2019-07-15 General Committee Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT                                                        15 JULY 2019

(a)     if the local government is satisfied—
        (i)    the grant will be used for a purpose that is in the public interest; and [s 195] Local
               Government Regulation 2012 Chapter 5 Financial planning and accountability Part 6
               Spending Page 136 Current as at 1 December 2013
        (ii)   the community organisation meets the criteria stated in the local government’s
               community grants policy; and
(b)     in a way that is consistent with the local government’s community grants policy.
Noosa Council’s Environment Grants Policy is a ‘Community Grants Policy’ under the definition of
the Local Government Regulation (2012). The Environment Grants Policy states that grants will
be for initiatives, capacity building and projects that conserve and/or improve ecosystem health
and biodiversity in the Noosa Shire. The grants will support the implementation of the Council’s
key environment strategies and plans by enabling collaboration with the community in initiatives
that protect, enhance and increase the resilience of Noosa’s natural environment.
The oyster restoration project clearly meets this definition and the project is included within the
implementation plan of Council’s Noosa Environment Strategy - Improve the water quality and
biodiversity of the Noosa River by restoring aquatic habitats, such as oyster reefs, and improving
riparian vegetation.
The Nature Conservancy meet the criteria for applicants under the Environment Grants Policy:
     The project or event for which they are applying benefits the residents of the Noosa community;
     The application meets the specific eligibility criteria of the funding programs as set out in this
      Policy and the supporting grant guidelines;
     The organisation:
      o is a legal not-for-profit entity
      o complies with all incorporation requirements of the State and Commonwealth as at the
          closing date for the grant program
      o be registered by an Act of Parliament
      o has an active ABN
      o Has a bank account in the name of the legal entity.
Funding for the Partnership arrangement and next phases of the Oyster Reef Restoration Project
is provided in accordance with the Local Government Regulation. In this instance specific
procurement for suppliers, equipment, materials etc. will be managed by The Nature Conservancy.
The joint funding of $2.4 million is enough to deliver the oyster reef restoration project, however
there is also an intention for further funding to be sought from the public and private sector. It is
proposed to aim for a further $1.2 million from such sources in the first 18 months of the project.
Any additional funding received is intended to go directly to putting more reefs into the river, given
most of the background work (project planning, permits, habitat suitability modelling and reef
design) will have already been undertaken. The delivery of objectives outlined in the attached
Alliance and Funding agreement is not contingent on this additional funding being achieved.

Risks & Opportunities
This Alliance provides a unique opportunity alongside a partner organisation with an excellent track
record of attaining and leveraging further funding for major projects. TNC is also an experienced
and globally respected project manager, with specific experience in oyster reef restoration projects
and marine conservation.
The partnership opportunity presented through this agreement opens up immense opportunity for
Council and the community. This is not just in the delivery of major projects to improve biodiversity
in the Noosa River, but in the access to the support and expertise of a large international
organisation with over 600 scientists.



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