By Margaret Maccoll
Since 2005 a small group of highly qualified volunteers have invested their time in monitoring and maintaining Noosa’s river system and compiling data which is informing government decisions at state and local level.
Led by president Bruce Hallett Noosa Integrated Catchment Association (NICA) volunteers who work the river have divided themselves into several groups each with their own agenda.
Monthly water quality testing, monitoring of shore birds and waders, keeping the islands at the mouth of the river free of weeds is carried out as well as the weekly roster of activities conducted by the River Rangers who traverse the river, creeks and islands to keep it free of rubbish and monitor erosion, mangrove destruction and illegal activity.
The members are highly qualified having held careers in areas including pediatric medicine, veterinary science, research science and seaman.
When the group first formed about 20 years ago it set about creating a Noosa river catchment strategy and aimed to run various programs.
But Council took over the role and engaged contractors to operate it.
Over the years as funding dropped away the role was again taken up by NICA.Their work has revealed a diverse river life which includes a healthy fishing industry and abundant boating activities as well as illegal activity and vandalism.
“There’s a lot of illegal camping,” Bruce said. “It’s the damage they do, cutting down trees for camp fires and to make pathways to camps. We keep an eye on erosion – some of it’s natural and some is the result of man made activities. The more we go out the more data we have for Council to make decisions.”
The group is in regular contact with the Queensland Police and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Once a month since 2006 a group led by Alan Briggs conducts a bird count and keeps a close eye on the migratory birds which travel each year from Siberia and Alaska to feed around Noosa. Alan said their data had informed Council decisions including the closure of islands at the river mouth to the public during the birds’ visits to enable them to feed without continually being chased to the air which reduces their ability to build the body mass they need to make the return journey. When the islands are open to the public a group of volunteers visits to keep the area free of weeds.
Council funding has enabled the group to review its data on birds with plans to soon release an information leaflet to the public.
The volunteers have also conducted a survey of the river’s moored boats and keep and eye on wrecks.NICA members who are also involved in landcare are among the hundreds of volunteers across Noosa who dedicate their time to making the region the place it is today.
