Council Roadside Reserves Environmental Grants 2017

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1 Council Roadside Reserves Environmental Grants 2017 What are the Council Roadside Reserves environmental grants? Local Government NSW (LGNSW) has developed a Council Roadside Environmental Management Framework (CREMF) which aims to streamline roadside environmental management in councils. Grants are available for councils to be part of the state-wide pilot program to trial the framework concepts to improve the management and long-term environmental value of their roadside reserve assets. The Council Roadside Reserve (CRR) Project is a three year project funded by the NSW Environmental Trust and managed by LGNSW. Why apply for a grant? A total of $1.46 million is available to NSW local councils through this contestable grants process. Grants of up to $50,000 are available to individual councils to support trialling different aspects of the new framework, with up to $80,000 funding available to newly amalgamated councils and regional collaborations. By participating in this pilot program you will receive funding to assist you with integrating roadside environmental management into your existing systems, helping you to meet regulatory requirements whilst achieving improved roadside environmental management. If chosen to be part of the program you will be the first councils to trial the framework tools and your learnings and feedback will assist to improve the framework when it is rolled out across NSW. Linear reserves including roadsides, travelling stock reserves, rail corridors and infrastructure easements are estimated to cover 6% of the state reserves. As studies have documented, the value of well-managed roadside reserves can deliver varied benefits to council via: Cost savings: reduced maintenance costs by decreasing the need for mowing and weed control, stabilising banks and preventing road pavement waterlogging Safety: reducing road accidents by decreasing headlight glare, reducing driver monotony and highlighting road delineation Environment: seed source, wildlife habitat and habitat connectivity for threatened species and endangered ecological communities that are not represented in National Parks Community and commercial uses: scenic amenity, shelter, shade and privacy, horse riding, cycling and walking, activities such as bee keeping, travelling stock routes, rest stops and associated business opportunities.

2 What s the purpose of the framework? During our consultation phase, many councils identified challenges in the long-term management of roadside environments. Key barriers identified include; difficulties with integrating natural and built asset management procedures, funding consistency, the need to balance legislative responsibilities, separation of staff responsibilities and staff capacity. Based on suggestions from stakeholders this new framework aims to embed roadside environmental management into councils Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) framework to help address some of these barriers. How will implementing the framework assist councils? The framework looks at councils many complex road responsibilities holistically and aims to support councils in NSW to navigate complex legislation, meet regulatory requirements, minimise risk and make the process of improving roadside environments more efficient and cost effective. Embedding roadside environmental management within IP&R has the benefit of streamlining the process by linking it with your existing planning, reporting and asset management systems. The framework provides simple tools to help councils assess and improve the value of roadside reserves. It also includes case studies from councils who have successfully implemented innovative solutions to manage roadside reserves as part of their existing built assets and infrastructure processes. The framework recognises the diversity amongst councils as well as the variety of stakeholder interests and responsibilities regarding roadside reserve management. It may be used in discrete portions as required and aims to help councils to trial innovative approaches to improved roadside management. How is a roadside defined? This project is focused on managing environmental values within public roadside reserves. A roadside reserve is defined as the entire width of the road corridor (fence to fence or boundary to boundary) along a given length of road. Grants will be awarded for improving the environmental management of roadside reserves managed or maintained by council.

3 Managing Roadside Reserves within the IP&R Framework This diagram shows how the Council Roadside Environmental Management Framework links to the existing IP&R process. Some tools are available to councils for adaptation to implement the framework. LEGISLATIVE OBLIGATION DCP Clauses Legislation Look Up Table Impact Assessment Training REF Template Infrastructure Plan Construction Environmental Checklist Resourcing Strategy Community Engagement and Values RVMP Template Aligning Infrastructure & Environmental Plans Strategic Policy & Plans Data Driven Management Approach Standard Rapid Assessment Forms Example Natural Asset Register Natural Asset Prioritisation Process Delivery Coordination Cost Saving Innovations Staff Awareness Information Links Case Studies Roadside Monitoring Annual Reporting

4 Project ideas for grant application The following list outlines potential projects councils might like to apply for funding for. LGNSW have developed support materials to assist councils with project implementation. The framework is very comprehensive. In the pilot program, no council is expected to follow all the suggested processes, but instead choose the project(s) which will be most efficient and effective for their LGA and adapt it to suit their unique needs. LGNSW is looking for a range of approaches and is also open to new project suggestions from councils. Councils are encouraged to review their council s progress in managing their roadside reserves, identify gaps and priorities for future projects, and then design and apply for grant funding for projects to meet their specific needs. NB. It is a condition of the grant that regardless of the project(s) chosen, the overall project goal of embedding roadside reserve management into councils Integrated Planning and Reporting system must be achieved. EXAMPLE PROJECT IDEAS REQUIRED IF SUPPORT TOOLS 1. AWARENESS ROADSIDE RESERVE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS Purpose: to raise awareness of the value of the roadside environment. Eg. Development of materials for promoting special road reserve values in locality and outlining collective responsibilities across council service delivery or across broader stakeholders. Identify applied management issues for each locality. Community/staff unengaged or unaware of the value of roadside reserves. Roadside reserves and values (CREMF) Resource compendium (CREMF, Appendix E) Framework presentation: Overview 2. ASSESSMENT NATURAL ASSET MANAGEMENT IN ROADSIDE RESERVES Purpose: to recognise roadside reserves within asset management systems. Eg. Map natural assets in roadside reserves, integrate into strategic conservation plan and asset management database or natural asset register, define value & maintenance. No mapping of roadside environmental values. No information links between environmental values and built asset maintenance works Framework presentation: Environmental Data Rapid Assessment Method (CREMF Appendix C) Steps towards developing a Natural Asset Register (CREMF, Chapter 2) Resource compendium lists examples from Blue Mountains, Rockdale, Blacktown and Lake Macquarie (CREMF Appendix E) DATA DRIVEN IMPROVED ROADSIDE MANAGEMENT Purpose: to give staff and contractors the information needed to prioritise and deliver roadside environmental management. Eg Develop database to rank and prioritise reserve significance, make data accessible internally to planning and operations staff on-site in real time, allow for feedback loop. Low staff awareness No timely data access for council staff in the field Reserve mapping out of date Framework presentation: Environmental Data Roadside Assessment Rapid Assessment Method (RAM Tool) Case Study Wingecarribee Council ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) PROCEDURES FOR ROADSIDE ACTIVITIES Purpose: to ensure councils have robust environmental impact procedures for activities in the roadside environment. Eg. Develop and promote protocols, guidelines, templates, SOPs, staff training. Protocols, guidelines, templates, etc don t currently exist or staff are not aware of them Legislation guide (current to Dec 2016) (CREMF) Template Review of Environmental Factors Infrastructure SEPP flowchart Framework presentation: Environmental Assessment (external) NSW RMS Guidelines for managing biodiversity in road projects RMS Environmental Assessment Procedure PowerPoint slides and environmental assessment checklist

5 EXAMPLE PROJECT IDEAS REQUIRED IF SUPPORT TOOLS ROADSIDE ENVIRONMENT POLICY Purpose: to provide clear, consistent guidance for internal and external stakeholders and embed roadside environmental policy within management systems. Eg. Develop, update, review, prepare Roadside Environmental Policy, update operational plans and delivery programs with roadside management objectives. Doesn t exist or outdated Clarity required for conflicting roadside matters Example Different Approaches to Roadside Policy (CREMF Chapter 6) Resource Compendium lists examples from Kyogle, Hunter Councils, RMS and Warringah Council 3. PLANNING ROADSIDE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN (RVMP) Purpose: to prepare strategic plan or RVMPs with updated assessment data to assist in the implementation of the framework. Eg. Develop or update strategic plan data by trialling rapid assessment methods, add new management actions, review effectiveness, extend or update for entire LGA. Have plan adopted by council. No strategic framework for roadside activities, RVMP not linked to IP&R and/or data is outdated Template RVMP Rapid Assessment Method Resource compendium lists examples from Hawkesbury, Tumut, Cowra and Adelaide Hills Councils (SA) (CREMF Appendix E) 4. IMPLEMENTATION COORDINATED ON GROUND WORKS IN ROADSIDE RESERVES Purpose: to enhance on-ground outcomes while achieving roadside cost efficiencies. Eg. Develop road management system for all service delivery requirements within road reserve with consideration of environment and asset maintenance to identify practical cost saving measures. CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT IN PRIORITY RESERVES Purpose: to plan and manage on-ground activities in priority reserves. Eg. Develop staff protocols for managing high conservation areas. Develop/update reserve management plans (map and define areas of high conservation value, engage stakeholders, consider roadside markers or other information tools to identify important areas). STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR ROADSIDE WORKS Purpose: to embed environmental outcomes in ongoing roadside management activities. Eg. Develop, update, review, train staff to manage the risk of impacting areas of high environmental value, develop environmental checklist for works in roadside reserves. Clustering works by location rather than by sectional responsibilities or other aspect can support cost saving Incomplete mapping, priorities and management objectives unclear, regulatory requirements in high conservation areas unclear to staff No SOPs for works in council roadside reserves, or staff unaware/ no current training Roles & Responsibilities (CREMF) Rapid Assessment Method (field survey protocols) Mid Coast Case Study NSW RMS Guidelines for managing biodiversity in road projects Roadside Management Guidelines Mid- Western Regional Council Resource compendium (CREMF Appendix E) includes issue specific guides Impact Assessment and Approvals (CREMF) Template REF On-ground Works (CREMF) Resource compendium (CREMF Appendix E) NSW RMS Guidelines for managing biodiversity in road projects

6 Apply now Application process: 1. Confirm your eligibility to apply for funds 2. Submit all application documents, including letters of support and authorisation via the online portal. The link is provided on LGNSW s website. Applications must be submitted before the 27 April Remember, when selecting your project it must: Deliver on these objectives of the funding program: Improve roadside environmental management practices Incorporate roadside environmental management into councils existing systems Reduce risks associated with roadside and linear reserve management through enhanced knowledge And result in: Strategic prioritisation of works Roadside environmental management becoming Business as Usual Councils will need to demonstrate an on-going commitment to improving their roadside and linear reserve vegetation management practices, including identifying resources to manage these areas in the future. Partnerships will be encouraged and may consist of neighbouring landholders or neighbouring councils. Projects can last for a maximum of twenty (20) months and must be completed by 28 February Where to go for more information Local Government NSW Council Roadside Reserves Project LGNSW s Guidelines for Applicants to the Council Roadside Reserves Grant Program March 2017 View the full Council Roadside Reserves Environmental Framework in detail. Kathy Godfrey Project Officer Council Roadside Reserves Local Government NSW E kathy.godfrey@lgnsw.org.au P Kirsty McIntyre Senior Policy Officer - Environment Local Government NSW E kirsty.mcintyre@lgnsw.org.au P This project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust.