Meeting papers

entrapment point, allowing the lodgment of sand and seeds that contribute to the rebuilding and
revegetation of frontal dunes after disturbance. They can also be significant habitat features,
especially during the early phase of dune rebuilding where little other cover occurs. Unless the
natural debris is posing a significant safety risk it is left where it is, to redistribute and decompose
naturally.


Marine oil spills
With increased international and domestic shipping passing along the shipping route along our
coast and increased extreme weather due to climate change, the risk of a larger marine oil spill
from a ship is also increasing. Oil spills from ships or from land-based activities may also occur in
the Noosa River and creeks.

Animals can be poisoned or burned by the chemicals in the oil – marine animals that come to the
surface to breathe or live on the surface or in intertidal areas are particularly vulnerable. Oil
prevents birds from flying or floating, and most oiled seabirds drown out at sea. Oil also prevents
fur or feathers keeping the animal warm, and they can rapidly freeze to death in cold water. Plants
and animals that live on rocks, mudflats, in the sand or on the bottom of the sea can be poisoned
or smothered. The effects of oil spills can be longstanding even on wildlife that survives -
reproduction success and lifespans can be reduced, the populations of threatened species
affected, and habitats degraded.

Economies and communities can also be affected. Fisheries can be affected by a reduction in
commercial species populations, contamination, or public perception about food safety. Tourism,
hospitality and accommodation industries, particularly where focused on coastal access and
amenity and fresh, local food can also be affected. Human health effects have been observed in
cleanup personnel and communities that live or work in areas affected by large oil spills.

Oil spills have happened near Noosa’s Eastern Beaches before. During Cyclone Hamish in March
2009, 230 tonnes of fuel oil, 30 tonnes of other fuel and 620 tonnes of ammonium nitrate (the latter
mostly in containers) spilled into the sea along the Sunshine Coast, affecting the coast from
Marcoola Beach (about 18km south of Peregian Beach) down to Brisbane River port. The spill
came from cargo damaged by other unsecured cargo on the deck of the MV Pacific Adventurer
during rough weather. About 155 hectares of coastal land were affected, needing about $31 million
and 1500 people to clean up. Other effects included oiled wildlife and degraded coastal
ecosystems, closed and restricted local fisheries and reduced recreation and tourism.

Marine and riverine oil spills trigger an initial joint response from Maritime Safety Queensland and
Council, with Queensland Department of Environment and Science responding to oiled wildlife.
Council may be the lead responder in smaller spills, while Maritime Safety Queensland is the lead
responder for larger spills. Council’s response is guided by the Marine and Riverine Oil Spill
Response Plan.


Marine strandings
Marine strandings occur when alive or dead marine mammals, turtles or large fish wash up on
beaches, triggering a Council and Department of Environment response process. Where large
numbers of small fish or other animals wash up onto the beach this process may also be triggered.

Human safety, for staff, rescuers and the general public is always the first consideration, and when
the animal is alive, humane and ethical considerations also come into play, triggering Department
of Environment and Science and veterinarian assessment and a possible rescue response. Where
a dead animal may have conservation significance, such as a humpback whale, turtle or dugong,
data or the body may be collected for further assessment or preservation. Body disposal is usually
undertaken by Council to minimise public health risk and replicate natural processes where
possible.

Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023                                           Page 62

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