expert-based evaluation of restoration and management options for the Noosa River
and Lakes was undertaken by The Nature Conservancy with support from The Thomas
Foundation and the Noosa Parks Association.

The evaluation process identified a number of key restoration options to improve the
environmental outcomes of the Noosa River and Lakes; as well as the research needs to support
informed decisions about the options identified (see Attachment 3).

A presentation of this evaluation was made by The Nature Conservancy and the Thomas
Foundation to a Council workshop on 14 November 2014.

Following the workshop, two specific projects were developed further by The Nature
Conservancy and the Thomas Foundation. These projects include:
     a scoping study of the river and lakes oyster reef history and recruitment potential; and
     a study of the river and lakes historic fish and prawn productivity.

At the Ordinary Meeting on 20 November, 2014, Council authorised the CEO to advise both The
Nature Conservancy and the Thomas Foundation of Council’s agreement to work together on
these projects, and that Council’s role would focus on:
     providing one half of the costs of the two proposed projects; and
     providing an interface to government agencies to enable these projects to proceed (e.g.
       approvals or other requirements).


Finance & Risk
On 27 February, 2015 Council agreed to support the two river projects with the total amount
being $33,700 (ex GST) – with half of the costs to be paid this financial year and half in August
2015.

Consultation

External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
The presentation/workshop at Council by The Nature Conservancy and the Thomas Foundation
included other environment groups such as the Noosa Parks Association, Noosa Biosphere,
Noosa Integrated Catchment Association (NICA) and Noosa and District Landcare.

Internal Consultation

Departments/Sections Consulted:

X    Chief Executive Officer                    Community Services                 X   Corporate Services
     Executive Officer to the Mayor & CEO       Community Facilities                   Financial Services
     Executive Support                          Community Development                  ICT
                                                Libraries & Galleries                  Procurement & Fleet
                                                Local Laws                             Property & Facilities
                                                Waste & Environmental Health           Revenue Services

     Executive Office                       X   Planning & Infrastructure
     Community Engagement                       Building & Plumbing Services
     Customer Service                           Civil Operations
     Economic Development                       Infrastructure Planning & Design
     Governance                                 Planning & Environment
     Human Resources                            Strategic Land Use Planning




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