6TH QUEENSLAND COASTAL CONFERENCE 2017

ABSTRACT EXTRACTS

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

CONCURRENT SESSION 1

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 10.30AM Marine Classrooms: Engaging high school students in coastal conservation Cassidy Hayward, Reef Catchments

Abstract: For most people, visiting islands is difficult, however, our islands and coasts are home to many significant ecosystems. The need for conservation of these vegetation communities is only growing in urgency, given the preference of people nation- and world-wide to live and holiday by the ocean.

The Marine Classrooms program has been running since 2013 as a collaborative enterprise between Wildmob and Reef Catchments. This program provides an opportunity for senior high school science students to experience four days of conservation-focused activities on Brampton Island. These activities include weed control, marine debris collection and reef walks. Marine Classrooms targets students at an influential time of their lives (i.e. when their deciding their future studies/career), providing them with a unique opportunity to gain practical on-ground conservation knowledge and skills. The target audience- teachers and students- are also ideally placed to disseminate this new information.

The project aims are:

(1) Protect and enhance the critically endangered beach scrub on Brampton Island; (2) Teach practical conservation knowledge and skills to students in order to increase environmental awareness and overcome the implementation gap.

Progress towards these aims has been steady. There has been a significant recovery of the beach scrub and interest from schools throughout the region has been increasing consistently. Positive feedback indicates that there have been successes in improving conservation knowledge in the region.

Ideally, similar programs would be rolled out across the state, teaching students about the significance of island and coastal ecosystems, and what we can do as individuals to protect them. However, more partners are required to underpin this growth.

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 10.50AM Celebrating 15 years of coastal community engagement on the Gold Coast, Queensland Maggie Muurmans, Griffith Centre for Coastal Management

Abstract: Since 2002, the Griffith Centre for Coastal Management and the City of Gold Coast have a unique partnership that delivers a comprehensive, holistic and interactive coastal community engagement program. Within 15 years the programs has grown to delivering coastal education from 40 to 169 schools per year and the dune revegetation program is now the largest volunteer program on the Gold Coast.

Native dune vegetation and community awareness on coastal management techniques has seen significant increase for the catchment, resulting in community resilience to coastal issues such as erosion.

Community consultation and stakeholder engagement have continuously been integrated throughout all programs and participation has seen a steady growth each year. This presentation will celebrate the success of the program and highlight some of the major achievements, mile stones and activities between its establishment 15 years ago and now.

It will also focus on moving forward and what the program has in store for the future.

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 11.10AM Advancing Cultural Heritage Integration Into Mackay/ Whitsunday/Isaac Natural Resource Management Veronica Ah-Wang, Reef Catchments TORG (Traditional Owner Reference Group)

Abstract: Reef Catchments Indigenous project is funded by the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme. It supports the participation of Indigenous people and organisations in the delivery of Natural Resource Management in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region as a means to contribute towards wider social and economic benefits.

Many Indigenous communities within the MWI region were forcibly removed following European settlement and are now displaced from their tribal Country they identify with. It should also be noted that the broader community lacked knowledge regarding Aboriginal heritage and values. Elders and representatives of the Koinmerburra, Barada, Yuwibara, Wiri, Gia, Ngaro, and Juru tribes form the MWI Traditional Owner Reference Group (TORG).

The TORG is an opportunity for these groups to meet and agree on ways to ensure Indigenous heritage and culture is part of the region’s agenda, because for many years it has not been acknowledged or valued in a meaningful way. Insufficient representation of these values leads to them not being incorporated or being undervalued in decision-making. Sharing knowledge about Aboriginal heritage and values is essential in developing a shared vision for the protection of the region that encompasses economic, environmental and cultural values.

In June 2016, the TORG/Reef Catchments in partnership with the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership (HR2R) engaged archaeologists Terra Rosa Consulting (TRC) to facilitate the development of an indigenous cultural heritage assessment framework for the MWI HR2R report card. Over one week, sites of significance were visited and assessed across the region. Recognising a unique opportunity to advance cultural heritage integration into NRM and help meet its objectives, the TORG/Reef Catchments engaged TRC to develop a training program.

To develop a cultural heritage assessment framework and cultural heritage indicators for the HR2R report card, TRC and the TORG/Reef Catchments promoted an approach that prioritised collaboration and co- management.

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 11.30AM Kingborough to Whitsundays - No Barrier to Collaboration Donovan Burton, Climate Planning

Abstract: There is a wealth of literature that highlights the importance of collaboration for climate change adaptation. This paper presents a unique example of two coastal local governments (Whitsunday Regional Council, QLD and Kingborough Council, Tasmania) who have undertaken a formal commitment for cross- border collaboration. The paper presents the council characteristics, drivers, the key players, methods, barriers and outputs of the inter-council relationship that is supporting coastal climate change adaptation.

Key outputs from the joint venture that are highlighted in this paper include the journey towards the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by both local governments and the development of the climate change innovation centres established by both councils.

Each of the innovation hubs leverage digital technology and the arts combined with an attractive location to connect public, academic, and private sector institutions, researchers, and outreach specialists to deliver technical support and provide tools and strategies for climate change responses. The centres will enable the community to become active participants in climate change mitigation and adaptation. As the Lab is a world’s first municipal based climate change innovation lab it is intended to be a sense of place and sense of pride for the community. The hubs will be used by local (and visiting) school and youth groups, community arts groups and Aboriginal communities.

This paper provides a refreshing insight into positive applications and leadership by the two municipalities.

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 11.50AM A Mackay Whitsunday regional report card: is local better? Charlie Morgan, Mackay Whitsunday Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership

Abstract: Annual waterway health report cards can be a powerful communications tool. A local approach allows established regional Partnerships the opportunity to tailor a report card product to include regionally specific environmental, economic and social indicators of waterway health. The scope of the area reported on ranges from the freshwaters right out to the offshore areas of the region. To date the Partnership has produced two waterway health report cards that are holistic in nature and cover a wide range of assessment indicators, derived from a Pressure-State-Response model of our region, plus assessments of stewardship from the region’s major industries.

We take this opportunity to celebrate our successes by outlining what we have achieved since our inception in 2014.

We concentrate on how specific condition monitoring data included in the 2014 and 2015 report cards in the inshore Whitsundays, coupled with concern from Tourism Operators in the region, has led to the funding of a collaborative investigation into the water quality and advice on associated guidance on priorities for management interventions to improve water quality. This buy-in from community, government and industries within the region to first reporting on environmental condition and then catalysing further investigative monitoring to solve a specific problem, demonstrates the success of a regional partnership approach.

CONCURRENT SESSION 2

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 10.30AM Life on the fringe: Choosing spatially explicit conservation actions for coastal and estuarine systems Debbie Chamberlain, University of Queensland

Abstract: We use a structured decision-making approach to determine suitable development and management options to safeguard a productive near shore fishery whilst accommodating climate change and the associated human responses. Within-realm (either for the land or the sea) spatial action planning to maximize biodiversity benefits has been widely studied, but little investigation has been made into three essential facets of integrated planning: a) The land/sea interface, estuaries and near-shore marine systems; b) Ecological processes e.g. self purification, delivery of ecosystem services to adjacent environs, and how they are affected by climate change; c) Direct impact of climate change on interconnected realms.

Conservation planning for coastal regions rarely explicitly accounts for dynamic processes e.g. connectivity. In the design of marine protected areas it is essential to incorporate both the influence of connectivity and climate change, and equally the effect of climate change on connectivity. We are developing a strategy for conservation action involving three integrated processes - reserve network expansion, zoning (i.e. land/seascape-use) and environmental impact avoidance. We use the Zonation framework and apply our plan to the Mackay Whitsunday NRM Region of North Queensland. We obtained data on fishing and included socio-economic costs. With the use of a distribution model in Maxent, remote sensing and prioritization tools we can incorporate threats in conservation planning to achieve a more efficient planning program for coastal regions.

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 10.50AM Dynamic landscapes - understanding the history and trajectory of change to inform adaptation planning: case studies from Mackay Elisa Zavadil, Alluvium

Abstract: The Mackay coastal zone is a picturesque and dynamic section of the Queensland coast with a diverse range of features including; waterways, estuary zones, coastal wetlands, extensive tidal flats, sandy beaches, parabolic dune systems, rocky headlands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Extensive development has occurred within the coastal zone since European settlement (1860s), including the Mackay township, residential zones, and the Mackay Harbour (1935). The Pioneer River is a major source of sand to the coastline, and has a history of commercial sediment extraction which is still ongoing at several locations.

We examine landscape setting and geomorphic processes at a set of case study sites that showcase the diversity of coastal environments in the Mackay region. We highlight how an integrated approach to reviewing coastal zone processes, including the estuary, coastline and dune systems, can better inform our understanding of the long-term trajectory of change. This approach relies on a strong understanding of landscape history and trajectory of change, informed by technical understanding of the physical processes of change.

This understanding is currently being integrated into local planning and strategic management by Reef Catchments and Mackay Regional Council, including climate change adaptation planning, erosion mitigation approaches, guiding future urban development and retreat, monitoring programs, and community engagement. We highlight how a similar approach can be applied across Australia, and the fundamental role of geomorphology will continue to have in the future management of our coastal landscapes.

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 11.10AM Urban coastal foreshore reserve management in the Whitsunday region – optimising outcomes Scott Hardy, Whitsunday Regional Council

Abstract: Most urban foreshore management plans have the same goal, that is, to maximise environmental services, stabilise dunes and recognise and support public social benefits. Some foreshore management plans have an emphasis on protecting residential areas behind fragile dune systems by revegetation and use of hard engineering structures, others try and balance environmental outcomes with social recreation uses and amenity outcomes. The Whitsunday region is no different. Small coastal residential communities have developed along our beautiful coastline, often historically clearing swaths of vegetation to get sea views.

The Whitsunday Regional Council have developed five foreshore management plans in consultation and in partnership with the community since 2004. The Plans have been developed for priority foreshore areas where there were community conflicts over public space use or where native vegetation was threatened. Community consultation was an important component of the development of the Plans. The Plans document issues that the community identified as important, document the social, environmental and economic values of the coastal reserves which lie seaward of the coastal communities. The ultimate goal of the foreshore management plans have been to maximise environmental and social outcomes. The Council has found that the foreshore management plans that have been developed have assisted in protecting remnant vegetation and raising the profile of coastal zone management issues in those communities. Council has found it difficult to get community support to implement dune restoration and stabilisation work using native vegetation where views will be affected. This report will outline the Whitsunday Regional Council’s experiences in managing coastal foreshore reserves using local case studies.

Full Paper:

INTRODUCTION

Urban coastal land is often highly sought after by competing land uses. Urban foreshores are often the battle ground for competing social, economic and environmental interests. Ruckloff and Stewart (2004) state that “conflict occurs between stakeholders in the coastal zone over values, conservation and development trade- offs, access, and resource use rights”. Masselink and Hughes (2003) have noted that “most coasts support multiple activities, and interactions inevitably occur between two or more uses”. These interactions are often conflicting, or even mutually exclusive, and management is required to plan and coordinate the different uses of the coastal zone to avoid conflict (Masselink and Hughes, 2003).

The coastlines are fragile and dynamic environments which also expose residential areas to coastal hazards and risks. The exposure of residential and other land uses to coastal hazards together with competing social, economic and environmental demands and expectations have led to the coastal strip being highly regulated.

The management of the coastal zone is coordinated by government. The DEHP (2013) state that “coastal land managers are encouraged to prepare and implement local plans, where appropriate, to guide activities consistent with the management policies” of the Queensland Coastal Management Plan”.

Concepts such as Integrated Coastal Planning and Coastal Zone Planning have been developed to address the multidiscipline approach needed to address and manage coastal zone issues. According to CDoE (1998), Integrated Coastal Planning involves the recognition of multiple values. The CDoE (1998) state that the outcomes of coastal planning should be the maintenance and protection of ecological processes, recognise legitimate community needs, contribute to community well-being and is economically sustainable. Masselink and Hughes (2003) state that Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) can be defined broadly as a “dynamic process in which co-ordinated strategy is developed and implemented for the allocation of resources to achieve the conservation and sustainable use of the coastal zone”. Kay and Alder, (1999) state that “coastal management plans can chart out a course for the future development of a stretch of coast and / or assist in resolving current management problems”. Many areas around Australia have developed and implemented foreshore plans in an effort to set direction and boundaries around coastal foreshore use (BTM, 2015; Fisk et al., 2015, GHD, 2017; WAG, 2012).

The Whitsunday Regional Council includes 514km of coast line with urban areas occupying 13km. Where urban development occurs on the coast, there have been conflicts between social interaction with the coast, economic interests surrounding real estate value and the need to maintain and conserve ecological processes. People move to live at the foreshore for a range of reasons including investment opportunities, lifestyle, interest in the environment and aesthetics. The Whitsunday Regional Council have developed and implemented five foreshore management plans for priority coastal areas. The purpose of the Foreshore Management Plans have been to provide a framework for the use, protection and regulation of the foreshore to reduce community conflict and to create an awareness of the environmental values which need to be protected.

The purpose of this report is to outline the Whitsunday Regional Council experience in developing foreshore plans for coastal reserves adjacent to urban areas.

BACKGROUND

Legislation and policy over coastal foreshores in Queensland

In Queensland, the coastal zone land use is primarily regulated under the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995, the Sustainable Planning Act (2009), the Land Act (1994) and the Queensland State Planning Policy. Other legislation regulates components of the coastal zone such as the vegetation (Vegetation Management Act 1999) and the marine environment (Fisheries Act 1994). The Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) provides protection over vegetation communities such as the coastal beach scrub vegetation and matters of national environmental significance.

In addition to the legislation, the Queensland government have developed the Coastal Management Plan. According to DEHP (2013), the Coastal Management Plan is prepared under the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 (Coastal Act) to describe how the coastal zone of Queensland is to be managed. The Coastal Management Plan complements but does not duplicate the State Planning Policy, but provides important guiding policies about other matters, such as driving on beaches, coastal rehabilitation and the provision of public access (DEHP, 2013).

Local government by-laws cover issues including the use and activities in public areas, including foreshore reserves. Local laws are used to enforce issues such as tree clearing, illegal dumping, lighting fires and inappropriate use of foreshore. Local laws are developed to reflect social justice at a local or site level (DEHP, 2013). The Whitsunday Regional Council has local law 3 Community and Environment which is used manage conflicts and inappropriate use of foreshores.

Whitsunday coastal urban foreshore areas

The Whitsunday region has attractive coastal landscapes. People have been drawn to the natural beauty of the Whitsunday coast line and over time urban settlements have developed. However, not all of the coast line is accessible to the public or suited to urban development. Of the 514km of coast line, only 13.2km has development (2.5% of coastline). The Whitsunday Regional Council have 12 urban areas which are located adjacent to foreshore reserves. The Whitsunday coastal urban villages include: • Wilsons Beach – 0.4km of beach • Conway Beach – 0.4km of beach • Airlie Beach- 0.5km of beach • Cannonvale – 0.2km of beach • Dingo Beach – 1.5km of beach • Hideaway Bay – 1.4km of beach • Nelly Bay - 0.5km of beach • Brisk Bay – 1.9km of beach • Whitsunday shores – 0.4 km of beach • Bowen front beach – 1.2 km of beach • Rose Bay – 0.4 km of beach • Queens beach – 4.4km of beach

The coastal villages which have been established the longest are Airlie Beach and Bowen. The older urban villages in Airlie Beach and Bowen have been built close to the coast line with infrastructure constructed in the dune system. The construction of residential areas and road infrastructure close to the ocean has placed these areas and assets at risk of being affected by coastal hazards such as storm surge from cyclones and coastal erosion.

METHODS

Selecting sites for foreshore management plans

The Whitsunday Regional Council has selected the foreshore management plan the tool to use to manage the competing interests in a number of coastal foreshore areas. The Council has prioritised the selection of sites which require foreshore management plans to address land use conflict in and adjacent to the coastal foreshore reserves. The Council has selected sites for the development of foreshore management plans based on: • Size of the urban population. The area should be large enough to warrant the investment of time and finances in the development of the plan to protect assets. • Complaints. The Council has received complaints from the community regarding inappropriate use or activity in the foreshore, for example tree removals. • Request for infrastructure. The council has received requests from the community regarding the development of social and recreational infrastructure. • Protection of environmental values. The Council has identified environmental values in the foreshore reserve which are under threat and require protection. • Concerns regarding coastal hazards. Coastal settlements which have a history of coastal erosion.

The development of foreshore plans

The settlements that are selected for the development of coastal foreshore plans will already have issues regarding land use conflict, various views on how the foreshore should be used and managed and what activities should be supported. The involvement of the community in the development of the foreshore plans is considered critical to the implementation and success of the plans. The general process of developing the foreshore plans have been; • Review of community complaints and categorise. • Review of community issues and requests for infrastructure and categorise. • Review site environmental values. Investigate the ecosystems and determine their condition and level of threat. • Review recreational uses of the foreshore reserve. • Consider the social values and opportunities. • Review economic values and opportunities. • Identify stakeholders. • Develop a community consultation program . • Develop preliminary goals, objectives and actions for the proposed plan. • Consult the public on the environmental, social and economic values of the reserve. • Refine the preliminary goals, objectives and actions for the proposed plan. • Develop a draft foreshore plan. • Test the plan with the community. • Adopt the Plan. • Implement the plan.

The development of a foreshore management plan needs to consider the local level political environment. The development of the foreshore plans needs to be undertaken in consultation with local progress groups and other community organisations. Due to the political nature of foreshore plans, the Council needs to be informed of the progress of the plans throughout the process. Once the foreshore plans have been developed to a final version, they are presented to Council for endorsement or adoption. The development of the foreshore plans can be used to support the future investment of funds to support regulation activities or implementation of social and recreational infrastructure. The general approach to the development of the foreshore plans is based on the Integrated Coastal Planning approach.

RESULTS

The Whitsunday Regional Council have developed five foreshore plans in-house. The Council has developed foreshore plans for; • Hideaway Bay • Dingo Beach (Trochus Reserve) • Brisk Bay • Rose Bay • Queens Beach

In 1998, officers from the QPWS developed a foreshore management plan for the Nelly Bay Beach Scrub (Tipman, 1994). The outcomes for each foreshore plan are summarised in table 1.

Table 1. Summary of key outcomes established in the foreshore plans.

Location Year Area (ha) Key challenges Key actions and outcomes approved Nelly Bay 1994 14.2 Protection of beach scrub (littoral Use of zones to define use. rainforest). Pedestrian access points defined. Illegal camping. Recognition of beach scrub value. Revegetation areas identified. Hydeaway Bay 2005 9 Protection of beach scrub (littoral Use of zones to define uses. rainforest). Recreation, Neighbourhood Tree clearing. Recreation and Bushland View retention and enhancement Protection zones. Expanding gardens and backyards into View framing permitted. the foreshore reserve. Environmental Pedestrian access points values of foreshore. defined. Ecotourism potential. Recognition of beach scrub value. Maintenance rules established. Trochus 2006 4.6 Tree clearing. Define levels of Reserve Bushfire. maintenance. (Dingo Beach) Fire management guidelines. Queens Beach 2010 12.45 Tree clearing. Use of management areas to Ocean view retention. define use and revegetation Beach erosion. guidelines. Rose Bay 2011 2.1 Beach erosion. View framing permitted Pedestrian access. Maintenance rules Dumping of green waste. established. View retention. Rates of erosion monitored. Brisk Bay 2012 14 Boat ramp. View framing permitted. 4wd use on the beach. 4wd areas defined. Maintenance of the foreshore. Boat launching areas View retention. identified. Expanding gardens and backyards into Weed control program the foreshore reserve. developed.

DISCUSSION

The Whitsunday urban foreshore areas have a range of social, environmental and economic values. The urban foreshore areas have a number of common issues which include conflict between the social – environmental values. The most common social-environmental conflicts on the foreshore reserves are the removal of vegetation for view enhancements, removal of vegetation for passive recreation areas, use of vehicles in the reserve and on the beach, and expansion of backyards into the reserve. The economic – environmental conflicts which occur include perceived linkages between proportion of sea view and real estate value, linkage between passive open space and real estate value and public investment into foreshore infrastructure and real estate values. Gaining community consenus on how to manage the competing interests and community views is not an easy task.

The development of a community engagement program for the development of the foreshore plans is important to the process because it: • Provides a forum for residents to express their views on foreshore issues. • Assists council collate all the issues. • Provides an opportunity for council to increase awareness of the legislative and policy framework which it needs to work within in the coastal zone. • Provides a community wide collective understanding of the issues and proposed way forward. • Assists Council in identifying environmental, social and economic opportunities for the reserve. • Assists the council in determining the levels of service for foreshore maintenance and investment.

The community engagement program needs to have a number of processes for residents to participate. Some residents will not attend public meetings and feel more comfortable with putting their valued views to council in writing. The use of a community engagement program for the development of the foreshore plans gives credibility to the plans and comfort to politicians that a valid process has been used to try and solve the land use conflicts. The community engagement program will generally increase the acceptance of the Plan, and discussion forums can be used to acknowledge that not everyone will get want they want and compromises may need to be made.

The development of foreshore plans has enabled the Council to address site specific issues for small communities living adjacent to the coast. The foreshore plans have a defined target audience and can target detailed issues in the foreshore. The Council has used the foreshore plans to draw on the relevant Commonwealth, State and local legislation and Policy to steer on-ground rules and action plans which will increase or maintain social use while securing environmental outcomes where possible.

The goal of maximising environmental outcomes in urban foreshore reserves is not easy. In some reserves, the vegetation has been already cleared with little to protect and efforts to revegetate will not be supported by the community. In reserves where there are pockets of remnant vegetation, the Whitsunday Regional Council has found that providing protection to these areas may offer the only opportunity for successful environmental outcomes. Revegetation efforts have been attempted where the trees are not located adjacent to residential areas but the success of these activities have been mixed. The lack of water and animal activity reduce the success of revegetation on and behind the foreshore dunes. The Whitsunday Council has found that environmental outcomes from the foreshore management plan processes may be limited to protecting the vegetation which is left.

The goal of maximising social outcomes on the foreshore reserves is often well supported by the community. Lifestyle is often an important factor in people choosing to live adjacent to foreshore areas. Residents have been interested in exploring new recreational opportunities in foreshore areas and gain funding to renew or improve existing social infrastructure and assets. Where a foreshore plan supports the upgrade, or introduction of new recreational opportunities, residents in general will be more interested to support the plan.

The goal of maximising economic opportunities and outcomes through a foreshore plan is not obvious. There is the value of the physical property, but attempting to attach or link foreshore intrinsic values and assets to an economic benefit can be difficult. How much value does a foreshore reserve nearby add to house prices, local business profitability and tourism? There have often been comments raised in community consultation by residents who feel that there is an economic value to them of having an interesting, attractive and well- resourced (assets) foreshore reserve. The development of foreshore reserve plans can list aspirational community assets, but funding them for a small population may be difficult to achieve in council’s competitive budget process.

The Whitsunday Regional Council has developed its Foreshore Management Plans broadly following the concept of Integrated Coastal Management Planning as described in CDOE (1998) and by Alves et al.,(2014) and Integrated Coastal Management (Masselink and Hughes (2003). The Council has used a method of zoning to divide the foreshore reserve area into management units or use areas. The use of management areas or zoning has been used by other practitioners to develop Foreshore Management Plans (CCRC, 2015). The use of management areas or foreshore zones allows the council and community to determine individual rules and actions for specific areas in the reserve.

CONCLUSION

The development of a Foreshore Management Plan can be an ideological wrestling match with the community involved where competing interests are thrown on the community table and often strongly debated. The Whitsunday Region Council approach to foreshore planning has been based on the Integrated Coastal Planning approach where the economic, social and environmental values are assessed in a consultative process with the community. The Foreshore Plans are designed to maximise economic, environmental and social outcomes. The community consultation process involves opportunities for the local community to list issues and negotiate suitable solutions, outcomes and site rules. In the Whitsunday experience, foreshore plans are good to protect the vegetation that is left, but making improvements beyond this is a slog. The Whitsunday Council has found that it is a challenge to protect existing environmental values and any small improvements to environmental areas need the support of the community. The Council has found that it is important to have realistic expectations surrounding what a conservation win looks like for each individual foreshore location. With a number of Whitsunday coastal foreshore plans ready for review, it will be vital to invest in gaining political support to progress and maximise outcomes and opportunities across the social, environmental and economic foreshore reserve realms to improve the plans.

REFERENCES

Alves, F.L., Sousa, L.P., Esteves, T.C., Oliveira, E.R., Antunes, I.C., Fernandes, M.L., Carvalho, L., Barroso, S., Pereira, M., (2014). Trend Change(s) in Coastal Management Plans: the integration of short and medium- term perspectives in the spatial planning process. In: Green, A.N. and Cooper, J.A.G. (eds.), Proceedings 13th International Coastal Symposium (Durban, South Africa), Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 70, pp. 437–442, ISSN 0749-0208.

BMT, (2015). Kempsey Coastal Zone Management Plan. BMT, Brisbane.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council, (2015). Foreshore Management Plan – Greater Mission Beach Area. Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Cardwell.

Commonwealth Department of Environment, (1998). Good practice guidelines for Integrated Coastal Planning. Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra

Fisk, G., Cavanagh, D., Fletcher, M., McGuire, S., (2015). Community Uses in Coastal Zone Management Plans: Moving Beyond Minimum Requirements. 5th Queensland Coastal Conference, Coolum.

GHD, (2017). Foreshore management plan review Lucinda and Forest Beach. GHD, Brisbane.

Kay, R., and Alder, J., (1999). Coastal Planning and Management. E and FN Spon, Routledge, London.

Masselink, G., and Hughes, M.G., (2003). Introduction to coastal processes and geomorphology. Oxford University Press, New York.

Rockloff, S. F. and Stewart, L., (2004). Participatory tools for coastal zone management: Use of stakeholder analysis and social mapping in Australia. S. J Coast Conserv (2004) 10: 81.

Tipman, G.F. (1994). Dune management plan - Nelly Bay Beach. Project Report, QPWS, Airlie Beach.

Western Australia Government, (2012). Guidelines for developing foreshore management plans in the Swan Canning River Park. WA gov, Perth.

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 11.30AM Environmental Monitoring: Strategic Planning Tool or Bureaucratic Box-Ticking? How Whitsunday Shire Council Got Ahead of the Curve John Thorogood, FRC Environmental

Abstract: Environmental regulation is oft a blunt instrument, commonly aimed at achieving ambitious goals through the exercise of 'one-size fits all' authority. This paper, developed around two local environmental monitoring programs, shows how monitoring, strategically designed and implemented, can enable local authorities and industry alike to not only avoid the waste and futility of 'box-ticking', but to achieve tangible returns on their investment in understanding the coastal environment and our impacts on it.

The paper's first case study begins in the 1990s' with the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency and a corresponding focus on point-source polluters. Local authorities across south-east Queensland, experiencing significant population growth and often discharging nutrient-rich treated effluent to semi-enclosed waters like Moreton Bay, made significant investments in infrastructure upgrades.

Also under pressure to upgrade infrastructure were less well-resourced local authorities like Whitsunday Shire Council. This paper describes how a visionary Council decided to take control of its future by investing in a monitoring program that would provide them with the knowledge and understanding to effectively negotiate with the EPA, guide the cost-effective upgrading of infrastructure and simultaneously engage their community. The monitoring program ran for over a decade and was continually refined and refocused as one question was answered and another emerged.

The paper's second case study considers how monitoring can either be allowed to damage an entity's reputation, or be designed to enhance it. Whilst development of the Port of Airlie marina was controversial, the owners investment in a well-designed seagrass monitoring program, allowed 'hard numbers' to make the point that a well designed and constructed marina can exist alongside a natural treasure. TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 11.30AM Noosa Different by Nature - 50 years of Crafting a Coastal Biosphere Reserve Brian Stockwell & Rebecca Britton, Noosa Council

Abstract: Noosa was looked after for thousands of years by the Kabi Kabi /Gubbi Gubbi people, their custodianship first challenged by timber getters in the 1860s. Like many coastal communities whose popularity grew as a surfing destination in the 60s and 70s, Noosa faced choices about how it would develop. The 1980s and 1990s saw significant environmental battles where the Noosa community fought to retain its natural identity – unfettered by rampant development. On the coast concerns about high rise, international resorts and loss of the unique Great Sandy and wallum ecosystems came to a head. In the hinterland, Noosa Landcare was formed in response to tensions over aerial spraying. These environmental battles defined that period and culminated in the 1997 Strategic Plan that was underpinned by the concept of carrying capacity - widely touted as a ‘population cap’.

A real sense of alignment between the Council and the community was highlighted when the State government decided to amalgamate Noosa Shire. The Noosa community fought to stop that decision in 2007 marching in their thousands on George Street. Despite not winning the initial campaign in 2008, the Noosa community continued the fight for what they believed in and in July 2014 Noosa Shire was re- established.

Noosa River has an A rating and over one third of Noosa Shire is protected area. While the Shire has good biodiversity compared to the rest of South East Queensland (SEQ), some of our high-profile fauna such as fish stocks and koalas are under pressure and the coasts are vulnerable to climate change.

This paper will outline not just the ambitious planning and policy agenda post de-amalgamation but also the local social, cultural and institutional traits that have evolved over the last 50 years and led to Noosa Shire being acknowledged by UNESCO under the Man and the Biosphere Reserve Program.

Full Paper:

INTRODUCTION

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment concluded that over the past 50 years, humans have changed ecosystems more rapidly and extensively than in any comparable period of time in human history resulting in largely irreversible loss in the diversity of life on Earth (Anon 2005). The people of Noosa have consciously chosen to take a different path and the diversity and extent of nature has suffered far less than other similar coastal communities around the world. This is despite its location at the northern extreme of one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.

The Noosa journey started treading in a different direction in the early 1960s when Noosa Council and the community banded together to protect the unique coastal ecosystems around Noosa Heads and oppose the continued sand mining along the Noosa North Shore. In the year Rachel Carson published “A Silent Spring” and Judith Wright and David Fleay founded the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland the Harrold’s, Fearnley’s and Max Walker formed the Noosa Parks Association (Wellington 2014). It was 1962 and the fledgling organisation soon had 100 members. In 1979 then President of the association Jim Fearnley was the first member elected to Council. His wife Cecily recalled in 2016 how they made the decision that “the only way to control the immediate desire to put one person on top of another and thus destroy the feel of the place was to be on council” (Jay and Stockwell 2016a).

In the 1970s the Harrold’s were once again in the thick of it, this time opposing the planned ten storey building on the beach front. In what was a courageous act in the prevailing political era Marjorie Harrold opposed both the developer and the Council in court and lost (Cato 1979). The development did not proceed, but the battle for a different form of development did and soon after the Noosa Resident and Ratepayers Association was formed. Both these organisations continue today and have played a pivotal role in “motivating and engaging the community in planning decisions which prevented developers from turning their paradise into a highrise jungle” (Denby et al. 2007 p5).

The 1980s and 1990s saw significant environmental battles where the Noosa community fought to retain its natural identity – unfettered by rampant development. On the coast concerns about high rise, international resorts and loss of the unique Great Sandy and wallum ecosystems came to a head.

The 1982-85 Council was ‘Whitlam-esque’ with big minds, big ideas and big debates. It was the first term for two subsequent long term Mayor’s, Bob Abbot and Noel Playford, a future High Court Judge of PNG, Tos Barnett, and architect and environmental psychologist Peter Bycroft. This Council established the early blueprint for Noosa today, including the design principles for signs, buildings and local villages, the focus on roundabouts and the lofty concepts of building a steady state economy based on valuing our natural assets. Most of what has followed was conceived in this period, but little was achieved on the ground. As a result there was a decided change of complexion in the 1985-88 Council.

The community, unhappy with the ‘development at any cost’ approach, voted out most of the pro development council in 1988; in favour of those with a greener view (Denby et al 2007). After his loss in the 1985 election, son of a rural pioneering family, Noel Playford took the reigns. He recently recalled “I could see the council was struggling. We had big development coming to town and destroying the place I grew up in and you can’t just criticise you’ve got to put up your hand and see if you can do something about it; and that’s what I did” (Jay and Stockwell 2016c). By 1990 height limits had been reduced to a maximum of four storeys, huge developments, bridges and airports on the North Shore opposed and a large section of local and state land previously mooted for development had been slated for dedication as National Park (Gloster 1997). In the hinterland, Noosa Landcare was formed in response to tensions between the traditional farmers and the new rural ‘escapees’ over aerial spraying of the herbicide 24D. The early range of natural resource management and educational initiatives led to the Council receiving the inaugural Queensland (1990) and National (1991) Landcare Award for Local Government.

With rapid growth from ‘seachange’ and ‘treechange’ in-migration in the 90s there was a growing fear that population growth and development would see Noosa become yet another city dominated by high rises, traffic lights and congestion. A major turning point can be traced back to the mid-1990s, when Council initiated a review and evaluation of the Shire’s growth patterns (Denby et al. 2007). This involved the community in determining the kind of place that Noosa would be in the future. The tactical acumen of long term strategic planner, and chess tragic, Paul Summers led to the early adoption of GIS multi-criteria analysis. In 1997 he and his team championed the application of McHarg’s (1995) ‘Design with Nature’ principles to create the much heralded Strategic Plan. Born was the concept of maintaining a population capacity based on the environmental carrying capacity of the land, available and planned infrastructure, and community preferences to protect character and liveability. From this, the Strategic Plan set limits to growth through controlling land use, development densities and limiting subdivision.

At the change of the millennium concerns grew about the Noosa River being loved to death. This led to an innovative partnership between Council, the community and state government to promote the integrated management of the river. In a first of its kind, the Noosa River Plan was approved by Cabinet and launched by Premier Beattie in January 2005.

For over fifty years the community, sometimes working in conjunction with the Council of the day, sometimes against it, have held firm to a form of development that was different by nature. The ‘Noosa style’ is embedded in a respect for nature; small scale development with an absence of city symbols; and aims to keep within the environmental carrying capacity of the local natural resources. It treads lightly on the landscape, having no buildings higher than the tree tops; and it drives an economy based on natural value. Noosa Shire celebrates a balanced relationship between humans and the environment and its recognition internationally as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2007 is testament to this.

However, Noosa's environmental values are under pressure from a variety of threatening processes including from climate change, weeds and invasive species, vegetation clearing, habitat fragmentation from development, erosion and sedimentation, declines in soil health, human-wildlife conflicts and growing visitor numbers. Only three years since it was re-established Council has set in place a raft of policies and planning processes to address these challenges. As a Council, and a community, Noosa is learning from the past so it can become more resilient in the face of an uncertain future. Noosa Nature – At a Glance

The Shire forms the northern extent of the Sunshine Coast within the greater region of South East Queensland (SEQ). It is the northern gateway connecting SEQ with the coastal and regional centres of the Great Sandy Region. It sits some 120 kms to the north of Brisbane, Queensland's capital city. The Shire covers an area of 870km2 and is an area of outstanding beauty, framed by coastal beaches and spectacular mountain ranges, and characterised by dramatic mountain peaks. Around 55% of the Shire is covered in native vegetation and over one-third of the Shire is in protected reserves, the largest being the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park.

Noosa enjoys a great diversity of ecological communities and flora and fauna species that are recognised and protected including the critically endangered lowland rainforest community and critical habitats such as the internationally recognised migratory bird habitats and marine turtle nesting sites. Of the 55% of the Shire covered in native vegetation (as at 2017), more than 40,000 hectares is classified as 'remnant' vegetation with a significantly high extent and proportion of endangered vegetation. While the Shire comprises 1.4% of the total area of SEQ it contains representations of 39% of the regional ecosystems that can occur in the SEQ bioregion (Eco Logical 2017). Unique ecosystems include rare sub-tropical examples of patterned fens (wetland ecosystem), coastal lagoon systems, sand lakes and dune systems.

A network of core habitat areas provides ecological connectivity from a wide cross section of ecosystem types and altitudinal ranges. A diverse network of wetlands is present, of good ecological condition and encompassing over 16,000 hectares. This interconnected biodiversity network has strong adaptive capacity to endure the impacts of climate change and other emerging challenges because of the size and connectedness of protected areas and remnant vegetation.

The Shire is proud of its status as the most biologically diverse local government area in South East Queensland, supporting a wealth of environmental assets and ecosystem services that support the community's health, wellbeing and prosperity. Similarly, the community is committed to preserving the Noosa River system as the healthiest in SEQ.

International Recognition – A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

The quality of the natural and built environment has made Noosa one of the most desirable places in the world to live and an internationally recognised tourist destination. In 2016 the New Daily ranked Noosa Heads as the best ‘seachange’ town in Australia. This status has been both the result of good fortune in terms of climate, amenity and natural resources and good management in terms of how consecutive generations have cared for the place and evolved a set of community values and planning principles. These long-standing values and principles have shaped the development of Noosa Shire and have been the foundation of Noosa's planning schemes.

Success has come by finding the delicate balance between meeting contemporary needs and ensuring that Shire's core values are not eroded. This includes protecting and maintaining natural assets for current and future generations, well planned infrastructure and ensuring the planned extent of urban development and population growth is sustainably maintained through the definition of urban boundaries, development densities and building heights.

The declaration of Noosa Shire as a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s Program for Man in the Biosphere was in recognition of the commitment of the community to environmental excellence and the pursuit of ecologically sustainable development. UNESCO specifically recognised in Noosa Shire a sophisticated level of human settlement, a high level of inter-relationship with the natural environment and a strong sense of community involvement and co-ordination over a broad range of human settlement and natural environment issues.

In the decade since this recognition was achieved good planning, management and Council community collaborations have resulted in an improvement of environmental conditions and indicators of ecosystem health. For example, the extent and condition of wetlands, seagrass, saltmarsh and mangrove ecosystems have all improved. Further, the recent ‘Biodiversity Assessment Study’ revealed that both remnant and non- remnant woody vegetation has increased (Eco Logical 2017).

THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF A SUSTAINABLE & RESILIENT COMMUNITY The key to sustainable communities is recognising that economic opportunity, ecological integrity, and social equity are interlocking links in the chain of well-being (Oliver 2002).

Bernard and Young (1997) identify eight characteristics that appear common to communities striving for sustainable futures in the USA including: a good working knowledge of the ecosystem; a commitment to ecosystem health; a commitment to learning; respect for all parts; a sense of place, acceptance of change, a long-term investment horizon; and the ability to set limits. Similarly, Berkes & Ross (2013) suggest developing community strengths, and building agency and self-organization, with attention to people–place connections, values and beliefs, knowledge and learning, social networks, collaborative governance, economic diversification, infrastructure, leadership, and a positive outlook are the keys to enhancing community resilience. It is the strength of the community in respect to all the above attributes that has led to Noosa being ‘different by nature’ and a global model of genuine sustainability.

Noosa Shire has been shaped not only by nature but by the actions of passionate and creative residents, developers, community groups, planning and design professionals and Council. Noosa Shire is a community that values, preserves and builds upon its core values. Council continues to work with the community, taking stewardship of the Shire's natural resources and seeking to maintain and enhance the lifestyle of residents through careful planning and inclusive decision making. The community is highly engaged both politically and socially with 20% of residents volunteering their time in over 300 community groups (Anon 2015).

Good leadership has resulted in the community having a great deal of respect for the Council, and with it a great deal of trust (Denby et al. 2007). This has facilitated the progressive implementation of ambitious plans, policies and projects as the community has willingly collaborated with Council. Tony Haslam, then Chairman of the Community Environment Sector Board stated “I think the leadership is really, really important…just because something is popular doesn’t make it right. …and that’s where leaders come in” (quoted in Denby 2007, p8). Strong leadership from Council has built up the strength of the community to fight battles against ideas they feel are detrimental to Noosa. From the big battles of the 90s to current day there has always been widespread support for millions of ratepayers’ dollars to be spent in court battles to defend the Noosa planning scheme.

A real sense of alignment between the Council and the community was highlighted when the State government decided to amalgamate Noosa Shire. In 2007 over 10,000 people marched on Parliament House. The late Stan Chandler, life member of the Noosa Shire Residents and Ratepayers Association, recounted the results of a petition promoted at federal election booths at the time “…over the ten booths being manned by all the various community organisations we collected 22,000 odd signatures, almost the whole election population” (Jay and Stockwell 2016b). The combined voice of 95% of the community opposing the proposal could not dampen the state government’s enthusiasm for regional government and Noosa became a minority interest in the Sunshine Coast Council. The Noosa community continued to fight for what they believed in, and gained a LNP election promise to hold a de-amalgamation poll. In 2013 81% of voters said ‘yes’ and in July 2014 Noosa Shire was re-established.

Local Identity and Sense of Place

The long-term planning and sustainable local community-based approach to governance has underpinned the Shire's enduring economic strength. It has created a 'Noosa brand' that provides a unique advantage and a 'natural' point of difference. To marketers and tourism promoters the ‘brand’ means business. To those who live here the brand attributes are what instils a deep sense of place. The community respects and appreciates its environment and has goals of environmental excellence, quality lifestyle and economic well- being. The well-defined character of Noosa Shire, made up of both natural and built features, contributes to how people interact with each other and their environment, their sense of belonging and engagement in the community.

Sense of place is inevitably dual in nature, involving both an interpretive perspective on the environment and an emotional reaction to the environment. Hummon (1992) suggests that it results in our understanding of place and our feelings about place becoming fused in the context of environmental meaning. It is therefore a powerful driver of responses to environmental policy and planning initiatives (Cantrill & Senecah 2001). It is the beauty, complexity and richness of Noosa’s landscape and natural qualities that inspires, innovates and creates – driving Noosa’s growing sustainable tourism, creative industries and the many high value, low environmental impact industries. THE NOOSA RIVER – AN ARTERY AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

The ecological, cultural heritage and economic values of the river system are highly sensitive to change and are under increasing pressure from population growth, tourism growth, increased boating numbers and human activities in and adjacent to the river. It provides a good example of the Noosa approach.

Jointly developed and implemented by Council and various state government departments the Noosa River Plan aimed to maintain a balance between the ecological social and economic values of this busy waterway. The Plan provided a vision and framework for a coordinated and consistent approach to the planning, development and management of the Noosa River system. Acknowledging both its innovation and impact the Noosa River Plan received the Healthy Waterways Government Award in 2006.

The Plan’s Community Industry and Advisory Committee went into limbo just after amalgamation and the community began to raise a range of community concerns regarding the stalling of plan implementation. In the 2008/09 financial year, the extent of on-ground projects by community based natural resource management groups and agricultural enterprise significantly declined as a result of disinvestment by all levels of government. In 2009 a large community forum resulted in a joint policy position being developed and endorsed by the Noosa Residents and Ratepayers Association, the Noosa Integrated Catchment Association (NICA), Noosa Parks Association and the Noosa District Landcare Group. The community started an advocacy campaign to all levels of government for reinstatement of integrated management and funding to help maintain an ‘A’ rating in the annual Ecosystem Health Report Card for the estuary and freshwater sections of the Noosa River. The campaign successfully kick started new engagement between the community, council and the state government.

Five years later, at another large community forum on river issues, the new Noosa Council committed to holding a ‘community jury’ to explore the integrated management options. The successful application of this deliberative democracy technique resulted in a range of recommendations including suggestions to: update the Noosa River Plan in a new framework with formal status and authority; maintain catchment protections; protect aboriginal cultural heritage sites & engage aboriginal people on all aspects of river management and establish a river management coordination committee. Eight recommendations specifically related to on- river activities i.e. anchoring, mooring, living on board & commercial jetty leases.

Since then Council has been actively implementing the recommendations, lobbying relevant Ministers, building relationships with the Kabi Kabi people and commencing the development of a new Noosa River Catchment Management Plan to protect ecosystem health, water quality and safety on the river. Further, the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation in conjunction with the Thomas Foundation, Noosa Parks Association and University of Sunshine Coast have embarked on an ambitious “Bring Back the Fish Project” involving a suite of research, catchment management activities and habitat restoration through the reintroduction of oyster reefs. NICA continues to be a vibrant volunteer organisation with active river ranger, bushcare and educational programs. Sustainable management of the Noosa River is therefore very much at the forefront of priorities once again.

EMERGING ISSUES & CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL INITITIAVES

As Noosa looks to the future, efforts are focused on protecting and enhancing local and regional values and building resilient ecosystems and connectivity. Through council’s environmental land acquisition program, strategic investment in significant environmental land is safeguarding large tracts of riparian lands along the Noosa River and improving broader landscape connectivity. Since 2006 1550ha of environment levy funded land has been acquired by council for conservation purposes with a further 1500ha currently in negotiations. As part of its community partnership programs, Council is working with Noosa Landcare and Bushcare volunteers, landholders, universities and other organisations to instil shared values and build capacity and understanding around protection of Noosa’s biodiversity and ecosystems services. This includes improving soil health to increase catchment buffer function and carbon sequestration; increasing community awareness to manage pests, native fauna, vegetation, sedimentation and water quality; and increasing the extent of vegetative cover and regrowth vegetation in strategic areas to improve biodiversity and connectivity.

The growth of Noosa District Landcare from an informal sub-committee in the late 1980s to a significant social enterprise, and one of the largest employers in the rural part of the Shire, today exemplifies the social capital built on the journey. Not only does the group partner with Council in various initiatives and provides expert input into the development of environmental related policies and plans but Council also engages them as a service provider. Currently the group is contracted to develop ecological restoration plans and undertake on-ground management of its natural area reserves. Further, it has partnered with the Mary River Catchment Coordination Association to evaluate the shire’s waterways and wetlands and recommend rehabilitation priorities and riparian buffers for the planning scheme review. In addition, Landcare has received a council grant to prepare a ‘Biopassage Strategy’ to guide improvements to the passage of fish and other aquatic organisms.

Like other coastal communities, climate change is expected to impact on vulnerable species and ecosystems due to sea level rise and increased coastal erosion and inundation. Coastal dune communities, mangroves, saltmarshes and paperbark woodlands are likely to be most affected. Rainforest, wetlands and heath communities are significantly susceptible to saline incursion and storm tide inundation anticipated with rising sea levels. Improving understanding of coastal hazard risks for biodiversity is an important focus for Council’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan. This plan is being developed to ensure a long term approach to building ecological resilience to climate change risks across the whole of Noosa Shire. Funded by the Queensland Government QCoast2100 program the $700,000 project will help guide Noosa’s coastal management over the next 50 years.

Council has adopted a Corporate Zero Emissions Strategy with a target of zero net emissions for the organisation by 2026 (Anon. 2016b). Along with a suite of initiatives, an important consideration in targeting zero emissions is the management of Noosa’s waste to landfill which is the largest emitter of corporate greenhouse gas emissions (67%). Maximising recycling and resource recovery, reducing the amount of green waste entering landfill, and curbing illegal dumping and littering are priorities. To this end, council is introducing a compulsory green bin system which will collect garden waste, and potentially food scraps, from the urban areas for commercial scale composting.

Council has also established a set of ‘Sustainability Principles’ to uphold and apply in every aspect of its service delivery. These principles filter through the council’s plans and policies and provide for a more integrated approach to managing different situations beyond the traditional silos. A set of sustainability indicators are under development to measure and monitor Council and the community’s progress towards meeting sustainability aims.

CONCLUSION

The Noosa Shire has outstanding environmental values with a diverse range of distinctive landscapes and exceptional biodiversity of great local, regional and global significance. Continued effort is required to protect and enhance these environmental values, build ecosystem resilience, and enhance connectivity. This is best achieved through strong partnerships with the community, commitment to research, information sharing, education, clear planning and policy, and consistently applied land use controls. The re- establishment of a truly local government has been a catalyst for a new era of innovation to address the challenges to a sustainable future. The ambitious planning and policy agenda post de-amalgamation has been underpinned by the local social, cultural and institutional traits that have evolved over the last 50 years and led to Noosa Shire being acknowledged by UNESCO under the Man and the Biosphere Reserve Program.

The lessons learnt from the Noosa experience include: • Create a shared set of values, understanding and knowledge that builds the capacity of the community so they can be a strong voice and advocate. • See the value of partnerships and community volunteers to make good things happen – then the community owns the results and celebrates the successes. • Have clear principles of sustainability and environmental standards that are closely adhered to. • Actively work to engage and communicate with the community as these are the people that will turn sustainability into real action. • Be bold and innovative. Don’t be afraid to be the first.

‘Noosa Shire – different by nature’ is the corporate vision statement. This vision is underpinned by Council ‘beliefs’ of respect, inclusion, responsiveness and authenticity. For residents and visitors alike to experience and authentic Australian coastal community we need to understand our history and learn from our past (Anon 2017). REFERENCES Anon. (2005). Overview of the Milliennium Ecosystem Assessment http://millenniumassessment.org/en/About.html Anon. (2015). Noosa Social Strategy. Noosa Council, Tewantin Qld Australia. https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/documents/40217326/40227860/Noosa%20Social%20Strategy.pdf Anon. (2016a). Australia’s best seachange towns No.1: Noosa Heads. updated Feb 2016. http://thenewdaily.com.au/life/trading-places-2016/ Anon. (2016b) Zero Emissions Organisational Strategy 2016-2016. www.noosa.qld.gov.au/documents/40217326/40227890/Zero%20Emissions%20Organisational%20S trategy Anon. (2017). Corporate Plan 2016-2036: Noosa Shire – different by nature. https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/documents/40217326/40227860/Corporate%20Plan%202017-2037- FINAL.pdf Berkes, F. & Ross, H. (2013). 'Community Resilience: Toward an Integrated Approach ', Society and Natural Resources, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 5-20. Bernard, T. and Young, J. (1997) The Ecology of Hope: Communities Collaborate for Sustainability. New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island, BC, Canada. Cantrill, J.G. & Senecah, S.L. (2001). 'Using the `sense of self-in-place' construct in the context of environmental policy-making and landscape planning'. Environmental Science & Policy, vol. 4, no. 4-5, pp. 185-203. Cato,N. (1979) The Noosa Story: A Study in Unplanned Development. Jacaranda Press, Milton Queensland. Denby, L., Tilbury, D and Cerone, F. (2007). Sustainability in Noosa: A case study, Australian Research Institute in Education for Sustainability (ARIES) for the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Heritage, Sydney. Eco Logical. (2017). Noosa Shire Biodiversity Assessment Study. Noosa Council Queensland. Gloster, M. (1997). The Shaping of Noosa. Noosa Blue Publishing Group, Noosa Heads, Queensland. Hummon, D. M. (1992). Community attachment: Local sentiment and sense of place. In Place Attachment, eds. I. Altman and S. M. Low, p.253–278. New York: Plenum. Jay, R. and Stockwell, B. (2016a) Noosa local heroes: Cecily Fearnely. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPSEslzV-qg Jay, R. and Stockwell, B. (2016b) Noosa local heroes:Stan Chandler . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQZpMusbhXo Jay, R. and Stockwell, B. (2016c) Noosa local heroes: Noel Playford. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oILdD2A5YW4 Oliver, P. (2002). Developing effective partnership in natural resource management, Masters Thesis, Griffith University. Wellington, T. (2014) Noosa & Cooloola: Celebrating 50 years of Noosa Parks Association. Beaut Books, Tinbeerwah, Queensland.

CONCURRENT SESSION 3

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 10.30AM How close to the coast? Use of expert advice in coastal development approvals Nick Harvey, University of Adelaide

Abstract: Expert coastal advice is used to varying degrees by Australian state or local government authorities in making development decisions. These experts may be ‘in-house’ or external independent consultants with expertise from a range of backgrounds such as coastal geomorphologists, coastal engineers or coastal and marine biologists and ecologists. While there is a large body of literature on coastal vulnerability related to climate change and extensive literature on coastal protection and adaption strategies, there does not appear to be much discussion in the literature about the extent to which expert coastal advice is being used to avoid or reduce development in vulnerable coastal areas such as low-lying parts of southeast Queensland. This paper seeks to address this gap using documentation from selected coastal jurisdictions to examine what procedures or guidelines exist to incorporate coastal expert advice in assessment of coastal development proposals. Given the planning and approval processes for coastal developments vary considerably between the different state and territory governments, the paper uses selected examples of both contentious and more routine development approvals with a focus on South Australia and Queensland. In South Australia, for example, data have been analysed over a ten-year period to show the extent to which coastal expert advice has been incorporated into coastal development proposals. The paper concludes that coastal expert advice is variably applied in coastal development approvals. Approaches range from specific expert ‘coastal councils’ or ‘coastal boards’, which have authority to make decisions, to expert boards which provide advice but their advice is not always taken. Some jurisdictions have no requirement to obtain expert advice for any coastal development. A recent increase in the use of coastal expert advice in legal challenges over existing and proposed coastal development indicates the importance of incorporating appropriate expert advice into early planning stages of coastal development proposals.

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 10.50AM Improving coastal erosion hazard assessments in Queensland Selwyn Sultmann & Paul Prenzler, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection

Abstract: Coastal hazards (storm tide inundation and coastal erosion) are a significant threat to coastal communities and these will be worsened over time by sea level rise from climate change. Local government has two key responsibilities for coastal hazard management in its area: • integrating the State Planning Policy interests for coastal hazards and the coastal environment into its planning and development decisions and • understanding and managing the future risk to the community from climate change on the coast. This may be achieved by development of a coastal hazard adaptation strategy which the State is currently funding through the QCoast2100 funding program.

This paper focuses on the identification of coastal hazard areas. The State has historically provided erosion hazard assessment and mapping to local government as erosion prone areas (EPA) declared under the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995. This is based on a robust methodology but being a state- wide product it includes broad-scale assumptions and generalisations which may reduce accuracy at the local level.

There are four key questions when considering the path for an erosion hazard assessment: • are the current assessments and mapping fit for the intended purpose? • what approaches are available for councils to improve the erosion hazard assessment? • does the hazard mapping need updating or consideration of local conditions? • what are the time, cost and resource implications?

This paper provides a framework for council to understand the value and limitations of current EPAs and pathways to improve the product to a desired ‘fit for purpose’ product. It also outlines the need to integrate development of any new product with the statutory EPA process to ensure a single hazard assessment product is agreed by State and local government.

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 11.10AM Tools to assist in offset delivery in the coastal environment Tiffany Harrington, Queensland Government

Abstract: Queensland’s coastal zone contains a range of coastal and estuarine ecosystems that has resulted in a highly diverse environment containing many environmentally significant values. Some of particular interest include marine parks such as the Great Barrier Reef, threatened wildlife, significant wetlands and fish habitats. It is these assets that have attracted over 80% of the Queensland population to the coastal zone. The increase in residential, rural and industrial development along Queensland’s coastline has resulted in significant habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation. Therefore, one of Queensland’s greatest emerging challenges is the need to mitigate current environmental damage and disturbance, while addressing the growing threats associated with population growth. One of the tools that the Queensland State Government use to mitigate these impacts is the implementation of the Queensland Environmental Offsets Framework, introduced in 2014. This legislation allows the use of environmental offsets to compensate for unavoidable impacts on environmental matters. However, finding suitable sites to undertake offsets for environmental matters on the coast can be a challenging exercise.

Under the Queensland Environmental Offsets Framework, proponents may counterbalance unavoidable impacts on environmental matters by delivering a proponent driven offset or financial settlement offset. The Queensland Environmental Offsets Framework offers proponents a range of “strategic environmental offset implementation tools” that can be used to facilitate the delivery of offset obligations. Advanced offsets and direct benefit management plans (DBMPs) are two such tools that have the potential to be used to assist in locating a suitable offset.

The purpose of our presentation will be to explain advanced offsets and DBMPs and discuss their potential to be a valuable method for delivering environmental offsets in the coastal environment using the example of marine plants.

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 11.30AM Bureau of Meteorology supporting coastal decisions in Queensland Greg Stuart, Bureau of Meteorology

Abstract: The Bureau of Meteorology provides information services to support a range of coastal management decisions in Queensland. While most of the community is aware of the weather predictions, rainfall radars and severe weather warnings this paper will describe the range of lesser known services that already exist and new services currently being developed. Observations and models of many natural processes that occur from solar flares to the depths of the oceans are used to publish warnings of imminent threats, short term predictions for the next week, seasonal outlooks for the next six months and climate analyses of typical patterns or projected changes. New services currently under development include enhanced ability to forecast storm surges, forecasts of water flows and quality affecting the Great Barrier Reef and a coastal scale model to simulate ocean conditions across the Great Barrier Reef. Individually these are useful services but when combined they provide a suite of information to support your short and medium term decision-making. Whether you are a professional or recreational fisher, a reef manager, tourism operator, catchment or water supply manager, coastal development assessment officer or just want to plan your day out on the water make sure to consult the Bureau’s information before making your final decisions.

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 11.50AM Turning predictions into impacts through real-time event forecasting Daniel Rodger, Jeremy Benn Pacific (JBP)

Abstract: Cyclone Debbie made landfall north of Proserpine at Airlie Beach on March 28, shortly after noon. Prior to the event, information on its intensity, wind speed, air pressure, and likely track were available through various websites, although had limited use on the ground. Through real-time impact modelling these variables were converted into predictive QLD-wide flood maps, predicting coastal surge and surface water (‘flash') flooding, and used within the re/insurance sector to prepare for the event. Since its use, the process of developing real-time QLD-wide flood maps leading up to, and during, an event has had great interest from the general public, emergency services and local Councils.

Prior to landfall, JBP and JBA Risk Management (JBA) undertook real-time storm surge modelling and flood mapping to predict impact zones. Coastal inundation was predicted using Delft3D, and remapped using Geoscience Australia’s ~30m Digital Elevation Model to calculate depths and map impacts over 750kms between Port Douglas and Mackay. Updated as new predictions became available, the maps were provided to third parties as an ESRI shapefile.

Using JBA’s Queensland river catchment Hydrological Accumulation Zones (HAZ), which delineates the extent of river catchments at specific threshold levels, a rapid assessment of the flash flooding was then made. Using real-time telemetry gauge data and rainfall intensity observations, impacted rivers and flash flood areas were estimated using available state-wide 30m flood hazard maps to estimate flood depths. The initial flood maps covered an area of approximately 1,500km from the Cassowary Coast to northern NSW, and were available by 9:00am 29 March; within 24 hours of the rain falling. Updated as new gauge records became available, the maps were provided to third parties as an ESRI shapefile and offer a single consistent flood map of QLD.

CONCURRENT SESSION 4

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 1.10PM Reducing feral animal impacts on coastal wetlands in the Whitsunday region Scott Hardy, Whitsunday Regional Council

Abstract: Wetlands are important coastal ecosystems in Central Queensland which trap sediment and nutrients before they reach rivers and the Great Barrier Reef. Feral pigs can cause damage to aquatic and terrestrial wetland habitats. The pigs can degrade waterways, increase suspended sediment, damage reed ecosystems and spread disease to native animals and cattle. Feral pigs are viewed as a threatening process on the provision of important landscape scale ecosystem services provided by wetlands.

The Whitsunday Regional Council has used helicopters and aerial shooting to reduce feral animal numbers. Over the last five years the region-wide aerial control program has cost $191,600 and removed 2178 feral pigs. Within the broader aerial control program, the Whitsunday Regional Council has conducted aerial feral animal control activities in the Proserpine wetland and Caley Valley wetland which are both recognised as wetlands of national significance.

The aerial control activity in the Whitsunday coastal wetlands have removed 267 feral pigs from the Proserpine wetland and 488 pigs from the Caley valley wetland over the last five years. In the Proserpine and Caley Valley wetland areas, $56,000 worth of government grants have been received and $43,000 of Whitsunday Regional Council funds have been spent on the program. The aerial control of feral animals in the coastal wetland areas has returned an average cost of $89 per feral pig for the Goorganga area and $66 per feral pig in the Caley Valley wetland area for the field component.

The Council has gathered not only quantitative information from the aerial control activity but also documented qualitative habitat improvements at a number of monitoring sites. This paper will document the success of the Whitsunday Regional Council feral animal control activity over two coastal wetland areas and describe the habitat improvements.

Full Paper:

INTRODUCTION

Wetlands are important coastal ecosystems. The Whitsunday region is fortunate to have a diversity of inland and coastal wetlands. Wetlands are land areas where water covers the soil all or part of the year (Blackman et al., 1999). Wetlands provide important habitat for a range of animals and provide other ecosystem services. Waltham and Shaffer (2016) state that “coastal wetlands provide critical habitat for aquatic flora and fauna species, and cultural values for local communities in northern Australia. Functioning wetlands can assist off shore marine environments and the reef ecosystems by trapping sediment and nutrients transported by catchment floodwaters.

The Whitsunday Regional Council has four coastal wetlands of State significance (Blackman et al., 1999); Proserpine-Goorganga Plains (16,851 ha), Abbot Point-Caley Valley (5,154ha), Southern Upstart Bay (11,089ha) and Edgecumbe Bay (4,593ha).

The Proserpine-Goorganga wetland is listed as a wetland of national significance based on its wide assemblage of wetland types and ecological features (Blackman et al., 1999). Most of the Proserpine wetland consists of open grassland with small creeks and lagoons scattered throughout the landscape. The Caley Valley wetland located north of Bowen is also dominated by open grassland coastal plains and marine flats (Figure 1).

One of the threats to the Whitsunday coastal wetlands are feral pigs. The Commonwealth Government estimate that there could be up to 23 million feral pigs in Australia (DSEWPC, 2011). According to Mitchell (2010), “feral pigs have been shown to have direct negative impacts on tropical freshwater ecosystems”. Burrows et al., (2010), state that foraging by feral pigs can strongly affect wetland vegetation assemblages, water quality, biological communities and wider ecological processes. Feral pigs also pose a threat to the agricultural industry by being suitable hosts for a range of pathogens including brucellosis and leptospirosis, and other diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever and rabies (DSEWPC, 2011).

The Whitsunday Regional Council have an obligation under the Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014 to coordinate the control and reduction of pest animals. In 2012, the Whitsunday Regional Council initially trialled the use of aerial shooting to reduce feral pigs. The Council has been fortunate over the last few years to receive Commonwealth grants to assist in funding aerial shooting activities over coastal wetlands. The purpose of this report is to describe the Whitsunday Regional Council aerial shooting activities in the Proserpine and Caley Valley wetlands and document the success of the program. The objectives of this report are to: • Describe the qualitative improvements to Whitsunday wetlands from reducing feral animal numbers. • Describe the outcomes of the aerial shooting activity. • Describe how the Whitsunday Regional Council, apply aerial shooting as a tool in reducing feral pig numbers.

Figure 1. Location of the Proserpine-Goorganga wetland and the Caley Valley wetland.

BACKGROUND

Other studies: Feral pig impacts on coastal wetlands

The impact of feral pigs is listed as a key threatening process under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999). The recognition and listing of the impact of feral pigs triggered the development of the feral pig abatement plan by the Commonwealth (DEH, 2005). The documentation of the impacts of feral pigs on the environment have initiated funding to conduct further studies into their impact and funds dedicated to their reduction.

Burrows et al., (2010) found that pig foraging activities in unfenced wetland lagoons in Northern Australia caused major changes to aquatic macrophyte communities and consequently, to the proportional amounts of open water and bare ground. In addition, Burrows et al., (2010) found the destruction of macrophyte communities and upheaval of wetland sediments significantly reduced the water clarity of the unfenced wetlands and had subsequent effects upon key water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen.

Waltham and Shaffer (2015) investigated the impact of feral pigs on the Archer River wetlands. The Archer River project planned to install feral pig exclusion fencing to improve wetland condition. Mitchell (2010) studied the impact of feral pigs on Lakefield National Park wetlands in Cape York. In the Lakefield study, Mitchell (2010) found feral pig activity had a negative impact on the ecological condition of the ephemeral lagoons studied with the major impacts related to destruction of habitat and a reduction in water clarity. The Lakefield wetland investigation quantified the relationship between pig abundance and impacts and found that the more pigs, the more diggings, the more impacts.

Finlayson et al., (1997) described feral pig impacts in the Alligator River wetland areas in Northern Australia and Mitchell et al., (2006) described impacts on swamps in rainforests in northern Queensland. In 2006 and 2007, investigations were conducted on the impact of pigs on the Proserpine-Goorganga wetland by Wetland Care Australia (Australian government, 2007). The impacts of feral pigs were described in the Proserpine wetland lagoons and swamps and landholders were encouraged to trap and bait the pigs.

While there may be a relationship between the number of pigs and damage to the environment and agriculture, pig impact is not evenly applied. It is acknowledged that some individual pigs may be responsible for more impact than others.

METHODS

Planning the feral animal control program

The Whitsunday Regional Council has developed a feral animal control program to control and reduce the population of introduced animals. The aerial shooting activity involves considerable amount of planning to ensure the safety of the helicopter staff and landholders. The Council has developed a set of operating procedures for the aerial shooting. The aerial shooting procedures when followed ensure that the shooting activities from the Robertson 44 helicopter are safe and comply with the CASA regulations.

The Whitsunday Regional Council have developed Feral Animal Management Areas (FAMA) for the aerial shooting activity. The FAMA consist of known or predicted feral animal hot spots based on the presence of suitable habitat and access to food. The FAMA may include one or a number of landholders. The Council has developed 8 FAMA throughout the region to focus aerial shooting activities and engage with landholders. The FAMA include coastal wetland areas such as the Proserpine – Goorganga and Caley Valley – Abbot Point. The FAMA which are targeted will vary through the year depending on rainfall patterns, crop cycles and availability of food and water.

Funding for feral animal control program

Whitsunday Regional Council provides funding for staff and a small amount of “seed” funding for the aerial shooting activity. In the last four years, the council has been fortunate to have gained Commonwealth funding through the Reef Catchments Natural Resource Management Group, NQ Dry Tropics Natural Resource Management Group and directly from the Commonwealth government. In 2013, the Council was successful in gaining a Commonwealth Everyone’s Environment Grant (EEG) worth $69,000 over three years. The total value of grants gained from 2012 to 2016 across the region is $159,869. The access to the various grants have been vital to the aerial shooting activity and assisting Council and landholders reduce the feral animal population in coastal wetlands.

Measuring wetland ecosystem improvements

The primary purpose of reducing feral animal populations in and adjacent to wetlands is to reduce their impact on the environment and agricultural production. Monitoring sites have been established in the Proserpine-Goorganga wetland and Caley Valley wetland areas. The key monitoring sites for the wetland areas enable Council staff to gain an impression of feral pig numbers through the on-ground damage observed at these sites. Photographs are taken at the key observation sites and where possible from the air as part of the aerial shooting activity. This qualitative photographic evidence is used to assist in demonstrating the value of the aerial shooting activity. The number of feral animals removed through aerial shooting is collected. The number of feral animals removed can be used as a form of quantified data. Given that there is a good relationship between the number of feral pigs and the damage which they cause, demonstrating the reduction in feral pig numbers can be used as an indirect indicator of wetland ecosystem improvement.

Measuring aerial shooting success and cost effectiveness

The success of the Whitsunday Regional Council feral animal program needs to be measured in terms of positive wetland impacts and cost effectiveness. The costs of the aerial shooting activity are collected and reported. The costs associated with the aerial shooting activity include: o Cost per hour of flight time: Helicopter (R44)= $850/hr, Council staff = $60/hr, Consumables = $20. Total = $930/hr o Total cost for aerial shooting activity for council is $14,400/yr for administration time. Wetland areas approximately 40% = $5,760/yr.

The Council is able to determine the cost per destroyed animal from the aerial shooting to determine the cost effectiveness of the activity compared to other methods of feral animal control.

RESULTS

Impact of aerial shooting on feral animal population

The Whitsunday Regional Council have collected data from the aerial shooting activities since 2012. A summary of the number of feral animals removed from wetland areas are shown in table 3. Over the last five years the region-wide aerial control program has cost $191,600 and removed 2178 feral pigs at an average cost of $88 per pig.

The aerial control activity in the Whitsunday coastal wetlands have removed 267 feral pigs from the Proserpine wetland and 488 pigs from the Caley valley wetland from 2012 to 2016. In the Proserpine and Caley Valley wetland areas, $60,863 worth of government grants have been received and $23,040 of Whitsunday Regional Council funds have been spent on the program (total cost of $83,900). The aerial control of feral animals in the coastal wetland areas has returned an average cost of $132 per feral pig for the Goorganga area ($35,328 total cost) and $99 per feral pig in the Caley Valley wetland ($48,525 total cost) area.

Table 1. A summary of the number of feral animals removed from Whitsunday wetlands from 2012 to 2016.

Landscape Pigs Dog Deer Flight Funding Cost per Flight date Location Cost for flight unit destroyed destroyed destroyed hours source head East Euri – Coastal Caley lowlands - Jul-12 wetlands north 146 17 $11,972 NQDT $82 East Euri – Coastal 18 - 19 /12/ Caley lowlands - 2012 wetlands south 165 16 $6,360 NQDT $38 Caley – Abbot Pt 18/09/2014 wetlands Wetlands 61 2 $1,860 EEG $30.49 5/11/2014 Goorganga Wetlands 106 4 $3,740 EEG $35.09 3/12/2014 Caley Valley Wetlands 35 2 $1,860 EEG $53.14 27/02/2014 Goorganga wetlands 18 2 $1,860 EEG $103 29/07/2015 Goorganga Wetlands 38 3 $3,348 EEG $88.10 Abbot Pt- 30/07/2015 Caley Wetlands 57 5 $4,743 EEG $83.21 Abbot Pt- 3/12/2015 Caley Wetlands 24 3 6 $5,580 EEG $206.66 4/12/2015 Goorganga Wetlands 14 2 6 $5,580 EEG $398.57 21/09/2016 Goorganga wetlands 34 4 $3,720 EEG $109.41 24/11/2016 Goorganga wetlands 57 3 6 $5,580 EEG $93.00 Abbot Pt- 25/11/2016 Caley wetlands 104 1 5 $4,650 EEG $44.28 Total 859 9 0 78 $60,853.00 $71

The number of feral pigs removed from the wetland areas are an indirect measure of wetland condition improvement. The number feral pigs removed will have a positive impact on the coastal wetlands. The removal of the feral pigs have cost between $99 and $132 per animal which represents good value compared to activities such as trapping and baiting, especially given the difficulty in determining the cost per destroyed animal for the other methods.

Wetland ecosystem improvements

The removal of feral pigs from the coastal wetland areas have made improvements to the various ecosystem. Photographs taken from wetland monitoring sites are used to demonstrate improvements in ecosystem condition. The components of the ecosystem which are monitored include vegetation, soil cover and water quality (if present). A qualitative assessment of the monitoring sites is undertaken based on photographs (Figures 2 and 3).

Figure 2. Showing a monitoring site prior to the aerial shooting program at Glen isla (2007).

Figure 3. Showing the monitoring site at Glen isla following the aerial shooting program (2015).

DISCUSSION

The Whitsunday region has a number of wetlands of State and National significance. These large coastal wetlands have an important role for filtering out catchment sediment and providing habitat. The Proserpine – Goorganga wetland is recognised as a wetland of national significance due to its size and diversity of habitats. The Caley Valley wetland north of Bowen is a significant wetland which does not capture flood waters from a large coastal river, but has a unique arrangement of habitats.

Feral animals have and still are, impacting on the environmental values of the Proserpine and Caley Valley wetlands. The feral pigs impact on the wetlands through their foraging for food, and spreading disease. The foraging activity disturbs the soil and vegetation which reduces ground cover and increases the turbidity of the water. Increased water turbidity reduces the value of the aquatic ecosystems for fish and invertebrates.

The Whitsunday Regional Council have a feral animal control program which includes aerial shooting as one of the main activities. Over the last five years the Council has been fortunate to receive $160,000 in grants towards feral animal control activities from the Commonwealth government. Most of the grant funds have been spent on feral animal control activities such as aerial shooting to reduce feral pig numbers in coastal wetland areas. The investment into the feral animal control activities is really an investment into improving the habitat condition and environmental services provided by coastal wetlands. By reducing feral pig numbers, coastal wetland habitats are given time to recover and regenerate. From 2012 to 2016, the Council removed 267 feral pigs from the Proserpine wetland and 488 pigs from the Caley Valley wetland which cost approximately $83,900 over this time period for both sites. The landholders at each of the wetland sites did work cage traps and further reduce the feral pig population.

The Council has observed that the number of feral pigs which inhabit the Proserpine and Caley Valley wetlands have temporarily reduced. The landholders who occupy the wetlands have also noted the reduction of feral pigs. The aerial shooting activity has been a cost effective, transparent and accountable activity where the money invested has delivered a measurable return. Aerial shooting allows the number of feral animals removed to be calculated and an economic evaluation of the activity determined.

The condition of selected habitats has been monitored over the aerial shooting activity period. Sites have been selected at known feral pig foraging areas to monitor the regeneration of habitats once pigs are removed. The photographs taken at the wetland habitat monitoring sites have demonstrated the effect of removing feral pigs from the wetland on habitat condition. The quality of the habitats once the feral pigs have been removed improves. The absence of the pigs allows the habitats to regenerate and recover. The investment of Commonwealth and Whitsunday Regional Council funds into the feral pig control program, and in particular the aerial shooting activity has delivered improvements to the coastal wetland habitats and improved their function.

CONCLUSION

The development and implementation of a feral animal control program in the Whitsunday region has led to improvements in two coastal wetland areas. The implementation of the aerial shooting activity in particular has reduced the number of feral pigs which has led to a noticeable reduction in habitat damage and improvements to habitat condition. The improvements to wetland habitat at the Proserpine – Goorganga wetland and Caley Valley wetland have been qualified using photographs taken at monitoring sites. The success of the aerial shooting activity has been quantified using a cost per destroyed animal and comparing this price to other population control methods.

The Whitsunday Regional Council has utilised $60,853 in Commonwealth grants and $23,000 of its own funds to reduce the feral pig population in coastal wetlands by 755 animals over four years. The cost per destroyed animal in the coastal wetland is calculated at $132 to $99 per animal including administration costs for the Proserpine-Goorganga and Caley wetland areas.

The investment of Commonwealth funds into the control and reduction of feral animals in the Whitsunday coastal wetland has purchased habitat improvement, but also landholder interest in using aerial shooting as a control tool. In the future, further aerial shooting may be funded using co-investment models where landholders contribute towards the helicopter flights based on an agreed unit rate. It is acknowledged that local government is likely to still be needed to coordinate and organise future aerial shooting flights where more than one property is being treated.

REFERENCES

Australian Government, (2007). Project information sheet - Goorganga Plain wetlands complex. Australian government, Canberra

Blackman, J.G., Perry, T.W., Ford, G.I., Craven, S.A., Gardiner, S.J., and DeLai, R.J., (1999). Characteristics of important wetlands in Queensland. Queensland Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane.

Burrows, D.W., Doupe, R. Schaffer, J., Knott, M. and Davis, A., (2010). Impacts of feral pigs on freshwater ecosystems – assessing the efficacy of fencing to protect ephemeral floodplain lagoons. Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research. Townsville.

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, (2011). The feral pig. Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra.

Department of Environment and Heritage, (2005). Feral Pig Abatement Plan. Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra.

Finlayson, C., Storrs, M. & Lindner, G. (1997). Degradation and rehabilitation of wetlands in the Alligator Rivers Region of northern Australia. Wetlands Ecology and Management, 5: 19. Mitchell, J. (2010). Experimental Research to Quantify the Environmental Impact of Feral Pigs within Tropical Freshwater Ecosystems. Final Report to the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Canberra.

Mitchell, J., Dorney, W., Mayer, R., and McIlroy, J., (2006). Spatial and temporal patterns of feral pig diggings in rainforests of north Queensland. Wildlife Research 34(8) 597-602

Waltham, N.J, Schaffer, J., (2015), ‘Baseline aquatic assessment of wetlands identified for feral pig fence exclusion, Archer River catchment’. Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER) Publication, James Cook University, Cairns, 51 pp.

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 1.30PM Controlling Prickly Pear on our Coasts Stefanie Wabnik, Reef Catchments

Abstract: Prickly pear is invading coastal and island areas throughout the Mackay Whitsunday region. It spreads rapidly, reproducing both by seed and vegetative growth, washed onto beaches. Recent extreme storm events have exacerbated the spread. Prickly pear is reducing habitat values of our coastal land systems, replacing native vegetation and inhibiting nesting and access into coastal vegetation. Two species of prickly pear are prevalent in the region, drooping prickly pear (Opuntia monocantha) and prickly pear (Opuntia stricta).

The prickly pear control program, coordinated by Reef Catchments, looked to assess methods for control, map and rate existing infestations and work collaboratively to control prickly pear. A working group including Biosecurity, Queensland National Parks Rangers and Marine Parks, Whitsunday Catchment Landcare and Reef Catchments was formed. To date the program has mapped infestations on many mainland and island locations and is utilising citizen science to gather further information on its distribution.

Methods for controlling prickly pear include manual removal, chemical treatment, fire and biological control. As other methods were laborious or insufficient in coastal landsystems, biological control was investigated. Biocontrol had not previously been successful in the Whitsunday region and this was thought to be due to the thick cuticle the prickly pear had developed. However there had been recent success in controlling infestations on Stradbroke Island, Brisbane using the Cactoblastis moth. It was decided that a trial would be set up at Coral Beach. This "nursery ground" could then be used to spread the biocontrol to other locations.

The trial successfully showed establishment and reproduction of Cactoblastis on prickly pear in coastal landscapes in the wet tropics region. This talk will provide information on learnings and ongoing developments on the control of prickly pear.

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 1.50PM Project Catalyst – Grower Led Innovation in Sugar Cane Farming with Proven Water Quality Benefits for the Great Barrier Reef Craig Davenport, Catchment Solutions

Abstract: Now in its eight year – Project Catalyst is proving that environmental benefits including improved water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef does not need to come at the expense of farm productivity or profitability. The innovative focus of a small group of growers builds on their understanding of their soils, crop needs and climatic conditions to identify farm management practice changes that: reduce chemical use and nutrient surplus; improve soil health; reduce sediment runoff; and optimise water availability to the crop. These changes are then validated for economic, environmental and social benefits for broader adoption across the catchment of the GBR.

Funded by Coca-Cola Foundation, the Australian Government’s Reef Trust 3 and Bayer CropScience with support from Natural Resource Management Groups, WWF and industry partners, Project Catalyst has built a strong network of innovators committed to sustainable cane farming within the GBR. With a focus on changes that has environmental as well as social and economic benefits Project Catalyst highlights that farmers can drive significant improvements for the environment without jeopardising the viability of their farming businesses. Growers are supported throughout the trialling of new concepts by an experienced team including farm extension and agronomic solutions providers, economists, suppliers, environmental consultants and communications specialists. Trial design and monitoring is coordinated and standardised to allow growers to assess if the trialled practice change is beneficial to their operation and/or how such a practice could be modified to suit their climatic, geographic or agronomic conditions. It is the power of the many growers and their willingness to trial and adopt new practices that drive Project Catalyst and have seen it show significant environmental benefits that can be gained with practice change. The growers work together to share and evolve these practice changes through farmer to farmer engagement without any competitive constraints.

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 2.10PM Seagrass Watch in the Whitsundays: 1999 to the present Jacquie Sheils, Whitsunday Seagrass Volunteers

Abstract: In 1999 the DPI Marine Plant Ecology Group launched its Seagrass Watch program (SW). In the Whitsundays, the OUCH Volunteers and the QPWS Whitsunday Volunteer Association answered the call and completed a free training course, and started monitoring local seagrass meadows. Federal Coastcare grant funding enabled us to buy our monitoring equipment, most of which is still in use today. The program has had a few setbacks along the way, as funding sources & support dried up, however our citizen based seagrass monitoring program has managed to collect seagrass data, fairly consistently, at key sites, for 18 years. I became the volunteer co-ordinator in 2007, faced with a decline in the program mainly due to the withdrawal of Government support. As a diving professional with a science background and long-term involvement in ecological monitoring, I understood the value of long-term data & knew that pressures on coastal habitats were increasing. Key ecological indicators, such as seagrass health, needed to be monitored to help guide coastal management, so it was important to keep the program going by finding a way to fund the training of new volunteers. Grant funding is generally not provided for training, but that was all that we needed as shore-based seagrass monitoring is very cheap to run. With the help of Reef Catchments funding, through the Federal Government’s National Landcare Program, citizen collected seagrass monitoring in the region is likely to continue for years to come and is also now providing valuable data into the regional report card. I would like to provide a history of some of the hurdles that the program has overcome and to share some lessons we have learnt along the way.

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 2.30PM Phytoplankton and Cyanobacterial Analysis: what it is, what it does, and how it should be Lindsay Hunt, Jarvis Hunt Consultancy

Abstract: The health of our coastal waters reflects the health of the land, river catchments, and rivers that flow into it. Water management is a significant cost to households, councils, water boards, and state and federal government departments. The challenge is ensuring the money spent gives data that is fit for purpose, robust, the end user knows how to use it to the benefit of the consumer.

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and other algae, collectively known as phytoplankton, is just one of the parameters analysed for compliance with respect to the NH&MRC Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Waters, and the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Councils and water asset stakeholders spend millions every year on testing water for physical and chemical properties. But of all the testing parameters, algae and the occurrence of algal blooms are the one that the public notices, but it’s also much less understood. Therefore, it’s important find an analytical service provider that can assist you in understanding a phytoplankton report, provide support and advice, and have the requisite experience to get the analysis right in the first place. The analysis itself is very different to other routine tests, and because it doesn’t fit well beside other routine analyses, with regard to workflow, it is often poorly managed, and that has a dramatic and often catastrophic impact on the quality of results.

Cyanobacteria are often associated with harmful algal blooms (HAB), and are highly adapted to the modern environment and hard to get rid of. They can have significant environmental, economic and public health implications. An experienced phycologist with knowledge of the cyanobacteria, how they relate to the other parameters tested, and the ability to advise based on a water body’s unique ecology and chemistry, is invaluable in assisting asset managers in interpreting routine analysis, and assisting in responding to HABs. An experienced phycologist can provide analysis and advice to assist in preventing the use of short-term, expensive, and ineffective treatments, but also give input into research and development projects. An overview of cyanobacteria, how to use the data, and a summary of training, analysis, quality assurance, and its challenges is presented.

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 2.50PM Forestry With a Purpose - High Trees and Low Glow Michael Coleman, Greenfleet

Abstract: Greenfleet is a 20-year-old not-for-profit that grows forests to offset carbon emissions. Our biodiverse forests also provide native habitat for local native species.

In partnership with Bundaberg Regional Council, Greenfleet has planned & funded the revegetation of Barolin Nature Reserve in Bargara, Qld. Planting 90,000 trees will help restore this ecosystem and absorb tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon.

It will also cut light pollution currently affecting the adjacent Mon Repos Turtle Hatchery, helping turtle hatchlings to do what they do best - get to sea.

So much so that Greenfleet has joined with The Walt Disney Corporation and The Prince's Charities Australia to involve the community in protecting the turtles and the tourism industry that is built upon it.

CONCURRENT SESSION 5

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 1.10PM Integrating Natural Hazards into Planning Framework Kylie Drysdale, Whitsunday Regional Council

Abstract: The Whitsundays is idyllically positioned on the central Queensland coast and incorporates dry tropics regions, lush rainforest-covered mountains, 74 pristine islands and the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef, which also means it is susceptible to a large variety of natural hazards including bushfires, drought and extreme rainfall events.

This paper will focus on the recent study undertaken by Whitsunday Regional Council titled "Bowen Water Hazards Assessment" which was a project funded in part by the Queensland Government's QCoast 2100 program and supports the development of Council's Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy.

The study sought to refine and improve on the flood and inundation mapping sourced from the Queensland Government by undertaking a technical study looking at rainfall and coincidental storm surge modelling (incorporating the effects of climate change) to produce natural hazard mapping for the purposes of integrating land use controls within the Council’s planning framework.

This paper will identify lessons learned from a town planning perspective in conducting a technical investigation including dealing with various stakeholders reliant on water security such as farmers and agricultural industry, heavy industry stakeholders and a particularly sensitive community suffering the effects of severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie in April 2017. During the course of the study the Planning Act 2016 also commenced, which reduced the level of statutory consultation required to incorporate natural hazards into planning schemes incorporating changes brought about by the introduction of new Planning Legislation.

The desired outcome of the study was to refine the mapping to a more accurate resolution to better inform planning controls and decision making with respect to climate change adaptation. This outcome was largely achieved and this paper will outline some of the issues faced during the course of the study.

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 1.30PM The importance of scale in assessing risk from coastal hazards David van Senden, Cardno

Abstract: Cardno has been engaged by a number of local Councils around Australia to conduct assessments of vulnerability and risk from coastal hazards in the present day and under climate change conditions. Coastal management practitioners are encountering significant challenges in:

• Understanding the science behind the physical processes that contribute to risk from coastal hazards, including the climate change science; • Identifying the appropriate spatial scale (or resolution) of investigation for the local area and then justifying the adopted approach; • Understanding how the outcomes of the hazard investigations should be incorporated into local planning instruments and selection of adaptation pathways; • Minimising local Government exposure to legal liability; and • Determining an appropriate means of communicating with their communities on these issues.

A recurring challenge for our clients is the choice of existing assessments of shoreline erosion, elevated water levels and/or sea level rise that are readily available to the public. These assessments typically adopt different methodologies tailored to meet the project-specific objectives and budgets. This has resulted in the generation of data sets identifying different extents mapped as being exposed to erosion and/or inundation hazard for the same location.

Whilst these various assessments have been productive in raising public awareness of the risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise, they have led to some confusion around which data set should be used for strategic planning purposes. This issue has been compounded by the public debate around climate change science and policy.

These are effectively issues of scale, in both the spatial and temporal sense. This paper discusses the varying approaches to assessing risk from coastal hazards and how these have been applied in different jurisdictions across Australia.

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 1.50PM Met-Ocean and Coastal Process Investigations for Re-Development of Lindeman Island Resort Christopher Scraggs, Cardno (NSW/ACT) Pty Ltd

Abstract: CardnoHRP (QLD) Pty Ltd have been engaged by Eastview Australia to prepare an EIS and safe-harbour design for proposed redevelopment of the Lindeman Island Resort in the Whitsunday region of Queensland.

This paper would address a range of coastal process matters that relate to the resort itself and the proposed expansion of berthing and harbour facilities to provide a safe harbour for the resort. Wave conditions at this site will be affected by occasional tropical cyclones and SE Trade wind-caused waves propagating from the approximate south-east direction, with limited fetch, to the site from Shaw Island. During the summer, persistent winds from the north-northeast sector can occur, but those conditions will be offshore at this site and not be of concern in terms of wave conditions at the site. Despite the limited fetch from Shaw Island, about 5km, wave conditions at the resort jetty are unsuitable for berthed vessels and passenger safety and a safe harbour is required as part of this redevelopment.

There is very little site-specific met-ocean data available for this location, apart from tidal planes (Queensland Tides, 2016) and a single data point for storm tide (SEA/GHD, 2003). Wind data is available from nearby Hamilton Island airport and historical cyclone track data from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Hence, it was necessary to undertake a range of data collection tasks and numerical modelling based investigations in order to develop the data necessary to assist the design of shoreline facilities as part of the EIS process. This information also helps to optimise the project design so that potential deleterious effects are removed, or ameliorated, early in the EIS/design process.

These investigations have been undertaken being cognisant of projected climate change parameters, mainly in terms of sea level rise and intensification of cyclones.

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 2.10PM Construction Work in Remote Islands in North Queensland Challenges and Solutions Gajaba Panditha, Koppens Developments Pty Ltd

Abstract: This paper presents a valuable insight into the challenges faced by Contractors executing construction activities in the Torres Strait Islands Region. Recently completed Saibai Sea Wall and Bund Wall Project is a good example of how the Project Team demonstrated the ability to think strategically and commercially, despite being presented with numerous engineering, technical, and resource-oriented challenges. This paper describes the issues pertaining to the logistics with construction work in remote islands including barging of materials, tidal effects, environmental considerations and technical issues working within unknown conditions. It highlights the practical and realistic approaches needed to resolve matters pertaining to construction work in remote sites specifically in North Queensland Islands.

The Scope of the construction works of the Saibai Sea Wall and Bund Wall project involved demolition of the existing Sea Wall and associated earthworks, installation of Armour Rock Sea Wall, construction of Reinforced Concrete Wave Return Wall, construction of Earth Bund Wall, installation of a storm water drainage system for the Sea Wall and the Bund Wall, and addition al works requested by the Superintendent and Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC).

The success of the Saibai project was largely a result of the good working relationship with local island community throughout project duration along with Contractor’s highly skilled Marine Infrastructure personnel. All efforts were made to maximize the employment opportunities for the local community on the project. All employees were fully inducted, provided thorough on the job training and selected employees were given accredited training through RTOs optimizing the employment opportunities for the local community on the project.

Due to the nature of the works and the location of the Sea Wall, appropriate sequencing of construction activities was crucial to the construction work. The use of modern innovative technology and GPS equipment was crucial for recording accurate survey data and allowed for daily tracking to ensure the construction program was progressing.

Poor condition of the existing road network, protecting construction work from Tidal Activity, incorporation of construction work with AASS/PASS (Actual Acid Sulphate Soils/Potential Acid Sulphate Soils), unavailability of construction materials on Saibai Island, and soft and saturated ground conditions provide distinct difficulties during the construction phase of the project.

Scarcity of construction materials in most of the Torres Strait Islands Region was a challenge for all stakeholders involved with the project. Hence, sufficient thought was given to the selection and sourcing of materials from the commencement of the project. Koppens proposed pre-cast concrete seawall panels be prepared in Cairns. Additionally, this allowed for the works not to be impacted by high tide and poor weather conditions.

While a challenging project, the Saibai Sea Wall and Bund Wall Project was successfully completed in April 2017. This paper explores the challenges further and describes the solutions the Contractor implemented. It is hoped that the findings presented are helpful for those working in the Construction Industry, and can assist all Stakeholders with future Marine Infrastructure construction activities in Remote Islands in North Queensland.

Full Paper:

The recently completed Saibai Sea Wall and Bund Wall Project is a good example of how the Project Team demonstrated the ability to think strategically and commercially, despite being presented with numerous engineering, technical, and resource-oriented challenges. The Scope of the Works for the project involved the following major components:

• Demolition of the existing Sea Wall and associated earthworks. • Installation of 1.85km Armour Rock Sea Wall. • Construction of 1.85km Reinforced Concrete Wave Return Wall. • Construction of 2km Earth Bund Wall. • Installation of a storm water drainage system for the Sea Wall and the Bund Wall. • Various additional works requested by the Superintendent and Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC).

The Saibai Project was a challenge for all stakeholders involved for the following reasons: Existing road network was in poor condition: The Contractor initially intended to use articulated dump trucks for carting rock, earthworks and associated materials around the site. However dump trucks proved to be detrimental to the already damaged concrete roads. Alternative options were therefore explored and skid steer trucks were used instead. These trucks are designed for use on rugged, uneven, soft terrain which meant that the transportation of materials and plant could be successfully completed without causing any further damage to the existing Island road network.

Protect existing and new infrastructure from Tidal Activity [5]: High tides and rough seas during the tropical wet season (December to March) can make typical construction activities particularly difficult. After assessing the options, Steel Sheet Piles were considered the preferred option to protect newly constructed structures, batters, and earthworks from tidal damage. The Project Manager monitored local tidal activity and weather conditions daily to ensure construction operations aligned with the Construction Program.

AASS/PASS (Actual Acid Sulfate Soils/Potential Acid Sulfate Soils) materials exist on Saibai Island [1, 2, 4]: AASS/PASS materials are extremely harmful to the Environment, Fauna, and Flora. To mitigate this risk, the Project Team implemented safety guidelines in line with the Queensland Government State Planning 2014a Policy [3]; these included: minimising exposure time, neutralising excavated materials (by treating it with Aglime), monitoring excavated materials, and using separate stockpiles to prevent ground contamination.

Finding suitable Stockpile locations was difficult: Due to the low lying terrain on Saibai Island it was a challenge to find sites with hard ground that could be used as Stockpiling areas for materials and equipment. The Project Management Team methodically assessed the situation and identified that suitable Stockpiling Pad sites were required. The Project Team were innovative in their approach and used rocks from the demolished Sea Wall to construct permanent Stockpiling locations that Council could use for future Island projects.

Soft and saturated ground conditions made construction difficult: This was identified as a challenge at the Tender Phase and soil samples were taken from potentially vulnerable areas. The Project Management Team assessed the recommendations of the Geotechnical Reports in detail and decided to introduce a Bridging Layer along the Bund Wall alignment to facilitate temporary site access and to act as a foundation for the Bund Wall construction. This technique proved very successful.

Project design required a concrete in-situ Wave Return Wall on the foreshore: Concerns were raised about the casting of in-situ concrete panels for the Wave Return Wall. The panel reinforcement was corroded by the sea water and therefore in-situ casting was deemed unsuitable as it compromised the integrity and longevity of the finished product. The Contractor therefore worked collaboratively with the Superintendent and devised an alternative method which included using pre-cast panels rather than in-situ concrete panels. This approach provided cost savings for the client, had minimal environmental impact and was time-efficient.

Armour Rock and Filter Material was not available locally: As the materials required for the Saibai Project could not be supplied locally, the Contractor engaged quarry suppliers in Cairns; these suppliers had an excellent understanding of the quality materials required for this project. Furthermore, the construction materials were often needed at short notice and these well-established larger quarries were able to supply quality rock in bulk quantities which proved cost effective for the client.

Armour Rock and Filter Material needed to be transported to the Island: Transportation logistics such as: barging availability, schedules, transportation distances and timeframes, are major factors that should be considered when undertaking work in Remote Islands in North Queensland. Successful management of these logistics from project inception through to project completion can have a significant positive impact on the project completion timeframe and overall cost of work activities.

Superintendent was located off-site: Due to the remoteness of the work site, Superintendent visits needed to be planned well in advance. Therefore meticulous programming and planning was essential at the Tender Planning Stage.

Health, safety and wellbeing of workers: Safety measures were implemented to ensure diseases commonly present on Saibai Island were not spread further. All staff, subcontractors and visitors were vaccinated prior to visiting the site and staff were immediately referred to the local medical centre if they felt unwell. Toolbox Talks were conducted regularly to highlight the disease symptoms and staff were advised of the steps they needed to take if they suspected any symptoms.

Security of the contractor site facilities and equipment due to a transient population: While minor incidents of criminal damage can be easily managed on construction sites, it is much harder to access spare parts and replacement machinery when working on a Remote Islands in North Queensland. Furthermore, technical specialist are not readily available on Saibai Island; therefore, even minor damage to equipment can result in significant delays to the Construction Program.

While a challenging project, the Saibai Sea Wall and Bund Wall Project was successfully completed in April 2017. This paper explores the challenges further and describes the solutions the Contractor implemented. It is hoped that the findings presented are helpful for those working in the Construction Industry, and can assist all Stakeholders with future Marine Infrastructure construction activities in Remote Islands in North Queensland.

1. Project Description The Saibai Sea Wall and Bund Wall Construction Contract was awarded to Koppens in August 2015. The project included the demolition of the existing Sea Wall, removal of Earthworks, installation of a new Armour Rock Sea Wall and the construction of an Earth Bund Wall. The scheduled construction period was 488 days and works were completed under The Building Code 2013.

Scope of Works included: • Neat removal of the existing Sea Wall and any ancillary structures that impacted the construction of the new wall. • Demolition was to be in accordance with AS2601-2001 and materials were to be recycled and/or removed from the site. • The existing Sea Wall to be removed to a minimum of 1m below the finished surface. • Conduct Geotechnical Investigations to the alignment of the Sea Wall and Bund Wall. • Determine the excavation conditions and confirm the bearing capacity of the Wave Return Wall foundations. • Construct reinforced concrete Wave Return Wall to AS3600. • Use concrete grade S50 with a maximum aggregate size of 20mm. • Walls should be 600mm and 1200mm high with transitions in-between. • Ancillary works included: access stairs and access to jetty.

While the project presented all parties involved with some unique challenges, including engineering, technical and resource-orientated challenges, it was successfully completed in April 2017. The project was also considered a success by the Saibai Community as the Sea Wall and Bund Wall boosted the local economy in several ways. It created employment/training opportunities for local indigenous residents and the Contractor ensured local food and accommodation services were utilised throughout the duration of the project. Local resources, minor plant/equipment and personnel were sourced on the Island wherever possible.

2. Construction Management The Saibai Sea Wall and Bund Wall Project was a challenge for the following reasons:

• Existing road network was in poor condition. • Construction works were to be carried out on the foreshore and in Tidal Activity Zones. • AASS/PASS materials are present on Saibai Island. • Low lying swampy ground with flat terrain made it difficult to locate suitable stockpile areas. • Construction occurred in soft and saturated ground conditions. • Concrete Wave Return Wall was to be cast in-situ. • Armour Rock, Filter Material and Heavy Machinery was not available locally and had to be transported to Saibai Island.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 50

• Saibai Island experiences extreme weather conditions for lengthy periods of time. • Superintendent was located off-site. • Specialist plant and equipment mechanics were located off-site. • Transient population on Saibai Island called for additional security.

These challenges, and how the Project Team overcame them, are described in detail below.

2.1. Existing road network was damaged and in poor condition. The use of construction equipment and the transportation of heavy materials across the Island would exacerbate the damage. Project Managers inspected the site during the Tendering Phase. Soil samples were excavated from test pits along the Sea Wall and Geotechnical Specialists were engaged to analyse the results. The data collected was used to determine if heavy construction equipment could transverse along the foreshore below the existing wall.

The Project Team concluded that some sections of the foreshore would quickly become too soft if they were repeatedly used as an access route. If this were to happen, the equipment would be at risk and the safety of the operators could become a concern.

The Contractor therefore dedicated some time to exploring alternative options and investigated different techniques that might be viable for different sections of the foreshore.

One technique in particular proved to be very effective in preventing blemishes and surface damage to the concrete road - notably the use of Track Matts.

Where excavators were transported to site, the Contractor used Track Matts under the excavator tracks to protect the roadway. Excavators have a very low track pressure so ground movement was not affected and the matts were used to stop direct contact with the surface.

The Contractor also made the important decision to use alternative access routes/paths wherever possible. This included transporting machinery and materials along road shoulders and/or along the land reserve located in between the road and the foreshore.

Experienced Project Managers understood that it was essential that the minimum tyre pressure be applied to the existing roads, as most of the road network consisted of concrete and/or bitumen surfacing with a weak sub grade. It was especially weak in some areas and the problem was worsened in wet conditions.

The Contractor initially intended to use articulated dump trucks for carting construction materials along the alternative access routes. Sample testing during the Tendering Phase indicated this was the best option. When empty, these trucks weigh 22,850kg and when fully loaded, they have a gross weight of 50,970kg. However, it quickly became evident during the early stages of construction that the subgrade had deteriorated significantly since the Tendering Phase and that the dump trucks were very ineffective in protecting the road structure.

Having had previous first-hand experience of Road Construction and Marine Infrastructure Works in Remote Islands in North Queensland, Engineers were able to quickly find a solution to this problem – notably track mounted skid steer trucks, Morooka MST 3000 Trucks.

Track mounted skid steer trucks have a fully loaded capacity of 32,500kg and a ground pressure of 0.46kg/cm, thus making them an ideal alternative to articulated dump trucks.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 51

Furthermore, the track mounted skid steer trucks are designed for use on rugged, uneven, slippery or steep terrain and have excellent traction on mud which enables the trucks to travel easily along the land reserves, road shoulders and alternative side tracks.

The track mounted trucks were thoroughly trialled and tested before the Contractor presented this innovative, cost effective, and practical solution for the Superintendent and TSIRC (Torres Strait Island Regional Council). The Superintendent and TSIRC were satisfied with the Contractor’s proposed solution and works continued successfully without any significant delays or further damage to the Island road network.

2.2. High tides and rough seas occur during tropical wet season (December to March). Existing structures and the new infrastructure (i.e. Trimmed Batters and Earthworks) could be damaged as a result of the extreme variations in Tidal Activity. It is commonly understood that, where possible, works should be constructed in dry weather environments; however, in the case of the Saibai Island Project, if this were true, this would have greatly reduced time available to complete the works.

The Contractor therefore reviewed and evaluated this challenge substantially during the Tendering Phase. Potential solutions proposed to protect the infrastructure and the quality workmanship included:

• Aqua Dam (Bladder System) Installation. • Construction of Temporary Rock Bund Wall. • Temporary Bund Construction as a Coffer Dam. • Steel Sheet Piling Construction

2.2.1. Bladder System Installation: The Project Team investigated the use of a possible bladder system that could be inflated using water located approximately 40m away from the work area, seaward side of the construction site. However, it was found that this option would not provide total protection as the bladders were only 2m high and vigorous tides would run over the top. This option was also ruled out as large machinery would be required to transport the heavy bladders to site; as previously mentioned, road access was limited and thus setting up the bladder system would have been extremely difficult.

2.2.2. Temporary Rock Bund Wall: The Contractor explored the option of using a Coffer Dam constructed of rock material as a temporary Rock Bund Wall. This technique had proven successful on other Sea Wall Projects and was therefore a viable option. However, it was later discovered that 8,000 tonnes of extra rock material would be needed to maintain program commitments; thus making this solution a costly one and therefore not feasible.

2.2.3. Temporary Bund Construction as a Coffer Dam: The Contractor considered using excavated material from the toe of the Sea Wall to build a Temporary Bund Construction. This idea was discussed extensively with Geotechnical experts and Engineers. It was concluded however, this option would not be suitable as the majority of excavated materials would contain AASS/PASS deposits. AASS/PASS materials would be extremely difficult to contain in a Marine Environment due to excessive waves, tides and currents and therefore would pose a risk to the environment.

2.2.4. Installation of Steel Sheet Piling: The Contractor concluded the best solution was to install Steel Sheet Piles to protect the existing infrastructure, the excavations and the Sea Wall construction area. This option posed little to no Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 52

environmental risks and allowed for the construction to still meet the Technical Specification requirements.

The Sheet Pile construction was completed in 100m lots. Sheet Piles were installed prior to the removal of the existing infrastructure and were only dismantled once the construction of the Rock Wall was completed.

The Steel Sheet Piling method was effective for a number of reasons:

• The existing infrastructure was not at risk. • Construction works continued during high tides. • Previously completed sections of works were protected. • Toe of the Sea Wall (while under construction) was protected from tidal movements. • The Superintendent Inspections could be completed in the proposed Construction Program timeframes; thus eliminating the risk of re-inspection, non-conformances and re-work on already completed sections of the wall. • Minimal environmental impact.

2.3. AASS/PASS materials, which exist under anaerobic conditions, are present on Saibai Island and could potentially become activated during excavation works. AASS/PASS materials are extremely harmful to the Environment, Fauna, and Flora. To mitigate this risk, the Project Team implemented safety guidelines in line with the Queensland Government State Planning 2014a Policy; these included:

• Avoiding excavating in AASS/PASS areas or suspicious areas. • Minimising the exposure time if disturbance was unavoidable. • Neutralising the excavated materials followed by reinternment. Neutralise with Aglime - (Agricultural Lime); 0.1 tonne of Aglime : 1 tonne of Acid Sulphate Soils. • Monitoring excavated materials and using separate stockpiles. • Spreading Aglime over the excavated stockpile materials to limit surface acidity generation. • Stockpiles were Bunded and kept saturated to minimise the oxidation process.

To overcome the potential dangers, the Project Management Team also ensured AASS/PASS test pit samples were collected and analysed regularly.

Furthermore, where possible, excavation works were only conducted in dry weather conditions thus minimising the risks associated with stormwater overflow.

2.4. Finding suitable stockpile locations for bulk materials on low lying, swampy ground with flat terrain was difficult. Upon award of the Saibai Project, the Contractor undertook several detailed site investigations to determine the suitability of the terrain for stockpiling. The swampy low lying ground proved however, to be unsuitable; not only would it make construction of stockpiling areas difficult but the nature of the terrain would also increase the risk of waste deposits contaminating the surrounding soil.

The Contractor therefore proposed the use of hard Stockpiling Pads as a solution. While a practical solution, this posed a further challenge as suitable construction materials were not available on Saibai Island and importing materials from the mainland would have proven costly possibly making this solution unfeasible.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 53

However, the Project Engineering Team were innovative in their approach and proposed that rocks from the demolished Sea Wall be used to construct permanent stockpiling areas which Council could use for future projects on the Island.

This was not only a cost saving for Council, but it also reduced the amount of rock which needed to be disposed of upon project completion.

2.5. Construction in soft and saturated ground conditions. The Bund Wall construction had to progress slowly to prevent the equipment becoming trapped in soft ground. This was identified as a challenge at the Tender Phase and as such soil samples were taken from potentially vulnerable areas.

Based on the information received from the Geotechnical Consultant, Project Engineers introduced the idea of using a Bridging Layer in weak areas along the Bund Wall alignment to facilitate access for plant and equipment.

This methodology was accepted by TSIRC and the Bridging Layer was subsequently constructed on a Geotextile layer (as recommended by the Geotechnical Consultant) and with rocks from the old demolished Bund Wall.

Each Bridging layer was approximately 500mm in depth and works on the Bund Wall only commenced once the Engineering Team were satisfied that the Bridging Layer was strong enough to bear the maximum truck loadings.

2.6. Stormwater flow-off is slower on saturated ground and continuous rainfall hinders the ground recovery time. A project of this complexity needs to be expertly managed from inception through to completion. The Project Engineers involved in this project had previous experience of working in the tropical climates previously described. As such, the Project Team were able to plan for the majority of the construction works to be executed when the ground was dry. Conducting works in a dry environment ensured the quality of the materials, machinery, equipment and finished product was not compromised. Furthermore, key project milestones were achieved on time.

2.7. Construction of the concrete Wave Return Wall Panels in-situ using S50 concrete could compromise the integrity and longevity of the panels. Concerns were raised about the casting of in-situ concrete panels for the Wave Return Wall at the foreshore. The panel reinforcement was corroded by the sea water and therefore in-situ casting was deemed unsuitable as it compromised the quality of the finished product.

The Contractor therefore worked collaboratively with the Superintendent and devised an alternative method which included using pre-cast panels rather than in-situ concrete panels. The Contractor also proposed that the concrete panels be pre-cast in Cairns. This method was accepted by TSIRC as it also had the following additional benefits:

• It provided greater flexibility as the height of the Sea Wall could be modified in the future should the sea levels rise. • Units were cast using lifting lugs to Australian Standards which meant in turn the units could be temporarily removed and additional base material could be installed if required. • The units were reinstalled at a higher level where needed, this eliminated the costly exercise of demolition and reconstruction which would otherwise have be required. • Steel reinforcements are durable and the effects of extreme weather conditions during the life of the wall would be minimal. Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 54

• If minor settlement occurred in the future, realignment would be possible using Council’s lifting equipment - major rectification work would not be required.

The pre-cast manufacturing works were easily managed by the skilled Engineers in Cairns. The Team conducted regular quality audit inspections which resulted in a high quality, uniform finished product. This approach provided cost savings for the client, had minimal environmental impact and was time- efficient.

2.8. Sourcing of Armour Rock and Filter Material. Where possible, the Contractor should always source materials from the local project area. However, due to the large quantity of rock required to complete the Saibai Project and the specific Technical Specification requirements, this proved a significant challenge.

As the materials required could not be supplied locally, the Contractor engaged quarry suppliers in Cairns, with whom they have an excellent working relationship with. Often construction materials were needed at short notice. These well-established larger quarries were able to supply quality rock in bulk quantities which proved cost effective for the client.

Regular gradation testing occurred on Armour Rock and other material samples. This mitigated the risk of quality issues related to defective/non-compliant materials being delivered to the Island.

This was an important step as it was revealed that some of the samples initially supplied did not comply with the required gradation. The Project Team made the important decision of involving the Superintendent in the quality and purchasing process. The Contractor advised the Superintendent of their findings and the Superintendent revised the design to meet the rock qualities in the Cairns area.

However, further testing indicated that the rock still did not comply with the required gradation. The Contractor therefore continued to work closely with the quarry and proposed an alternative blasting pattern which would meet all the Client specifications.

This method was accepted by TSIRC and the Team expertly managed the blasting and rock sorting process from the Cairns Project Office. Rigorous quality testing throughout the duration of the project was a key factor in producing a high quality finished product.

2.9. Transporting of Armour Rock and Filter Material. Sourcing materials from Cairns, in turn, presented logistical transportation challenges. Unavoidable circumstances also resulted in the Contractor needing large amounts of Armour Rock/Filter Material at very short notice. This was a difficult task to achieve as:

• Barge capacities are restricted to 1000 - 1200 tonnes due to barge ramp draught. • The availability of barges operating is limited. • A reasonable amount of time is required by quarry operators to source, manufacture and supply materials.

With all these factors in mind, the Contractor took the initiative and commenced the planning and placing of orders three months prior to the intended delivery date. The materials imported to Saibai Island included, but were not limited to:

• Over 20,000 tonnes of rock and filling materials. • Precast concrete panels for 1850m seawall. • Precast concrete items for drainage structures. • Other minor materials required for miscellaneous activities. Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 55

It was identified early on that one barge load of materials was generally only sufficient for 4 weeks construction work. To overcome this issue a number of barges were planned and organised at any given instance and ‘buffer’ stocks were ordered well in advance. This careful process was helpful in avoiding interruptions to the flow of construction activities.

It is also worth noting that the voyage from Cairns to Saibai Island is 5 days and there is an additional 3 day unloading time at Saibai Island. The reasons for this additional unloading time are:

• Most of the Remote Islands in Far North Queensland only have one barge ramp which is used for both loading and unloading. • Priority is given to food barges at the ramp. • Barging time may be delayed due to tidal effects, since barges need to be kept waiting until the required depth is reached with the next high tide.

2.10. Extreme weather. Due to the location of the works, the Contractor ensured meticulous programming not only coincided with Tidal Activity but also took into account the extreme weather conditions on the Island. The Project Manager was required to monitor the weather daily and based on the information collated, determined appropriate weekly construction activities. This was a vital task for three reasons:

• The loading and unloading of barged materials was weather dependent. • Particular construction activities could only occur in dry weather, e.g. concrete works. • Monitoring the weather conditions assisted with the rostering of construction/subcontractor crews for which accommodation and food allowances had to be organised.

2.11. Superintendent was located off-site. Work, once completed, needed to be inspected and approved by the Superintendent in a timely manner. Construction activities could not proceed until Superintendent Approval was provided. However, due to the remoteness of the Island, it could take up to 7 days for the Superintendent to arrive on the Island.

The Contractor, Superintendent and TSIRC expertly managed this process throughout the duration of the project and as a result there were no programing delays.

2.12. Health, Safety and Well-being of Staff. Chronic diseases such as drug resistant Tuberculosis, Japanese Encephalitis and drug resistant Malaria, can be common place on Remote Islands in Far North Queensland. The Company Work Place Health and Safety Officer ensured that all employees and site visitors received up-to-date vaccinations prior to visiting Saibai Island.

Toolbox talks were conducted during the Project Induction Program; these talks highlighted disease symptoms, re-iterated good hygiene processes and explained ways in which the common Island diseases spread. These meetings also provided staff with a good opportunity to re-familiarise themselves with Company specific Site Rules, Procedures and Policies, all of which applied to the Construction Site and the Staff Camp Facility. Staff were also referred to the local medical centre immediately if they felt unwell so their health and well-being could be closely monitored.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 56

2.13. On-site maintenance of plant and equipment. Maintaining plant and equipment on-site is always considered a challenge for Contractors. However, maintaining a nearby workshop with all the required parts and tools is not financially viable when working on Remote Islands. During the Saibai Project, for example, Mechanical Experts were needed elsewhere for daily fleet repairs and often parts had to be imported from other major cities within Australia.

To overcome this problem, the Project Management Team conducted daily machinery prestart checks and detected faults were immediately reported to Project Workshop in Cairns. The Workshop offers operating crews with 24 hour support and technical advice. Furthermore, the use of interactive iPad software allows the Workshop staff to order and airfreight small parts within 48 hours.

Heavier spare parts can also be ordered in the same timeframe although for obvious reason cannot be airfreighted. In these instances, barging arrangements were made and the Contractor would ensure that a qualified operator, with sound mechanical knowledge, was flown to the Island immediately so repairs could take place as a matter of priority when the parts and/or equipment arrived.

The Contractor put further contingency plans in place with the Saibai Island Project and organised for plant and equipment to be fully serviced in the Cairns Workshop during each rostered break, thus allowing for continuous construction.

2.14. Additional security was required for contractor site facilities and equipment due to a transient population. Security fencing was erected around Staff Camp Facility and the Construction Site. Cameras were installed and constant communication was maintained with local Police to ensure equipment was not vandalised or stolen.

While these may be considered minor incidents that are usually easily managed on a construction site, as previously mentioned, dealing with repairing and replacing machinery on a Remote Island is not an easy task. Even a small amount of damage to equipment could result in significant delays to the Construction Program.

The Contractor implemented the above-mentioned safety measures as a precaution and no incidents occurred throughout the duration of the project.

3. Conclusion In conclusion, industry literature available on the Challenges Contractors face during Construction Work in Remote Islands in North Queensland is quite limited; however the findings presented thus far are helpful for those working in the Construction Industry in remote locations.

4. References [1] Douglas Partners (2016). Laboratory Testing of Soil Sample, Saibai Island Seawall and Bund wall Project. [2] Jong, T (2016). Acid Sulphate Soil Management Plan, Saibai Seawall and Bund wall Project. [3] Queensland Government (2014 a). State Planning Policy, Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, July 2014, Brisbane. [4] SGS Australia Pty Ltd (2016). Test report on Acid Sulphate Soils. [5] Tide Prediction Blue Book Torres Strait (2017). Department of Transport and Main Roads, Maritime Safety Queensland.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 57

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 2.30PM Justifying coastal management and new infrastructure using cost-benefit analysis Pamela Wong, Jeremy Benn Pacific (JBP)

Abstract: Decision making in the coastal zone is difficult. Any decision that involves the beach or a coastline will have increased input from a range of stakeholders, local interest groups, and near guaranteed coverage from the media. Economic appraisals and cost-benefit analysis (CBA) are two tools increasingly used to provide support for Councils when selecting their preferred coastal management approach - from doing nothing, to beach nourishment or new infrastructure. CBAs are used to identify the most advantageous option(s) to progress, taking into consideration their financial justification and projected return to the LGA. They provide a clear record of the appraisal process, and allow early decisions to be made regarding funding of the favoured option.

This paper presents a timeline of recent QLD projects that have used CBAs. It includes a review of the varying methodologies used in Australia since 2010, summarises a collaborative research project with the Griffith University in 2016 that integrated Australian and international best practises into a new methodology, and discusses their recent use across several LGAs in South East QLD. These CBAs have been used to consider the merits of different defence and tourism options; including new beach nourishment, rock and geotextile groynes, and public amenity infrastructure. Each CBA compared whole life-cycle costs against the benefits of the scheme, which were expressed in monetary terms for the entire LGA over a 50-year period. Calculated as benefit / costs, a scheme is considered beneficial for values over 1 (i.e. where benefits outweigh costs), with larger values considered to have a greater economic return. Importantly, the CBAs have included both tangible benefits, such as protected land, assets and infrastructure, in addition to intangible benefits, such as the value of the beach on tourism, visitor spending, and public amenity.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 58

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 2.50PM Planning and development assessment in Queensland’s coastal hazard areas – Moving toward solutions we all can live with Matthew Barnes & Greg Fisk, BMT WBM

Abstract: Queensland’s collective experience with the identification and management of coastal hazards from its inception with the Beach Protection Authority in the late 1960s to the current planning and management regime under the Queensland SPP has been robust, based on sound scientific principles and, for the most part, applied stridently by the State Departments and local governments of our State.

So why after over 40 years of practice have we not solved these problems? Unfortunately some of the key barriers to effective coastal hazard management remain and in some cases are stronger than ever.

The combination of historic tenure decisions to lease and freehold land to the high water mark (unlike other States), people’s desire to reside, work and play in areas close to the coastline, the environmental and cultural sensitivity of our coastal and marine areas, our geographic proclivity for extreme weather events, and the emerging coastal hazards associated with climate change all contribute to the sometimes fierce competition and unrest that forms around how the coast should be managed.

In this context, some of the key issues that continue to challenge coastal management decision- makers are discussed and methods for better accommodating uncertainty and risk are presented. These include:

1. The need to signal intent and communicate risk (and response) as part of strategic planning 2. Getting the balance right between avoiding, accommodating and accepting hazard risk 3. Making decisions where there is uncertainty about liability and who pays 4. Allowing for adaptive management solutions

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 59

CONCURRENT SESSION 6

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 1.10PM Coastal weather events and their impacts in the Whitsunday region Monica Regan, Whitsunday Regional Council

Abstract: The Whitsunday region is recognised as the gateway to the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef and 74 Whitsunday islands. The coastal area encompassed by Whitsunday Regional Council includes over five hundred kilometres of coastline, and is exposed to a range of coastal hazards including cyclones, storm surge and erosion, and flooding. At present the region has over 460km2 exposed to high storm tide risk, and has experienced 15 tropical cyclones since 1907, most recent being Cyclone Debbie in 2017.

This paper presents a historical timeline of notable weather events in the Whitsunday region, alongside broader climate data trends including rainfall, temperature, and wind speeds. This paper examines both tangible and intangible impacts of notable weather events on the coastal communities of Bowen, Proserpine and Airlie Beach, drawing on historical records and evidence obtained from local historical societies.

The historical weather events and climate patterns have been presented to the public via interactive community workshops. The workshops are part of a broader community engagement strategy undertaken as part of a Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy funded by LGAQ, and serve as an integral component to inform and educate the public of the geographical and climatic challenges experienced by the Whitsunday region from past weather events. This paper outlines the community response to these workshops, including the benefits and challenges of communicating climate change information.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 60

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 1.30PM Tropical Cyclone Debbie: storm surge impact assessment Gaelle Faivre, Griffith University

Abstract: Queensland coastline is particularly vulnerable to storm surge as a result of extreme winds, usually associated with Tropical Cyclones (TC). Storm surge could be very destructive and it is a threat to human life and properties along the coast. Tropical cyclones are really difficult to forecast and storm surge is highly non-linear with many factors influencing its peak magnitude and special variability. A team from Griffith University has assessed the surge impacts on coastal communities following Tropical Cyclone Debbie event. This tropical cyclone has made landfall as a category 4 cyclone on the north Queensland coast between Bowen and Proserpine. The team identified debris lines and water marks on the buildings and gathered information from interviews with the local community at four key locations, Midget Point, Laguna Quays, Shut Harbour and Airlie Beach.

The aim of the research is to support the current disaster management system and develop future strategies for storm tide hazard assessment for Queensland coast. A real-time inundation forecasting tool system has been developed by Griffith University to support evacuation procedure in Queensland, Australia. The information from the field work has been used to verify the Centre's storm surge decision tool and validate the projected surge and inundation across the land with the case study of Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

As a result, this work shows surge impacts in the most impacted areas, collects crucial information for new planned development to deal with the protection of the community in case of an extreme event and validates the decision support system tool developed by Griffith University. This field work has been elaborated in partnership with the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 61

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 1.50PM Visualising Coastal Risks Thomas Mortlock, Risk Frontiers

Abstract: Risk Frontiers (RF) has been building a set of tools and analysis capabilities that will allow the NSW Government to visualise the potential impacts to communities and infrastructure arising from seawater inundation and to assess the likely economic costs of these risks. These tools allow users to exploit high-resolution data in their own applications to perform in-house analyses in order to inform management decisions in respect to actions to be taken by local communities and councils in the coastal zone.

To date 40 exposure layers or feature of interests have been added and analysed. These range from residential buildings to roads and bridges, education facilities, emergency services and heritage areas. In our final stage of this work we estimate the potential costs for these exposure layers that intersect with hazard layers as identified in the earlier work.

The outputs are delivered via a state-wide visualisation tool. Resolution can be either state, LGA or Statistical Area 1. The outputs give the user flexibility to integrate additional data layers as they become available and a range of user-changeable cost values for each exposure layer. The tool has been built so that it can be expanded to include additional hazards across the whole of Australia.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 62

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 2.10PM Enhancing products, services and systems for storm surge forecasting by the Bureau of Meteorology Bruce Gunn, Bureau of Meteorology

Abstract: The Bureau of Meteorology has developed several operational systems providing guidance and decision support tools to forecasters for issuing warnings and forecasts of storm surges. This includes storm surges generated by tropical cyclones and other severe weather events contributing to coastal sea-level anomalies at the Australian coast. There are accordingly two separate forecasting systems. These include the Tropical Cyclone system, running several times a day while a Tropical Cyclone is active; and the National System running at least daily to provide information on storm surge heights around the Australian coast. The National System provides guidance in assessing the potential threat of storm surge from non-TC systems, such as East Coast Lows affecting the eastern seaboard and intense winter storms that affect southern Australia.

A suite of standardised storm surge products has been developed based on consultations with State Emergency Service organisations and other key stakeholders.

In this talk we will outline the scope of services, products, issues and lessons from past events that are shaping the enhanced services provided by the Bureau for anomalous sea levels.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 63

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 2.30PM Generic Tools for Coastal Early Warning & Decision Support Simone De Kleermaeker, Deltares

Abstract: Recent and historic high-impact events demonstrated coastal risk (Xynthia, Europe, 2010; Katrina, USA, 2005). This is only to get worse, with growing risk due to increase in both hazard intensity, frequency and increase in consequences (i.e. further coastal development). Adaptation requires a re- evaluation of coastal disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies and a new mix of prevention, mitigation and preparedness measures.

Within the EU funded project RISC-KIT the focus is on preparedness measures and its aim is to demonstrate robustness and applicability of coastal Early Warning System (EWS) and Decision Support Systems (DSS).

The challenges for developing a modern EWS are found in the integration of large data sets, specialised modules to process the data, and open interfaces to allow easy integration of existing modelling capacities. In response to these challenges, Delft-FEWS provides a state of the art EWS framework, which is highly customizable to the specific requirements of an individual organisation. For ten case study sites on all EU regional seas an EWS has been developed, to provide real-time (short-term) forecasts and early warnings. The EWS component is a 2D model framework of hydro- meteo and morphological models which computes hazard intensities. The expected impact of a hazard is obtained with a Bayesian network DSS. This DSS links coastal multi-hazards to their socio- economic and environmental consequences, and is incorporated in the Delft-FEWS platform. An important innovation lies in the dual mode application of the tools, both as a forecast system and as a consistent ex-ante planning tool to evaluate the long-term vulnerability due to multiple (low- frequency) coastal hazards, under various climate-related scenarios.

Generic tools which can be used to set-up a EWS/DSS for coastal regions regardless of geomorphic settings, forcing or hazard type have been developed and are available via the RISCK-KIT project website.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 64

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 2.50PM An assessment of coastal impacts during Tropical Cyclone Debbie Thomas Mortlock, Risk Frontiers

Abstract: Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie made landfall near Airlie Beach on the north Queensland coast at midday on 28 March 2017. It was a slow-moving, category 4 system that generated heavy rainfall, large waves and storm surge at the coast. A team from Risk Frontiers travelled to the area a day later to undertake post-storm surveys of beach erosion and storm surge limits, and to engage with the local community about their experience during the event. A range of information - including video imagery of storm surge during Debbie - was collected and is presented here. The survey data has been used to calibrate a model of coastal inundation for tropical cyclones, developed in partnership with Deltares in the Netherlands. The model uses the new Delft3D Flexible Mesh technology to couple surge, tide and wave dynamics along the North Queensland coast. Here we re-create coastal conditions during Debbie and ask the question – what would have been the coastal impacts if Debbie had made landfall two hours earlier at high tide?

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 65

CONCURRENT SESSION 7

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 3.40PM Re-connecting Coastal Aquatic Habitats - rock ramp fishways Matt Moore, Catchment Solutions

Abstract: Almost all of Queensland's coastal freshwater fish species undertake migrations at some stage during their life-history. Some of these migrations are short and undertaken exclusively within freshwater, while some migrations occur across vast distances and between varying habitats, including between freshwater and near-shore marine environments. Barriers to fish passage such as dams, weirs, road crossings, culverts and weed chokes prevent and obstruct fish movement along waterways and remain one of the largest threats to aquatic ecosystem health throughout Australia. Economically important diadromous fish species such as barramundi, mangrove jack, sea mullet, long-finned eels and jungle perch are prime examples of species which migrate between marine and freshwater habitats to complete their life-cycle. Fish species that undertake this type of migration are most impacted by barriers, often experiencing reduced populations upstream of barriers and occasionally extinction.

Many diadromous species are of high socio-economic value to recreational, commercial and indigenous fisheries and play a significant role in influencing the health and wellbeing of local communities. They also contribute key ecosystem services as apex predators through importing nutrients to upstream areas and exporting energy to downstream marine food webs. Restoring lateral connectivity through the remediation of fish barriers with appropriately designed fishways is therefore one of the most successful management tools utilised by government agencies and natural resource management groups to reduce the impacts of barriers.

Rock ramp fishways (RRF's) are designed to emulate natural riffles and are excellent at providing fish passage, particularly for weak swimming and juvenile diadromous species. RRF's have a natural appearance, provide greater surface irregularity, flow complexity and are inexpensive when compared to their highly engineered vertical slot counterparts. In Australia, RRF's have generally been considered an option for small headloss barriers, however the success of the recently constructed Bremer River RRF on a 2.4m high weir suggests otherwise.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 66

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 4.00PM Integrated approach to coastal wetland ecosystem repair in the Lower Burdekin Laura Dunstan, North Queensland Dry Tropics

Abstract: Healthy coastal ecosystems are critical for the long term health and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and provide a range of services including water distribution, food and habitat, and nutrient and chemical cycling. In the Lower Burdekin, sugarcane production systems dominate and the remnant coastal ecosystems are under pressure due to influences from the irrigated agriculture system, system-wide alteration of floodplain hydrology and pervasive threats posed by weeds and hot fire regimes. Changes to the landscape have led to loss of seasonality and many of the wetlands in the Lower Burdekin area are faced with an unusual and unique issue: too much water.

The NQ Dry Tropics Waterways, Wetlands and Coasts Program is improving the health and ecological function of coastal wetland ecosystems (including the Ramsar listed wetlands of Bowling Green Bay) to remove excess nutrients, pollutants and sediments before they reach the GBR. Our vision is sustainably managed, resilient and healthy regional waterways, wetlands and coasts; which the community enjoys and respects. We work with all levels of government, key industry groups, community groups, Traditional Owners and land managers to protect, conserve and rehabilitate these ecosystems. We support the community to deliver projects, learn new skills, access grants, and better understand how to sustainably manage our natural resources.

Significant results have been achieved through our integrated coastal wetland management program that utilises Australian and Queensland Government funding to support the community to undertake projects that deliver successful environmental, social and economic outcomes. We make this funding go further thanks to significant co-contributions from our partners and strategic alignments with other projects.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 67

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 4.20PM Stitching together the tidal tapestry: classification, mapping and values assessment of the intertidal and subtidal benthic habitats of Central Queensland Mike Ronan, Wetlands Unit, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Queensland Government

Abstract: Understanding the nature, extent and values of habitats is integral to their effective management. Terrestrial and freshwater ecosystem classification, mapping and conservation assessments already provide a basis for management and planning in Queensland. The Intertidal and Subtidal Habitat Mapping and Conservation Values Assessment for Central Queensland State Waters project addresses the lack of mapping and values assessment for intertidal /subtidal ecosystems between Baffle Creek and the mouth of the Fitzroy River.

Intertidal habitat (e.g. mangroves, saltmarsh) is exposed at low tides. Subtidal habitat on the sea floor remains continuously submerged. Tidal inundation and other biophysical attributes of benthic habitats can be used to classify and map benthic habitats.

Classifications and typologies based on biophysical attributes are applied using the Interim Queensland Intertidal and Subtidal Classification Scheme (classification scheme), to produce ecosystem mapping. The classification scheme was produced by the Queensland Wetland Program (QWP) during a previous project involving input from more than 70 scientists, managers and consultants over eleven expert workshops.

This classification scheme is compatible with and extends on the Australian National Aquatic Ecosystem Classification (ANAE) scheme and provides a common language and understanding to align spatial habitat datasets through their biophysical attributes. Rule-sets are developed combining these attributes to describe and map habitat types. In this way many different datasets are ‘stitched’ together into a seamless map of habitat types extending across the shoreline to the deepest waters managed by the State.

An aquatic conservation assessments (ACA) using AquaBAMM will be applied to the mapped and classified habitats. AquaBAMM is a decision support tool that utilises existing information and expert input to assess conservation values in aquatic ecosystems. It uses a robust analysis of ecological or conservation values and can be used for many purposes including regional planning, marine park planning and other management processes.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 68

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 4.40PM Let the Data do the Talking: St Helens to Cape Hillsborough Net Free Zone Pre and Post Declaration Surveys Luke Galea, Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance

Abstract: The St Helens to Cape Hillsborough Net Free Zone (NFZ) is one of 3 NFZ that were implemented off the Queensland coastline on 1 November 2015. By way of definition, Net Free Zone means an area closed to commercial gillnetting, therefore converting to a recreational fishing haven boosting fish numbers and biodiversity which will attract tourists and boost the local economy. The NFZ occupies an area of 147km2 spanning from Blackrock Creek in the north to Cape Hillsborough in the south. Boat ramp surveys (citizen science) were undertaken to gauge the exact fish species, sizes and the time taken to catch them within Mackay’s NFZ. This was imperative to quantify the effectiveness of the NFZ. This sampling was done in October 2015 which was 1 month prior to NFZ implementation. It was repeated again in February – April 2016. The increase in catch rates, fish sizes and the reduction in time/effort taken to catch fish in the latter survey was phenomenal. Monitoring thus far has compared pre and post wet season which is not truly indicative due to seasonality and fish migratory patterns. It is therefore MRFA’s intent to undertake this monitoring each Feb-Apr for the next 5-10 years to ascertain the long-term trends associated with sampling at the same time of year each year. This is currently being undertaken as we speak. By September (the time of the conference) Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance (MRFA) would have ascertained the Feb-Apr 2017 results and another chapter of the report written comparing Feb-Apr 2016 with Feb-Apr 2017. Sampling at the same time of year each year will compare apples with apples and any assumptions discrediting the data due to seasonality or fish migratory patterns can be dismissed. This project is supported by Reef Catchments, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 69

CONCURRENT SESSION 8

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 3.40PM Using Generalized Dissimilarity Modeling to reclassify the bioregions of the Great Barrier Reef Danielle Asson, James Cook University

Abstract: The Great Barrier Reef is currently divided into 70 bioregions, 30 reef and 40 non-reef, meant to represent the range of biodiversity found in the region. The boundaries of these bioregions were defined using the best available data at the time, and expert opinion. These bioregions later informed the zoning plan for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP), particularly in the placement of no-take green zones. However, for many non-reef areas especially, data were lacking on species presence and abundances. For many areas, there were no data at all, and the experts acknowledged their bioregional definitions were approximate in these locations. Since 2004, when the current zoning scheme was officially enacted, there have been an abundance of additional data collected through projects such as the AIMS Long-Term Monitoring Project, the Seabed Biodiversity Project, and Reef Life Survey. In addition, there is a variety of new statistical packages developed for analyzing compositional patterns in species and environmental variables. Using Generalized Dissimilarity Modeling and updated data on reef fish abundances and benthic species biomass from the aforementioned sources, we present a new classification of the bioregions of the GBRMP based on dissimilarity in community structure among sites, combined with environmental data. This classification scheme shows distinct differences from the existing bioregionalization, notably having fewer classes, each with multiple, discontinuous patches, rather than occurring in single, contiguous polygons. The new classification has implications for the zoning of the GBRMP, since the existing protected area network is based on the 2000 bioregionalization. The existing network may not, therefore, be adequately protecting biodiversity in all areas of the GBRMP. The new classification allows us to better understand compositional patterns in this globally significant marine region, and highlights areas where current levels of protection may be inadequate.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 70

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 4.00PM Why urban water quality isn’t an issue for the Great Barrier Reef John Gunn, Earth Environmental

Abstract: This paper/presentation will look at the key features of the development of the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan (Reef Plan) and analyse the reasons for the assumption that ‘urban water quality isn’t an issue for the Great Barrier Reef’, commencing with “Memorandum of Understanding between the Commonwealth Government and the Government of the State of Queensland on cooperation to protect the Great Barrier Reef from land-sourced pollutants” and the Productivity Commission report released in 2002 titled Industries in the Great Barrier Reef Catchment and Measures to Address Declining Water Quality.

The presentation will then move forward in time to 2014 modelling (Waters et al.) to show that the urban contribution of water quality pollutants to local waterways and the near coastal environment is highly significant and disproportionate to the areal extent of urban land use when compared to more extensive land uses i.e. grazing, nature conservation and cropping.

Examples will be provided from the Townsville water quality improvement plan (WQIP) including potential impacts of the development phase e.g. sediment concentrations in runoff from a land development site on a hillslope measured with a peak TSS concentration of 20,000 mg/L (Gunn and Barker 2009, and Gunn and Manning 2010).

The presentation will then show the significant number of references to urban land use in the Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan (2015) which has resulted in the more recent inclusion of urban and industrial land use in the draft Reef Plan Scientific Consensus Statement (2017) as a prelude to inclusion in the next Reef Plan.

The presentation will conclude with some thoughts around why urban water quality may be an issue for the Great Barrier Reef, and how the human dimensions of water quality improvement may be more easily and less expensively addressed in the urban setting.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 71

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 4.20PM Identification and prioritisation of tidal exclusion barriers for rapid rehabilitation decision making Trent Power, Catchment Solutions

Abstract: Intertidal wetlands are disappearing. Many of these complex habitats at the transition zone between the freshwater and marine environment have been lost as a result of urban and agricultural development, and what is left is under threat from rising sea level and future coastal development. Encompassing the area from upper tidal salt flats through to mangrove lined estuaries, intertidal wetlands provide critical nursery and refuge habitat for many coastal and coral reef fish and crustaceans species (e.g. barramundi, sweet-lip emperors, mud crabs and prawns). These highly productive and incredibly diverse ecosystems also provide an important buffer zone, limiting the transfer of nutrients and sediment to the Great Barrier Reef. Intertidal wetland habitats must be conserved, managed and rehabilitated, so that the vital ecosystem services they provide – both from an economic, social and ecological perspective – can continue into the future.

The loss of intertidal wetland habitats has primarily occurred due to the installation of tidal exclusions structures. For example tidal bunds constructed to increase usable pastoral and agricultural land, levy banks and flood gates to protect coastal urban developments and the reclamation of tidal land for industry. With increased investment for the rehabilitation of intertidal habitats there is a pressing need to identify and prioritise tidal exclusion structures and the associated wetland loss. This information will be vital for decision makers when allocating funds for on-ground rehabilitation works— given the often short amount of time available to locate appropriate sites and complete remediation works.

This study aims to identify and prioritise tidal exclusion structures along the Capricorn Coast from Bundaberg to Livingstone. Similar investigation of tidal exclusion structures will also be undertaken in the Rocky Dam catchment south of Mackay. Here we present findings to date and consider how this information can be used to facilitate rehabilitation of intertidal wetland habitats.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 72

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 4.40PM Using Data Visualisation to Support Planning for Coastal Hazards Donovan Burton, Climate Planning

Abstract: Planning in the coastal zone is challenging - given the dynamic shoreline processes, changing climates and ever-present risks from coastal hazards. It comes as no surprise that planners are struggling with finding a balance between managing development along the coastline and protecting the community against coastal risks like storm tide, flooding and sea level rise. Climate Planning envisaged that the solution to this problem was to integrate big data analytics and data visualisation into planning processes. This forward thinking approach has lead the creation of Informed.CityTM, a visualisation tool which presents data and findings from studies in a visual way which other users can easily understand.

With the Informed.CityTM visualisation tool, clients can quickly interpret large data sets of information and display project summaries for use in reports or presentations. The tool can also be publicly uploaded to a website or displayed at engagement events to assist in informing the community. To date Climate Planning have developed risk dashboards for Kingborough Council, Hobart City Council and Whitsunday Regional Council which allows planners to identify the asset exposure for a range of current and future coastal hazards within the study sites.

Governance is another element of the Informed.City tool, whereby local governments are assessed against a range of indicators and provided with a visual scorecard to enable them to address targeted responses for climate change adaptation governance. This approach has been used to assess almost 200 Australian municipalities as well as numerous state agencies.

Whitsunday Regional Council have identified the future potential of the Informed.City tool, partnering with Climate Planning to create data visualisations which assist in the development of their Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 73

CONCURRENT SESSION 9

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 3.40PM Monitoring morphodynamic response of nearshore sand bars to wave climate on an open coast beach, Gold Coast, Australia Tom Murray, Griffith Centre for Coastal Management

Abstract: Under processes typical of open ocean coastal systems, the Gold Coast coastline naturally cycles through periods of accretion (under lowered wave energy) and erosion (during increased wave activity, high water levels and storm events). It is generally accepted that sediment is eroded from the beach and deposited in offshore bars during increased wave energy events (i.e. storm events) through the mechanisms of undertow and rip currents. Whilst it is understood that during low wave energy (i.e. accretionary periods) sediment will slowly migrate onshore, the mechanisms for onshore sediment transport are still poorly understood. To date little field work has assessed the cross-shore transport rates and behaviour of sediment in surf zone bars, particularly onshore migration.

Surveys of the beach and surf zone (to the depth of closure) are being undertaken regularly (e.g. every 3-6 weeks) along a 1.2 km stretch of open ocean coastline on South Stradbroke Island. The aim of this data collection is to monitor temporal change in the morphology of the beach and nearshore zone and to track onshore migration of established linear storm bars after high wave events and during the accretionary period(s). This data may inform future nearshore nourishment campaigns with natural storm bars acting as a proxy for nearshore nourishment placements.

This presentation will discuss the data collection program to date, explore changes in the morphology at the study site through time and discuss onshore transport of storm bars during accretionary periods. Data collected during this project will aid in validating and improving sediment transport models for the region and sand bar behaviour will be compared with that of a large-scale nearshore nourishment campaign undertaken on the Gold Coast open beaches between May – October 2017.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 74

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 4.00PM An overview of Wave Buoy Measurements in Queensland Past, Present and Future Leo Peach, Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation

Abstract: Wave measurement in Queensland has a long history with some locations passing their 40th year of continuous wave monitoring. The Queensland Government’s monitoring network has also expanded and now includes 15 sites from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the Gold Coast. During this time wave buoys have evolved, from recording on paper charts to automated digital recorders and from non- directional to directional. The introduction of the MKIV Directional Wave Rider Buoy to Queensland denotes a step change in wave measurement as well introducing the wave buoys as a multipurpose platform for coastal and maritime monitoring through the addition of directional current measurement. Continuing in Queensland’s trend of early adoption and application of cutting edge Coastal monitoring technology. The needs of customers and stakeholders over that time has also changed, from data in the time domain such as Hs to the spectral domain such as Hm0, data delivery has also drastically changed as data is now available at near real-time. This presentation highlights the progressive changes in wave buoys and the data they produce, then looks into the future of the wave buoy as a multipurpose platform.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 75

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 4.20PM Uses and Applications of Airborne LiDAR Bathymetry for Coastal Zone Management Darren Stephenson, Fugro

Abstract: The Australian coastline requires modern and integrated coastal management systems to ensure economic, social, environmental and population pressures are managed in a coherent and coordinated way.

Through the use of Airborne LiDAR Bathymetry, Fugro helped Western Australian Government stakeholders to understand the coastline and nearshore environment, to update charts and better analyse the risks and exposure of the coastline to climate change events. This enabled safer boating as well as better decision workflows for government planning and management of coastal environments.

As seen in 2016 / 2017 storms affecting the South Australia, Queensland and NSW coastlines, coastal communities must understand and adapt to the stronger waves, winds and surges impacting the coastal environment. The first step in this understanding is the identification of risks to coastal populations and infrastructure.

The use of current generation aerial remote sensing technology is an essential tool to compile accurate, comprehensive baseline datasets for these purposes. This paper will review the technology used and uses of the remotely sensed datasets.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 76

TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER, 4.40PM Aquatic Remote Sensing for Coastal Management: state-of-the-art, case studies, and looking forward Magnus Wettle, EOMAP Australia

Abstract: Aquatic remote sensing can be broadly divided into the two areas of monitoring water quality (e.g. turbidity, sediment loads or chlorophyll-a concentrations in the water column) and mapping the seafloor (e.g. bathymetry, seafloor reflectance, and benthic habitats).

Monitoring water quality using remote sensing has traditionally been done using sensors - such as on the MODIS satellites – with relatively coarse spatial resolution but frequent re-visit times. Applications for this have typically been in open ocean waters. limited by the complexities of inland and coastal aquatic environments and the lack of suitable higher resolution sensors. Here, we present a selection of case studies with government agencies, environmental consultancies and industry, which illustrate the state-of-the-art in operational monitoring of inland and near coastal water quality using the latest generation of higher resolution satellite sensors.

Detecting the seafloor using remote sensing, particularly estimating water depth, has been in development since the 1970s, but it is in the last decade that the required physics-based algorithms and processing work flows have become sufficiently robust to be an operational service - applicable worldwide with known accuracies - without the requirement for a priori, in situ field data. Here, we present a selection of case studies with government agencies, research institutes, environmental consultancies and industry which illustrate the state-of-the-art in mapping water depth, seafloor colour, and benthic habitats, using earth-orbiting satellite sensor data.

Looking forward, the next generation of platforms and sensors – with increased spatial resolution and re-visit times - will further drive potential applications and continue lowering costs to the end user. In particular, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), capable of carrying multi- and hyper-spectral sensors, now offer an additional platform for sourcing remotely sensed image data for these types of coastal management.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 77

CONCURRENT SESSION 10

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 8.30AM Environmental Approvals for Public Marine Infrastructure Tonia Richard & Trevor Carter, Department of Transport and Main Roads

Abstract: A case study of the approval process for a recreational boating facility – Burrum Heads boat ramp The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has a role in providing launching facilities for recreational boating throughout Queensland. The facilities include boat ramps, pontoons, jetties and floating walkways as well as the creation and maintenance of dredged channels to these facilities.

Given the location of these facilities in the marine environment, a variety of environmental approvals are often required to enable their construction or upgrade. Often the approval process is straightforward given the relatively recent release of a self-assessable code for tidal works (DEHP, 2014), however often these facilities are also located in protected areas, including marine parks and fish habitat areas. Development in these protected areas therefore trigger various additional approvals.

This paper presents a case study of the environmental approval process undertaken for a recently completed two lane boat ramp facility at Burrum Heads on the Fraser Coast. This much needed facility was the subject of two decades of discussion and debate among the local community, the Council and several state government departments. Environmental approvals under the Marine Parks Act 2004, Fisheries Act 1994 and the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 were required, which included revocation of marine park and fish habitat area.

Approval Processes for Dredging for Recreational Boating Facilities in Queensland The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has a role in providing launching facilities for recreational boating throughout Queensland. An important part of this role is the creation and maintenance of dredged navigation channels to these facilities.

The scale of dredging required for these facilities is much smaller than similar works undertaken for port development. However the approval processes can sometimes be just as complex and usually take a lot more time than the actual dredging. TMR has undertaken extensive liaison with approval agencies to streamline approval processes for these relatively small dredging campaigns.

This paper discusses strategies developed by TMR over several years to simplify approval processes and secure on-going approvals for maintenance dredging of the many small craft navigation channels throughout the state.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 78

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 8.50AM Persistence and perseverance in foreshore protection, Amity Point, North Stradbroke Island Paul O'Brien, Water Technology & Tim Mitchell, Redland City Council

Abstract: Significant coastal erosion has been occurring at Amity Point on North Stradbroke Island for many years - with 300 metres of shoreline recession occurring since the township was first surveyed in 1886. Historically, the response of the local community to this erosion threat has been to maintain a rock-armoured foreshore, with repairs undertaken following major erosion events.

However, such works are viewed as being unapproved (or unlawful) in the context of Queensland’s Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995. This is because the structure has not been approved as prescribed tidal work under any previous or existing State planning acts. Consequently, the on- going active management of erosion by the local community has underpinned a longstanding conflict between Amity Point residents and Local/State Government agencies. To date, considerations for approval of the works have been based on the notion that this rock-armoured structure is a seawall.

In late-2015 Redland City Council commissioned a Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP) to be developed for Amity Point. Technical work undertaken for the SEMP identified that the erosion threat is due to the combined effects of tidal channel migration as well as Retrogressive Breach Failures (or flow slides) that occur on the submerged side-slopes of nearby Rainbow Channel. Investigations undertaken to determine the extent of historical placement helped identify that the reserves of placed rock buried in the foreshore are likely to inhibit the development of flow slide events to destructive scales. The SEMP’s recommended strategy was therefore to support and enhance the effectiveness of the community’s current erosion management practice of repairing the existing flow slide barrier by continuing to place armour rock whenever necessary. The redefining of the existing rock structure from a “seawall” to a “flow slide barrier” challenges the current framework prescribing the development and implementation of Shoreline Erosion Management Plans.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 79

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 9.10AM Historical and legal constraints in shoreline planning at Amity Point, Queensland Konrad Beinssen, Amity Point Progress Association

Abstract: The small community of Amity Point on North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, has lived with the threat of shoreline recession since 1886, when the State Government first surveyed a village and sold land at public auction. The village was set out with a wide esplanade of public land fronting the shoreline so that privatised land did not initially front directly onto the shore. As erosion claimed the public esplanade the shoreline approached freehold land and landowners began to defend their properties using a variety of techniques. Public land (parks and road ends) was also progressively defended by local Government.

The major threat to land fronting the tidal channel at Amity Point comes from ‘flow slides’. This geo- mechanical mechanism has only recently been recognised but is now better understood by coastal planners. A progressively built riprap wall acts as a ‘flow slide barrier’ and has stabilised land against further recession.

This paper will analyse the historical background to shoreline recession at Amity Point and some legal constraints to shoreline defence and planning which arise. This includes the progressive building of the riprap ‘flow slide barrier’ which now effectively protects the village but is technically an ‘illegal structure’. The rights and responsibilities of all stakeholders in erosion control will be examined. The legal difficulties of a ‘planned retreat’ policy at Amity Point will be addressed. The critical role of community consultation will be emphasised. Valuable lessons for shoreline planning elsewhere will emerge.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 80

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 9.30AM Learnings from Coastal Adaptation Planning Projects in Qld, WA and NSW David van Senden, Cardno

Abstract: Cardno has been working in coastal zone investigations, management and planning for the past 30 years during which time we have grappled with the, at times bizarre, evolution of state coastal policies and implementation by Local Governments. Over the past decade State government policies have evolved to generally recognise that sea level rise and changing climate are likely to cause significant damage and more frequent disruption to coastal infrastructure in the future. The current round of state policies generally has the intent of raising local government awareness of the future liability that may attach to today’s planning decisions. Guidance documents based on the state policies have been generated in WA, the Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaption Plan (CHRMAP), in Queensland, the Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy (CHAS) and in NSW, the draft Coastal Management Program (CMP).

State guidelines provide a staged approach to the development of long term (50 to 100 years) strategies to guide short term (next decade) planning processes and decisions. Development of the CHAS is a complex multifaceted process requiring skills across coastal engineering and flood modelling, economics, environmental, social, planning and community engagement. The CHAS is intended to evolve through an adaptive management process with review and update of the CHAS each 5 to 10 years. Local governments are generally required to complete their CHAS (or equivalent in each State) to effectively satisfy the State that any future funding requests for coastal zone development/management are based on sound strategies that mitigate today’s predictions of future liabilities.

This presentation will provide a perspective on the current State based guidelines in WA, QLD and NSW and lessons learned from the implementation of each State’s guidelines through reference to recent case studies in each State.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 81

CONCURRENT SESSION 11

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 8.30AM An investigation of the long-term impacts of artificial bypassing of tidal entrances and future strategic management options of sediment transport Jemma Purandare, Griffith University

Abstract: The development of the Gold Coast has been rapid, and the requirement to secure and stabilise coastal lands to support extended shoreline development has become a high priority for developers, the local community and the local government. As a result, the Gold Coast shoreline has been extensively shaped, fixed, extended and altered to suit the growing needs of the coastal city. Over the past century, with particular acceleration over the past 30 years, the coastal zone has been significantly re-engineered to stabilise areas intended for development.

At the northern end of the Gold Coast, re-engineering has included the installation of artificial bypassing of the Nerang River entrance. With bypassing methodology still in its relative infancy, the potential longer-term impacts on sediment dynamics of bypassing combined with catchment modification and waterway channel dredging are still unknown.

With increasing demand for coastal resilience in urbanised estuaries, hard engineering is resulting in the need for coastal processes at entrances to be mechanised to prevent interruptions in sediment sources and sinks along the coast. The Nerang River entrance is one of a handful of examples of bypassed tidal entrances in the world, and despite a numerous studies on the area, little has been resolved regarding the impacts that bypassing may have on the sediment dynamics and transport dominance.

The presentation provides an introduction to the research being conducted investigating the influence artificial bypassing may be having on the sediment dynamics at the Nerang River entrance, and the proposed outputs and relevance of these to global artificial bypassing schemes.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 82

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 8.50AM Beach Profile Measurements on The Gold Coast – Past, Present and Future Guilherme Vieira da Silva, Griffith University

Abstract: Understanding coastline morphological changes is crucial for coastal management. The most frequently used type of data for this purpose is beach profiling, where topo-bathymetric surveys are conducted in transects perpendicular to the coast. In the late 1960’s the Gold Coast suffered from a series of seven extreme events in the space of six months. The response to the resulting severe coastal erosion was the development of a coordinated monitoring and management approach to defend the coast. From Fingal Beach in Northern NSW to The Spit at the North of the Gold Coast eighty fixed lines with regular spacing of 400 m were established and have been surveyed ever since with variable temporal spacing. Historically the survey has included both beach and nearshore measurements to beyond the depth of closure.

With increased knowledge and new technology the beach survey methods changed, especially in terms of equipment, temporal and spatial resolution. Since late 2015 Griffith University has been conducting surveys along a 2 km stretch of coast at South Stradbroke Island. Surveys are undertaken every 3 to 6 weeks with a spatial resolution of 50 m. Recently, the City of Gold Coast has conducted regular surveys in six key locations plus three headlands along the coast with much higher spatial resolution (50 m between lines as opposed to 400 m between lines). This presentation will describe the development of techniques, resolution and amount of data collected along the coast. The usefulness, pros and cons of surveys with lower resolution with greater total coverage and higher resolution with smaller total coverage will be discussed for different purposes.

The measured data is used to inform local coastal engineering issues and management programs. The 50 year Gold Coast beach profile dataset is an invaluable source of knowledge rarely seen elsewhere in the world.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 83

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 9.10AM Living on the Edge: Climate Change Impacts on Gold Coast Threatened Species and proposed management responses Paul Donatiu, Healthy Land and Water

Abstract: The Gold Coast hinterland is a rich environment characterized by a diverse topography that creates multiple habitat niches within overlapping climatic zones. Many species are at their northern or southern range limits, raising questions about their temporal and spatial persistence against the backdrop of a changing climate.

Since 2012, the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) has been working with James Cook University to model changes to the climatic envelope of >1300 vertebrate species. This collaboration has provided a foundation for identifying new potential protected areas as part of DEHPs Landscape Resilience Program.

This work has enormous application for in situ species and ecosystem management. As the regional natural resource management body for Southeast Queensland, Healthy Land and Water (HLW) is able to provide funding for restoration projects that conserve and protect habitat for threatened species. Part of this work is to build land manager interest in the projected climate impacts on these species, and how impacts can be mitigated through practical on-ground actions and conservation planning at a regional scale.

This presentation will outline the projected impacts of climate change on select threatened species found within the Gold Coast hinterland, and describe how this effort is informing management actions (such as corridor creation, identifying and conserving refugia, and targeted rehabilitation) to conserve their habitat.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 84

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 9.30AM Managing sand accumulation in urban coastal water ways and community expectations Scott Hardy, Whitsunday Regional Council

Abstract: Residential areas in Australia have historically hugged the coastline. Where residential areas have developed near coastal creeks there is an expectation from the adjacent community that local government should maintain the functions and values of estuaries to certain standards.

The Whitsunday Regional Council has a number of coastal creeks where riverine and coastal nearshore processes cause creek mouths in urban areas to fill with sediment. When the creeks fill with sediment this has an impact on the function of the estuary to maintain flood water capacity, maintain stormwater flow and on creek aesthetics. One of the challenges for local governments is to determine the desired levels of service of the coastal waterways and develop a suitable maintenance schedule. Council often needs to decide what course of action and maintenance program should be implemented at each creek to maintain estuary values and functions, meet community expectations while minimising cost. Often the decision-making process involves an assessment of risk, likely consequences, identifying estuarine function performance levels and cost. The Whitsunday Council is starting to explore levels of service and long-term maintenance options for a number of urban waterways to maximise function and minimise long term costs. The purpose of this paper is to outline the issues faced by the Whitsunday Regional Council in managing and maintaining urban coastal estuaries and outline planning progress to date.

Full Paper:

INTRODUCTION

Coastal creek estuaries can reflect catchment land use practises and are influenced by nearshore coastal processes. Estuaries are dynamic coastal environments which reflect catchment processes and ocean process. Dalrymple et al., (1992) define an estuary as the seaward portion of a drowned valley system which receives sediment from both fluvial and marine sources and which contain facies influenced by tide, wave and fluvial processes.

Creeks and rivers located near urban areas often perform important hydrological functions which include land drainage, stormwater transport, recreational boating and aesthetics. Urban waterways are often important community assets which are recognised for their aesthetic properties but respected for the functions they perform for the nearby residents. However, in some urban catchments, waterways can become polluted, choked with litter, congested with sediment and an eye-sore for the community. The estuaries and mouth of urban waterways can become clogged with sediment which can affect their function and performance.

The accumulation of sand and sediment in the estuary and at the mouth of coastal urban waterways can affect function and performance. The increase in sediment at the mouth of the waterways can reduce discharge of stormwater, increase flooding, hold stormwater back and cause odours and change the waterway mouth which can cause damage to council infrastructure.

The formation of sand bars at the mouth of tide dominated estuaries is a natural process and can provide a natural barrier to storms by dissipating energy (Masselink, and Hughes, 2003 and Cohn, et al., 2014). The challenge for local governments is to balance the urban functions and services the waterways provide against the natural processes and environmental values. Residents living in low lying areas near waterways have expectations of flood immunity and the local government has an

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 85 increased obligation of facilitating management and maintenance programs designed to at least maintain a set of waterway conditions which reflect natural flooding across the coastal floodplain.

Local governments are required to view urban coastal ways not only as natural coastal environments but also an asset which can produce hazards, have risk, provides a function and may need maintenance. The application of asset management principles can and is increasingly being applied to urban waterways. In modified catchments, Thorne et al., 2006 states an active maintenance programme is often required to retain the characteristics of improved channels for navigation, flood defence or land drainage. The management of the urban estuary and marine interface is a challenging area for local governments, but often an important one for a number of land use planning and hazard management reasons. The Whitsunday Regional Council has over 514km of coastal line and 13 kilometres of coastal urban areas. The council has a number of coastal waterways both large and small which sediment accumulation increases flood hazard and there are expectations that coastal creek mouths are maintained. This paper will explore the application of asset management principles to managing urban coastal waterways and meeting and managing community expectations.

BACKGROUND

Asset management and its application to coastal environments

Asset management is the systematic process of managing and maintaining assets (IPWEA, 2015). There is a growing need for local governments to develop asset management strategies and asset management plans for managing community infrastructure such as roads, water pipes, parks and buildings. The main components of an asset management framework include defining levels of service, performance levels, undertaking condition assessments and management of risk.

Coastal waterways provide important community functions such as the transport of stormwater, recreation opportunities and aesthetics. The functions of creeks can be described in terms of the services which they provide to the community, but an assessment of hazard and risk is also required. The assessment of risk is an important component of effective asset management. Effective risk management is the understanding the risks related to asset management, service delivery and prioritise risk mitigation (IPWEA, 2015).

Levels of service relate to outcomes the customer receives in terms of quality, quantity, responsiveness and performance as provided by the asset (IPWEA, 2011). The IPWEA (2011) state that levels of service describe what the organisation intends to deliver. The levels of service can reflect creek capacity, flood immunity, volume of sand removed and appearance. Defining levels of service and function will then drive and influence creek maintenance work.

Maintenance includes reactive, planned and cyclic maintenance work activities (IPWEA, 2015). Maintenance of coastal zone projects and facilities can generally be classified into three categories and is generally influenced by economics; built in maintenance, routine maintenance and event – driven maintenance (NCCOE, 1998).

Legislation and Policy

The coastal zone is a highly regulated section of the landscape due to coastal hazards, their risk and the important ecosystems found there. There is a range of State and Commonwealth legislation which control land use and activities in and around coastal waterways. The main State legislation which regulate the coastal waterways is the Queensland Coastal Management and Protection Act 1995, Fisheries Act 1994, and Environmental Protection Act 1994.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 86

The management and maintenance of assets by local government is guided by the Queensland Local Government Act (2009). The Councils asset management program is also guided by the principles mentioned in the Queensland Local Government Act (2009) which include; need for continuous improvement, greater resource allocation efficiency and need to ensure greater compliance with legislation, Australian Standards and regulations.

The Whitsunday Regional Council’s approach to risk management is based on the Australian Risk Management Standard AS4360:2004. The Council asset management programme is guided by a number of corporate principles. The Whitsunday Regional Council has a developed asset management framework which includes asset policies.

Creek mouth maintenance options

The highly regulated coastal zone requires maintenance work to be undertaken in a well planned process. Dredging is the most common method used to remove the accumulation of sand at waterway entrances. Thorne et al., (2006) state that dredging is undertaken to remove deposited sediments and maintain the specified cross-sectional area. Ling (2007) also mentions that river entrances are dredged or sand is removed from NSW creeks to maintain safe navigation and for local commercial fishing fleets operating out of small regional fishing ports.

There is a range of methods and machinery available to remove accumulated sand from creek mouths. Thorne et al., (2006) state that “a large range of machinery is available for dredging and its selection depends on the size of the channel, access and ground conditions”. In smaller watercourses, dredging is carried out by hydraulic excavators or draglines attached to land based vehicles (Thorne et al., 2006). Wheeler et al., (2010) trialled the use of suction hopper dredging at Gippsland Lakes to evaluate maintenance options.

The dredging of accumulated sand can be a costly exercise for State and Local government. Thorne et al., (2006) suggest that traditionally geomorphological assessments have not been undertaken to guide river and creek maintenance programs. METHODS

Identifying coastal creeks to undertake entrance maintenance work

The Whitsunday Regional Council has a number of creeks and waterways which flow through urban areas. A number of urban waterways have historically filled with sand and sediment which have required sand removal during the dry season to maximise stormwater flows during the wet season. The decision of what creeks or stormwater drains to dredge is largely driven by historical practises, landholder complaints and officer inspections of “trouble spots”. The size and dimensions of the creek mouth influence what equipment is used to extract the sand. In the majority of cases, the sand is removed based on historical practises or what appears to be a suitable amount. The Council has invested in geomorphological investigations at creeks where there is an issue with erosion. The maintenance of the sand at creek and waterway entrances is best described as “reactive maintenance”. The Council does not have an asset register for coastal creek mouths or coastal infrastructure assets.

Evaluation of WRC creek mouth maintenance program

There are a number of asset management standards which could be used to assess the effectiveness of the Council’s coastal waterway maintenance program. Melbourne Water have spent time developing a strategic asset management plan for Melbourne’s waterways and drainage assets

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 87

(O’Neil, 2017). The Council is aware of more detailed asset management rating and assessment systems such as the self-assessment methodology developed by the Institute of Asset Management (Institute of Asset Management, 2014). The International Infrastructure Manual (IPWEA, 2011) has an asset management maturity asset matrix which can be used to measure an asset management advancement.

It is thought that a qualitative approach to the assessment of the Council coastal waterway maintenance program will be sufficient to identify strengths and weaknesses and develop actions for future improvements. The proposed evaluation system will be based on the IPWEA IIM matrix (IPWEA, 2011). The responses that will be used to evaluate the council current system will be gained from senior staff.

RESULTS

WRC urban creek mouth maintenance program

The current Whitsunday Regional Council approach to urban coastal waterway entrance maintenance is based on staff experience with local conditions and an annual inspection to determine if maintenance is required. The maintenance work undertaken is to achieve historical flow capacities and reflect assumed natural creek mouth dimensions. The costs of the maintenance work are recorded but not against a program or set of objectives. According to Council staff the operational levels of service used are: o Estuaries have an open system where stormwater passes through the estuary without obstacles. o Estuaries do not hold back stormwater allowing it to stagnate. o Estuary capacity is maintained to maximise delivery of flood waters and maintain flood immunity to nearby residential properties based on existing and historical landforms. The urban coastal waterway entrance work is a combination of planned maintenance on some creeks but reactive in others based on complaints. The qualitative assessment of the Council’s coastal waterway maintenance program is summarised in table 1.

Table 1. Results of Whitsunday Regional Council waterway maintenance program

Component Target (Intermediate IIM level) Council current processes IIM index level Levels of Customer group needs are analysed. Levels of service are not documented. Minimum service Costs to deliver alternative key levels of service are analysed. Customers are consulted on significant service levels and options. Demand Demand forecasts based on mathematical The frequency of maintenance and volumes are Minimum forecasting analysis of past trends and primary demand not determined factors. A range of demand scenarios is developed. Asset A reliable register of physical and financial The location and characteristics of the creeks Minimum register data attributes recorded in an information system and waterways which need maintenance are not with data analysis and reporting functionality. formally recorded. Systematic and documented data collection process in place. High level of confidence in critical asset data. Asset Condition assessment programme derived The waterways are inspected annually and their Minimum condition from cost-benefit analysis of options. A good condition visually assessed by experienced staff. / Core range of condition data for all asset types. The condition of the creeks is not formally Data management processes fully integrated recorded. into business processes. Data validation process in place.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 88

Risk Systematic risk analysis to assist key The council staff assess the accumulation of Minimum management decision making. Risk register regularly sand and sediment against perceived (not / Core monitored and reported. Risk managed measured) natural conditions. An assessment of consistently across the organisation. risk is not formally determined. Decision Formal decision making and prioritisation Decisions on maintenance and the extent are Minimum making techniques are applied to all operational and based on historical experience. The / Core capital asset programmes within each main maintenance work is prioritised based on the budget category. Critical assumptions and size and location of the creek. Creek mouths estimates are tested for sensitivity to results. close to urban residential areas which have a history of flooding are prioritised higher. Operational Emergency response plans and business Asset utilisation is not measured. Minimum planning continuity plans are routinely developed and Demand management is not formally / Core tested. Demand management is a considered. component of all operational decision Emergency response plans have not been making. Asset utilisation is measured and developed. analysed for most asset groups. Maintenance Contingency plans for all maintenance There is not a formal maintenance schedule or Minimum planning activities. Asset failure modes understood. inspection schedule for the work. Frequency of major preventative There is flood modelling available for the urban maintenance optimised using cost-benefit catchments. There are storm surge models and analysis. Maintenance management mapping available. software implemented. Cost-benefit analysis is not formally used to assess maintenance options. Costs of alternative measures such as creek training walls for some locations has been determined.

Maintenance management software is available to assist with programming work and recording costs. Note: Rating key- Minimum, Core, Intermediate and Advanced.

The Council records customer complaints in its Customer Response Management system. The number of complaints regarding coastal waterways and the entrances can be retrieved. The level of customer satisfaction is not formally measured. The effectiveness of the creek maintenance work is not formally determined.

The Whitsunday urban coastal waterway maintenance program activities have been sourced for the main creek entrances. The timing and volume of the coastal waterway maintenance program is found in table 2.

Table 2. Whitsunday coastal waterway entrance maintenance program costs.

Waterway / Catchment Volume of Frequency of Approximate Target Staff rated Customer asset (ha) sand maintenance timing of extraction effectiveness rating of extracted work work of the work effectiveness (approx.) (dredging) Cannonvale 188ha 180m3/yr Every 3 Reactive Not Effective Not sought Creek years determined Airlie Creek 173ha 100m3 Every 5 Planned Not Effective Not sought years determined Tollington 50.2ha 100m3 Every 3 Reactive Not Effective Not sought Street years determined (drain) Brisbane 42ha 100m3 Every 3 Reactive Not Effective Not sought Street years determined (Drain) Thomas 85ha 300m3 3 x year Reactive Not Not effective Personal Street determined for long term discussion – (drain) Sand Hills 312ha 3,000m3 Once Reactive 3,000m3 Not effective Not sought Creek for long term Don River 350,000ha 50,000m3/yr Continuous Planned Over Not effective Not sought 100,000m3 for long term required /yr Proserpine 249,400ha Nil Not Not effective Not sought river determined for long term

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 89

Soldiers 9ha 100m3 Every 5 Planned Not Effective Not sought Road years determined (Drain) Bells gully - 898ha Not known Every 5 Reactive Not Not effective Not sought years determined for long term Campbell 596ha 100m3 Every 5 Planned Not Effective Not sought Creek years determined Total 60,000m3/yr

DISCUSSION

The majority of the Whitsunday urban population live in the coastal zone. It is estimated that 60% of the Bowen town population live on the Don River floodplain and 20% of the Town of Whitsunday live adjacent or near a coastal creek. The population which is affected by coastal flooding and waterway function is approximately 5,000 to 8,000 people, or up to 20% of the Whitsunday Regional Council population.

The Council has a role in maintaining the hydrological function of coastal waterways for flood hazard mitigation, resident protection, asset protection, environmental protection and aesthetics. The Whitsunday Regional Council has a developing asset management and maintenance system for its coastal waterways. The existing program appears effective but the effectiveness is not measured to support this position. In the Whitsunday region, between 60,000 and 70,000m3 of sand is extracted from the mouth or the lower reaches of coastal waterways by the Council and private contractors each year.

For the Don River north of Bowen, the volume being extracted is not sufficient to maintain existing and future flood immunity levels, hence more is needed to be removed (Hydrobiology, 2005). One of the issues with the Don River has been finding a cost-effective sand dredging solution which results in the sand being used for a useful community purpose. Sand extraction from a number of coastal urban creeks and waterways is mostly reactive with a range of volumes extracted between years. Drainage systems within the Don River floodplain are also constrained by urban development, historical filling of waterway drainage paths and sediment accumulation reducing flood water transport capacity.

The review of the Whitsunday Regional Council coastal waterway asset maintenance program has found a number of areas which could be improved to increase the cost effectiveness and functional outcomes. Some of the recommended improvements include: • Development of an asset management plan for urban waterways. • Development of an asset management register for coastal waterways. • Identification of values to protect and performance levels for each waterway. • Undertake a risk assessment of the dominant urban waterways. • Development of target levels of service for the coastal waterways. • Development of a condition inspection schedule for the selected waterways. • Development of a maintenance schedule for the selected coastal waterways.

The suggested coastal waterways asset management plan is an appropriate tool which could be used to determine a more planned approach to coastal waterway asset management. The coastal asset management plan could be used to demonstrate to the community that the Council recognises the importance of waterways and their various functions, and document how the council will meet community expectations and needs.

The identification of functions and values to protect is an important first step which needs to be documented. An investigation into the causes of sediment accumulation may be warranted to

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 90 determine whether there are action options available to reduce the problem in the first place. Thorne et al., (2006) has suggested that undertaking a fluvial audit to evaluate sediment related problems, potentially linking cause and effect may save maintenance costs in the long term. The performance level for each waterway is determined with consequences identified for each level and a cost assessment is made for each performance level. The next stage is then determining the maintenance actions which need to be applied (Thorne, et al., 2006).

The development of the coastal asset management plan may open opportunities for improved outcomes for the community and may develop more long term cost-effective methods for coastal maintenance in the future.

CONCLUSION

Local governments have a role in managing and maintaining the functions and services provided by coastal waterways. The coastal waterways provide a range of environmental, recreational and economic functions. The management and maintenance of coastal waterways is a highly regulated operational area. It is a challenge for local governments to navigate through the legislative requirements to undertake often critical waterway maintenance work to protect the community, public infrastructure, environmental waterway values and aesthetics.

Many local governments undertake the coastal waterway maintenance work in accordance with the range of legislation in planned, semi-planned or reactive methods. Coastal waterway maintenance programs which are not well documented run the risk of undertaking unnecessary work, work which does not meet the hazard and risk levels and expand council budget constraints. A more planned and organised approach to coastal waterway management is not only more desirable from a risk management perspective, but could deliver better outcomes for the community and more certainty that the work undertaken is cost-effective. The Whitsunday coastal waterway maintenance program is small but locally important. It is estimated that up to 8,000 residents live in floodplain areas which rely on coastal waterway maintenance work to remove the accumulation of excess sediment caused by catchment clearing and land use.

Local governments in Australia are moving toward the development of systems to better manage and maintain community assets. Some councils have invested into the development of asset management plans which are specifically for coastal waterways. The benefits of developing asset management plans specifically for coastal waterways is to provide certainty that all risks are adequately evaluated, and all required community services are delivered. It is suggested that the Whitsunday Regional Council could benefit from the development of a formal coastal waterways asset management plan to assist in the identification of waterway hazards and selection of well-timed and deliberate maintenance work delivered in a measurable and cost-effective manner.

REFERENCES

Cohn, N., Ruggiero, P., Ortiz, J., D.J. Walstra, (2014). Investigating the role of complex sandbar morphology on nearshore hydrodynamics. In: Green, A.N. and Cooper, J.A.G. (eds.), Proceedings 13th International Coastal Symposium (Durban, South Africa), Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 70, pp. 053–058, ISSN 0749-0208.

Dalrymple, R.W., Zaitlin, B.A. and Boyd, R., (1992). Estuarine facies models: conceptual basis and stratigraphic implications. Journal of sedimentary petrology, 62, 1130-1146.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 91

Institute of Asset Management, (2014). The Self-Assessment Methodology – Guidance ( General Guidance Notes for using the SAM: a Self-Assessment Methodology for use with BSI PAS 55:2008 and ISO 55000/1/2:2014). IAM,

Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia, (2015). Park Management: Inventories, condition and performance grading. Practice Note 10.1. IPWEA, Sydney.

Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia, (2011). International Infrastructure Management Manual (IIMM). IPWEA, Sydney.

Hydrobiology, (2005). Sediment study of the Don River. Hydrobiology Pty Ltd, Brisbane.

Ling, A., (2007). Maintaining safe navigation of key river and port entrances in NSW., QLD Coastal Conference.

Masselink, G. and Hughes, M.G., (2003). Introduction to coastal processes and geomorphology. Arnold, London.

National Committee on Coastal and Ocean Engineering, (1998). Coastal engineering guidelines for working with the Australian coast in an ecologically sustainable way. Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra.

O’Neill, G., (2017). Melbourne Water’s Approach to Waterway and Drainage Asset Management. Melbourne Water, Melbourne.

Wheeler, P.J., Peterson, A., and Gordon-Brown, L.N., (2010). Channel Dredging Trials at Lakes Entrance, Australia: A GIS-Based Approach for Monitoring and Assessing Bathymetric Change. Journal of Coastal Research: Volume 26, Issue 6: 1085-1095. 2010

Thorne, C.R., Hey, R.D., and Newson, M.D., (2006). Applied fluvial geomorphology for river engineering and management. Wiley and sons, Brisbane.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 92

CONCURRENT SESSION 12

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 8.30AM Rethinking your Role in Coastal Management Naomi Edwards, Griffith University

Abstract: The future of coastal management belongs to ‘the coastal professional’ who seeks to protect and manage the coast. While awareness of how the coast is responding to climate change is tracked and modelled, how ‘the coastal professional’ is changing or needs to change or innovate new ideas to respond to climate change is yet to be critically explored. This one-day workshop presents an exciting opportunity for Queensland’s coastal professionals to rethink their role in coastal management. The workshop will present preliminary research of a national coastal professional research project that seeks to understand the culture and conflicts of ‘the coastal professional’. The (20-30) coastal professionals who attend the workshop will be encouraged to rethink their role in coastal management to solicit new ideas on how to improve their practice of coastal management. They will be skilled with take-home powerful engagement and facilitation techniques to continue the conversation within their organisations, including, the art of hosting, string theory with appreciative inquiry for co-designing, transforming conflict into compassion and succession for success. The overarching outcome of the workshop is to identify a direction to stimulate and facilitate the training and development of coastal professionals. The workshop offers the possibility for Queensland’s coastal professionals to become empowered actors and take leadership roles to direct their future in coastal management for the coast.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 93

CONCURRENT SESSION 13

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 10.25AM Monitoring wetland condition in the Great Barrier Reef catchments: establishing a baseline Jan Tilden, Queensland Government

Abstract: Wetlands play an important ecological and hydrological role in landscape function. Coastal floodplain wetlands are ecologically and hydrologically connected to the Great Barrier Reef and influence water quality.

The Reef Water Quality Protection Plan sets targets for improved water quality and land management and identifies actions to improve the quality of water entering the reef. Progress against these targets is detailed in the annual Great Barrier Reef Report Card. The Reef Water Quality Protection Plan 2013 wetland target is:

"There is no net loss of the extent, and an improvement in the ecological processes and environmental values, of natural wetlands."

Changes in wetland extent have been reported since 2009. The Great Barrier Reef catchments wetland monitoring program aims to report changes in the environmental values and processes of natural freshwater wetlands.

A 2014 pilot study informed a program for monitoring wetland values using the Wetland Field Assessment Tool for Monitoring (WFAT-M), a rapid assessment method developed to measure anthropogenic disturbance to the environmental values of individual wetlands on a gradient from natural to highly disturbed.

In the dry months of 2015 and 2016, a refined version of the WFAT-M was used to gather baseline data for anthropogenic pressure on wetland environmental values, and for the state of wetland environmental values across the whole Great Barrier Reef catchment from Cape York to the Burnett- Mary region. The results of this baseline study are presented here.

In addition to monitoring the extent of wetlands, their condition and the land use pressures impacting them can now also be monitored. We will be able to track changes, whether positive or negative, to a suite of valued environmental assets that also plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 94

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 10.45AM Multi Functions of Floating Wetlands – treat water, reduce coastal erosion, enhance biodiversity Andy Hornbuckle, Spel Environmental

Abstract: Floating Wetlands are not only among the most productive ecosystems, they also naturally remove pollutants, trap sediment, and improve water quality. Is it possible to mimic this biological treatment process in the urban setting? How can the combination of man-made technology and natural systems provide a platform for nature to take over and provide successful stormwater treatment?

Join Australian researcher Andy Hornbuckle for an informative presentation exploring the principles by which floating wetlands treat stormwater, act as wind and wave breaks to mitigate coastal erosion, as well as explain the design, validation, and application of floating wetlands for stormwater treatment and storage. Andy will also discuss how floating wetlands are a resilient solution to improve water quality, and carry minimal capital expenditures and operating expenses.

Referencing field research to date and implementation of floating treatment wetlands in Australia and American coastal erosion mitigation techniques, Andy Hornbuckle will describe: how floating wetlands can be custom designed to suit project constraints; different ways to successfully install, anchor, and maintain them; how flow-weighted field research has been successfully conducted and applied to subsequent projects; and the design, validation, and assessment of floating wetlands throughout case study development.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 95

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 11.05AM Mackay Regional Council’s Voluntary Mechanism for Stormwater Quality Management Luke Galea, Mackay Regional Council

Abstract: Urban stormwater run-off contributes to poor water quality in waterways. This can harm aquatic ecosystems and poses a threat to the waterway's environmental values. The State Planning Policy (SPP) requires that the planning, design, construction and operation of development should be undertaken in a manner that protects environmental values and maintains or enhances water quality. The policy on the voluntary mechanism for stormwater quality management relates to the water quality objectives for the operational phase of development. The SPP design objectives are becoming difficult to achieve, and the ongoing maintenance costs of individual systems on each development site requires costly maintenance, with some water quality outcomes achieved through smaller devices questionable. The voluntary mechanism for stormwater quality management has been developed to improve the efficiencies of developments’ stormwater quality management requirements through more cost effective alternative solutions. The mechanism is viewed as a locally appropriate approach to water quality management requirements for development that reflects the State Planning Policy’s objectives. The mechanism provides an alternative to achieving the development’s on-site operational phase stormwater quality objectives via regional water quality improvements, including regional wetlands, rehabilitation of waterways, improved on-farm practices, water quality monitoring, education and other initiatives to improve stormwater quality run-off. Depending on the receiving environment, developments may, on application, be able to transfer part or all of their operational phase stormwater quality management requirements to regional stormwater quality solutions. Developments, where the voluntary mechanism has been applied, will still need to achieve their construction phase stormwater quality objectives and manage their stormwater quantity in accordance with the State Planning Policy, Planning Schemes and the Queensland Urban Drainage Manual.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 96

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 11.25AM Forecasts of streamflow and water quality for catchments contributing to the Great Barrier Reef Richard Laugesen, Bureau of Meteorology

Abstract: The Australian Bureau of Meteorology is developing an operationally-ready prototype to forecast streamflow along with load and concentration of seven water quality constituents in catchments which impact the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) lagoon. This project will deliver a system ready to transition into operations as a potential new forecast service, a demonstration website, and a dataset of retrospective forecasts for the period 2013 to 2017. Forecasts of streamflow and water quality will be generated at both gauged and ungauged locations within the domain. The uncertainty associated with each forecast will also be quantified and model verification results generated. The forecasts will be provided at an hourly and daily time resolution and have a lead-time of 3 days ahead. Three different dynamic methods will be used to model the streamflow, and water quality will be modelled using a statistical method. The catchment forecasting system will be coupled with two hydrodynamic ocean models of the GBR lagoon. These coupled catchment-marine forecast systems will provide the community with a potential new capability - three day ahead forecasts of sediment and nutrient loads impacting the reef.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 97

CONCURRENT SESSION 14

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 10.20AM From Zero to Hero: Whitsunday Regional Council’s Adaptation Planning Donovan Burton, Climate Planning

Abstract: In 2015 Whitsunday Regional Council was assessed as having almost no consideration of climate change in its core governance arrangements. In less than 12 months Council responded by implementing a climate change adaptation policy, a climate change strategy, facilitating cross border collaboration, establishing a climate change innovation hub and undertaking 17 climate change risk and adaptation projects. This paper aims to support a rapid question and answer session that teases out the barriers and enablers to Councils new found leadership on managing the effects of climate change.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 98

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 10.25AM Supporting climate adaptation on the coast: applying CoastAdapt to local challenges David Rissik, Griffith University

Abstract: CoastAdapt is a resource developed by the National Climate Change Research Facility (NCCARF) to support users to manage the risks of climate change on the coast. Developed following substantial end user consultation, and with formal and informal engagement throughout, CoastAdapt has over 200 information pages, guidance, documents, tools, templates, data resources and more, CoastAdapt is a one-stop shop for climate adaptation. CoastAdapt has been applied to a variety of coastal challenges in Australia. This talk presents early feedback from application project, and works through some of the features in CoastAdapt which are critical to long-term adaptation planning. The talk will focus on CoastAdapt's decision framework C-CADS (Coastal Climate Adaptation Decision Support) using case studies to illustrate processes and approaches.. CoastAdapt has been endorsed by the Queensland government, which is an important factor for its use in the stat, it is a valuable resource to support planning for QCoast2100.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 99

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 10.45AM Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Planning in the Mackay, Whitsunday, Isaac Region Cassidy Hayward, Reef Catchments

Abstract: Reef Catchments is progressing Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Planning in the Region using a series of tools and workshops. By tapping into available science and drawing regional detailed information into a climate plan that was thoroughly workshopped, Reef Catchments has engaged a stakeholder group that is ready and willing to put actions into play to prepare for future predicted climate change.

The Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Regional Climate Plan provides a way forward for climate planning and is a useful tool for stakeholders to draw information. To date, climate workshops have focused on specific key actions and elicited targets to implement these actions. Engaging a range of sectors including all levels of government to tourism, emergency services to traditional owners, Reef Catchments has stimulated region wide interest. Future workshops will focus on identified barriers to adaption and include information on funding which may be available through grant or offset programs.

An annual Climate Forum has been initiated and will bring lead stakeholders together to share progress and useful tools, discuss limiting factors and instigate further advancement of the regional climate plan.

Reef Catchments is also gearing up to form partnerships with key regional stakeholders as a means to provide region specific information and assessment tools needed to support Australia’s climate mitigation goal of being carbon neutral by 2050. The steps required to reach this goal, the methods for measuring this and the commitment that could be gained locally is being assessed.

This is an exciting and growing space in which Reef Catchments role, as proactive participant and advocate for climate change will ensure the longevity of our coastal environmental values and conservation of the Great Barrier Reef.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 100

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 11.05AM Investing in Clean Energy in Coastal Queensland Paul McCartney, Clean Energy Finance Corp

Abstract: Securing investment into the clean energy sector is integral to the economic and environmental development of coastal Queensland. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation’s (CEFC) has aiming to invest $1 billion over 10 years in the region under the Reef Funding Program. The CEFC’s mission is to accelerate Australia's transformation towards a more competitive economy in a carbon constrained world, by acting as a catalyst to increase investment in emissions reduction. We do this through an investment strategy focused on cleaner power solutions, including large and small-scale solar, wind and bioenergy; and a better built environment, with investments to drive more energy efficient property, vehicles, infrastructure and industry. This presentation will cover topics including:

- Opportunities for investment in clean energy and renewables - What the CEFC looks at when financing clean energy projects - Case studies for investment clean energy - The CEFC Reef funding program

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 101

CONCURRENT SESSION 15

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 10.20AM Rethinking your Role in Coastal Management Naomi Edwards, Griffith University

Abstract: The future of coastal management belongs to ‘the coastal professional’ who seeks to protect and manage the coast. While awareness of how the coast is responding to climate change is tracked and modelled, how ‘the coastal professional’ is changing or needs to change or innovate new ideas to respond to climate change is yet to be critically explored. This one-day workshop presents an exciting opportunity for Queensland’s coastal professionals to rethink their role in coastal management. The workshop will present preliminary research of a national coastal professional research project that seeks to understand the culture and conflicts of ‘the coastal professional’. The (20-30) coastal professionals who attend the workshop will be encouraged to rethink their role in coastal management to solicit new ideas on how to improve their practice of coastal management. They will be skilled with take-home powerful engagement and facilitation techniques to continue the conversation within their organisations, including, the art of hosting, string theory with appreciative inquiry for co-designing, transforming conflict into compassion and succession for success. The overarching outcome of the workshop is to identify a direction to stimulate and facilitate the training and development of coastal professionals. The workshop offers the possibility for Queensland’s coastal professionals to become empowered actors and take leadership roles to direct their future in coastal management for the coast.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 102

THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER, 9.25AM Marine Debris in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef Libby Edge, Eco Barge Clean Seas

Abstract: The Whitsunday region faces extremely high risks from the negative consequences of marine debris. Islands of the Whitsundays protrude from the Queensland coastline and have many bays and beaches that are open to the south-east trade winds, tides and currents. This results in the region acting as a natural collection point for marine debris. Combine this with the high occurrence of marine-based activities in the area, careless throw away behaviours and the lack of adequate waste control measures within the urban infrastructure along the Queensland coastline, the Whitsunday Islands become inundated with marine debris. This is particularly disturbing as the Whitsunday region is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park World Heritage Area and contains many species of important conservation value, including endangered and migratory species.

Due to the south-east trade winds, tides and currents the marine debris accumulates on the south- east facing bays and beaches, making these hotspot locations. The Whitsunday Islands act as a doorstop for the marine debris, if it is not removed here it will be washed back out and transported north along the Great Barrier Reef. Marine debris also has a devastating effect on marine life, especially sea turtles. In May 2013 Eco Barge launched the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre which provides response, rescue and rehabilitation to sick and injured marine turtles found in the Whitsunday and Mackay region. The Founding Chair of Eco Barge Clean Seas will present on the outstanding achievements of Eco Barge and the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre which have been made possible thanks to the help of over 5,000 local volunteers.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 103

THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER, 9.45AM Two Centuries of Climate Change and Climate Variability, East Coast Australia Dr Darrell Strauss, Griffith University

Abstract: Analysis of records on the east Australian coast, dating back over two centuries, shows oscillating multidecadal ‘storm’ and ‘drought’ dominated climate periods that are distinct from long term climate change. On this coast, climate change is expressed as a slowly accelerating sea level rise. Climate variability, as distinct multidecadal periods , is generally associated with phases of the Inter Pacific Oscillation Index (IPO) and also expressed as decadal changes in sea level. Inter annual climate variability can largely be related to ENSO, while multidecadal climate phases are shown to be related to IPO. The two indices interact, with ENSO dominating during weak IPO phases. Between the 1920’s and 1940’s, neither IPO or ENSO correlated with climate suggesting other influences not explained by Pacific oscillation. Understanding the behaviour of climate variability over different timescales has the potential to improve understanding of, and responses to, climate change. This will be important in the sustainable management of geomorphic and ecological systems.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 104

THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER, 10.35AM Protecting the long-term health of the Great Barrier Reef through restoration and enhancement of adjacent coastal ecosystems Paul Groves & Donna Audas, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)

Abstract: The health and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef are critically dependent on the catchment’s coastal ecosystems and the quality of water discharged from the catchment. In the past, little regard has been given to the role coastal ecosystems in the catchment have on the health of the Great Barrier Reef. It is estimated that approximately 40% of remnant vegetation in the Great Barrier Reef catchment had been cleared by 2009, and 74% of the catchment was used for grazing. Of the 424,000km2 that makes up the Great Barrier Reef catchment, less than 10% is protected as national park. Much of the ecological services of the Great Barrier Reef catchment have been lost or heavily modified, and this is reflected in the declining health of the Great Barrier Reef, particularly inshore areas. Today there is an increased public appreciation for the influence the catchment has on the receiving waters of the Great Barrier Reef and its biodiversity. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority places considerable importance on a coordinated and collaborative approach to the management of the catchment and Reef. The Authority has collaboratively developed a set of principles and decision-making tools to assist natural resource managers, decision makers, landowners and managers to enable them to restore, maintain or enhance the environmental values and ecological functions of coastal ecosystems to support the long-term health of the Great Barrier Reef.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 105

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 106

Design Investigations for Boat-Ramp Protection at Whisper Bay Christopher Scraggs, Cardno

Abstract: The Queensland Government, acting through the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), engaged Cardno to investigate the feasibility of constructing a breakwater at the Whisper Bay, Cannonvale VMR Boat Ramp in order to give some protection from shoreward propagating waves during boat launching and retrieving operations. This site is generally sheltered from ocean waves. However, during cyclone Hamish in 2009, the site was affected by cyclonic waves that damaged a floating pontoon used for boat handling facilities and which had been installed in 2008. The Altmann Avenue boat-ramp at Whisper Bay, Cannonvale, was constructed in 2000 by a private developer, but is owned and managed now by the Whitsunday Regional Council (WRC). It is the only boat-ramp in the area that has adequate trailer parking spaces and therefore is very popular among the boating community. However, due to its exposure to the open sea, launching and retrieving a boat is extremely difficult at times due to the high wave energy penetration to the ramp. The situation may have been aggravated in the past due to a dredged access channel that approached the ramp – about 0.5m deep. The floating walkway/pontoon discussed above was constructed by Council to assist in boat launching and retrieving, but it was destroyed by storm activity. Therefore the boat-ramp is experiencing significant downtime due to bad weather, despite the fact that the boat launching facilities are very much in demand in the region. Following preliminary design, WRC engaged Cardno to optimize the design to meet present-day budget restrictions, but allowing future adaption as projected sea level rise occurred. The study included numerical modelling of both operational and extreme cyclonic waves, as well as wave penetration investigations which were conducted in order to optimise the wave protection design.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 107

Retraining of the O'Connell River (Northern side) Joanne Linneweber, Whitsunday Rivers Improvement Trust

Abstract: The Whitsunday River Improvement Trust is about to undertake its last stage of works in the O'Connell River with the assistance of the Natural Disaster Resilience Program Funding. Works at the O'Connell started in approximately 1996. The River was slowly eroding vital agricultural lands and affecting the water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef. The project has involved retraining the stream back towards the centre using hard and soft engineering. Rock revetments walls were placed along the northern bank to reshape the bank and prevent further scouring. Timber retards were placed midstream to allow sediment to build up in front of them, reclaiming land. These works have been successful. We can see new vegetation has formed in these areas allowing a natural environment to re-establish.

The last stage involves removal of sand build up, rock revetment work and then revegetation of the site downstream of our current work. The objective of this project is to deliver flood mitigation infrastructure and build resilience to a vulnerable river that is slowly eroding. We also hope to deliver on our water quality objectives because if we stop the erosion, we stop the sediments from entering the Great Barrier Reef.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 108

Acid sulphate soil hazard in the class room Scott Hardy, Whitsunday Regional Council

Abstract: The Proserpine High School in Central Queensland has been delivering a year 12 chemistry subject on acid sulphate soils since 2009. Over the last 8 years, the course on acid sulphate soils has involved the delivery of class room theory, but has also developed a field work component. The Whitsunday Regional Council has assisted the High School over the 8-year period with the provision of land on a coastal wetland area to dig soil pits. The Council has also provided staff to deliver a practical explanation of acid sulphate soils at the field site and soil pits. The council provides two soil pits in the lower Proserpine wetlands where students can collect soil samples down the soil profile, conduct field tests and take samples back to the classroom to conduct further experiments. The students conduct group experiments on the acid sulphate soil samples. Some students conduct tests on frozen samples, while others leave the soil out for set periods of time to determine the rate of acid produced. The information gathered by the students is used to write a formal scientific report (Extended Experimental Investigation) that is used for their 12-year chemistry assessment.

It is estimated that over the 8-year period over 150 students have learnt about acid sulphate soils and have benefited from the ability to collect local soil samples for the experiments and apply chemistry in a real practical situation. The partnership arrangement between the Proserpine high school and the Whitsunday Regional Council has worked well over the years providing students with a hands-on approach to chemistry focusing on a relevant local coastal hazard.

Qld Coastal Conference 2017 Abstract Extracts Page | 109