By JONATHON HOWARD
NOOSA fisherman and environmental campaigners have slammed a move by Noosa Council to spend $25,000 across two studies aimed at improving the health of the Noosa River and lakes systems.
Noosa Council announced last week that it would endorse a concept for a research project that was the brainchild of the Noosa Parks Association.
The project is split across two studies including investigating past and present Noosa River fish and prawn stocks and the potential for recovery, as well as the types of species that are achievable.
The second study will assess oyster reef history and the potential to re-establish oyster reefs and oyster stepping stones in the river and lakes system.
The council has enlisted The Nature Conservancy, based in the USA, which will oversee the two studies and The Thomas Foundation, a Noosa-based philanthropic organisation that financially supports projects related to biodiversity preservation in Australia.
The Thomas Foundation will contribute $15,000 into the $40,000 project and had recommended The Nature Conservancy as the lead agency.
Noosa Mayor Noel Playford said the studies would provide important scientific data on the health of the waterway.
“The Nature Conservancy is an internationally regarded conservation group that undertakes scientific research projects across 35 countries, working with partners to deliver environmental outcomes,” Cr Playford said.
But the idea has received a wide range of criticism.
Opponents say the plan fails to address what many believe are the leading causes of the Noosa River’s degradation such as on-going pollutants, little regenerations works and addressing toxins flowing into the waterways on a daily basis.
Former QLD Fisheries employee John Gault said he was shocked that the council had failed to engage the State Fisheries Department, or taken advantage of the local expertise and world renowned marine scientists from both the Sunshine Coast University and James Cook University, as well as the Australian Institute of Marine Science.
“This is simply a Band-Aid solution to a problem that’s only going to get worse as pollutants continue to enter the waterways,” he said.
“It’s ridiculous to think that the introduction of oysters will offer a solution to purify the river systems, when there’s very little tidal movement in the river.”
Mr Gault said without a serious reduction in pollutants and greater regulation of the use of the river and lakes systems, the problems will only compound.
Long time fisherman Trevor Cleary also expressed his disappointment in the council’s announcement.
Mr Cleary presented a list to Noosa Today of some key areas that he believes need to be addressed on the Noosa River.
The list includes greater regulation for houseboats and recreational vessels using the river as a dumping ground, preventing runoff from farming practices and greater regulations for the fishing community including extending those regulations to recreational fishing.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you think the council’s endorsement of the two studies was a good decision? Send your letters or comments to newsdesk@noosatoday.net.au
