By JONATHON HOWARD
LONG-TIME Noosa fisherman Trevor Clarey has revealed a private meeting with Noosa Parks Association (NPA) committee member Michael Gloster to discuss issues and solutions for confronting the Noosa River and lakes systems.
“Mr Gloster informed me that the NPA had financial backing by The Nature Conservancy and The Thomas Foundation to finance a scientific study into fish stocks with emphasis on bringing stocks back to abundant levels,” he said.
“But when Mr Gloster advised me that the NPA scientists were based in Florida, USA, and Germany, I advised him that as the inaugural chairman of Noosa Integrated Catchment Association Inc (NICA) back in 1996 and all the issues and priorities associated with the Noosa catchment, it was inconceivable to do a scientific study of our system by phone calls to scientists in faraway lands, who may not have spent one minute of their time either on or by the Noosa River and lakes system.”
Mr Clarey said he did not have concerns with private foundations investing money in environmental studies but he did take issue with the use of taxpayer funds to undertake studies which failed to engage local talent and decades of local knowledge.
“Now really when it comes to private people/foundations coughing up their money it’s none of my business, but when my rate dollar is wasted this way I do have a problem,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Clarey said he discussed and supported the idea of re-introducing oysters into the Noosa River and lakes system.
He said Weyba Creek, the rock areas in front of Tewantin, Lake Doonella, Clarey’s Creek, Tomahawk Point, below the ferry, Woori Creek and the rocks at the mouth of Lake Cooroibah, were all possible locations for oysters.
“Past there you will waste your effort and money and they would still need to be protected from flooding,” he said.
“I do not know Mr John Gault but he hits the nail on the head with the issues he presents in Noosa Today.”
“As a Noosa rate payer I object to my rate dollar being squandered in the belief the Noosa River and lakes system can be scientifically studied by telephoning scientists in Florida and Germany.”
Mr Gloster was sought for comment in relation to the Noosa River Study, but he is currently away on a sailing expedition.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you think local talent should be enlisted to assist Noosa Council and the Noosa Parks Association with environmental studies? Send your comments of letters to newsdesk@noosatoday.net.au
