Environment Levy Projects

Transcription

1 During the consultation process for the Wingecarribee Community Strategic Plan, our community indicated its strong support for Council to continue, if not increase, the level of service that has been provided over the last 10 years with respect to natural resource management for our shire. From a statutory point of view, the charter of a local Council in NSW includes the requirement for a Council to properly manage, develop, protect, restore, enhance and conserve the environment of the area for which it is responsible in a manner which is consistent with and promotes the principles of Ecological Sustainable Development principles. With this fairly high level definition, there is scope for a council to decide to commit to varying levels of service of natural asset management. The level of service that has been provided to our community over the last 10 years has only been able to be achieved through the existence of an Environment Levy. Protection of the environment is a long term commitment. With the increasing pressure to use general rates on an ever widening set of services and projects across all the responsibilities of Council, it is usually the more immediate and obvious issues that receive the lion s share of the general rates allocation. This is why it is important to allocate funds specifically to address environmental issues that have longer term objectives beyond the local government 4 year council term. Having a permanent Environment Levy would allow us to achieve this. All environmental projects currently managed by Wingecarribee Shire Council are aligned with objectives and targets stated in the Environment Strategy The scope of this strategy can be summarised in the following statements: 1. Maintain, rehabilitate and enhance the natural environment of Wingecarribee Shire. 2. Develop Council systems that reduce risk to the environment 3. Ensure The Wingecarribee Shire and its residents have environmental resilience into the future The majority of projects associated with (1) and (3) are funded by the Environment Levy. If Council is unable to renew the Environment Levy in 2013, it is likely that most, if not all, the projects associated with these focus areas will cease. A project list comprising both existing and proposed Environment Levy projects is found on following pages. The projects highlighted in green are proposed future projects that will only commence if we have a continuance in the Environment Levy up to and beyond The projects that are in white are projects that are underway or have a plan to be completed prior to June 2015 (but could be cut short if Environment Levy ceases in 2013). Prioritisation of projects will be influenced by emerging issues and community feedback via the online survey at Council is interested in what you think about the proposed projects. The proposed projects (highlighted in green on the project list) were drafted after consideration of community feedback during the development of the Wingecarribee Community Strategic Plan as well as data collected as part of the preparation of the 2011 State of Environment Report. Council is taking the opportunity to update its Environment Strategy in order to have clear direction and planned works set in preparation for a permanent Environment Levy. While the Levy may be permanent, it is intended that the Environment Strategy will undergo a significant review and update every 4 5 years to keep it relevant.

2 Environment Strategy Objectives Projects funded from Environment Levy Weed Management & Maintenance of Past Project Sites (planned 18% of Environment Levy) 1.1 Manage invasive species into Weed Maintenance past project sites Weed control is not an effective investment unless it has longer-term results. The most fundamental stage of any restoration project is the ongoing maintenance. This requires an ongoing investment program to ensure levels of infestation are controlled and managed appropriately to reduce ongoing infestation and sustain a net reduction in weed spread over areas previously controlled. The implementation of this target will lead to more effective investments and shifts the focus of action to the symptoms. While ongoing investment is required it should be recognised that investment will reduce over time and lead to eradication or native ecological resilience. Regular maintenance of programs are carried out on project sites. Approaches include land management to encourage weed resilience. Weed Management Plans Development and implementation of weed management plans for environmentally significant Council managed lands 1.2 Weed eradication The intent of this target is to reduce the existing spread of area specific weeds identified in Weed Management Plans by 25% by 2013 and to act quickly to deal with emergency mass or new incursions of weeds. This target requires the development of an effective integrated process to manage new and emerging outbreaks and strategically manage established weed infestations. Biodiversity Conservation (planned 20% of Environment Levy) 2.1 Increase native vegetation The intent of this objective is to improve native vegetation extent by providing improved extent through revegetation connectivity and buffering priority vegetation from detrimental impacts. Wingecarribee Shire Council is responsible for the management of various community services and infrastructures within the Wingecarribee Shire LGA. Unfortunately at times during routine management Council is required to remove vegetation. This vegetation can be significant or quite common, however Council recognises it has a responsibility to facilitate a no net loss of vegetation policy outcome. Roadside Reserve Invaders Community Nursery Tree Planting No Net Loss Roadside verges are prone to outbreaks of new weeds. Focus on these areas to act quickly and contain new incursions as they occur. Includes development of effective integrated processes to manage these sites. Program to target major sources of environmental weed introduction into Southern Highlands, e.g. discourage local nurseries selling invasive species Expand/support infrastructure for native plant community nursery Planning and carrying out program of native vegetation planting which includes community tree planting days. Development of an offest policy and carrying out planting and other activities that support this policy 2.2 Conserve significant native vegetation Protect and restore natural ecosystems Prepare and implement effective management plans to minimise the impact of activities that damage native habitats and assist in the protection of threatened species The intent of this objective is to support action that will encourage landholders to conserve Vegetation Conservation native vegetation in the Wingecarribee Shire LGA. This recognises that in the most highly cleared landscapes much of the remaining native vegetation is on private land. Ultimately the management of vegetation and biodiversity can only be achieved if all stakeholders become involved and this is one way to engage collaboratively with the largest landholder in the Wingecarribee Shire, the private landholder. The general principles of biodiversity management is to direct investment towards preventing further degradation of good condition lands before investing in the more intervention-based rehabilitation of degraded lands. This biodiversity target will ensure that the biodiversity in lands managed by Wingecarribee Shire Council are protected and enhanced in the longer term. The intent of this target is to improve and direct Councils management of key threatening process and the recovery of threatened species, populations and ecological communities with in the Shire. Wingecarribee Shire Council is responsible for the management of various threatened species, populations and ecological communities within the Wingecarribee Shire LGA. Management documents need to be developed specifically for Councils management of these significant ecological species and systems. This objective links the management of these ecological species and systems with objectives and targets identified by the DECCW and HNCMA strategies and catchment blue prints. Map new EECs Green Web Strategy Green Web Action EEC Maintenance Mt Gibraltar EEC Plan Gibbergunyah Reserve EEC Plan Hammock Hill EEC Plan Vertebrate Pest Management Indian Minor Encourage more private vegetation conservation agreements through incentive programs. Includes supporting BioLink initiative. Mapping of new EECs Map green web - assist in planning decisions, revegetation activities, private conservation Engage stakeholders to preserve identified and prioritised reserves and corridors, implement focussed planting areas and biodiversity offsets. Targeted activities to list and preserve threatened species and communities. Establish maintenance management programs for endangered plant communities managed by Council Vertebrate Pest Management Plans developed for each Council managed reserve, targetting pest animals: Fox/Rabbit/Cat/Dog in order of priority. Facilitate community members to set backyard traps for pest birds Page 1 of 4

3 Enhance the Capacity and Commitment of the Broader Community (planned 20% of Environment Levy) 3.1 Educate and train, to build the Capacity of the Community to act on environmental issues For the community to act on environmental change it needs to have access to the information and knowledge and to be introduced to new ideas and techniques. Education and training will encourage the community to be proactive about improving the natural environment Community Education Educate and engage the local community on the impacts they personally impose on the environment. Encourage and engage the community to take action to help protect the environment. Includes development of educational tools, fact sheets and website information. Awareness Campaigns Facilitate environmental awareness campaigns and events that have alignment with global, national and state initiatives. This includes World Envrionment Day, Schools Environment Day, Threatened Species Day, Tree Planting Day. Commercial Practices Review Supporting local commercial/industrial businesses to ensure that they understand and act on their environmental responsibilities. 3.2 Develop and support community volunteer based environmental program Positive behaviour change often occurs gradually through a concerted effort over a long period of time and includes the need for ongoing development of knowledge and skills as information and technology improves. These mechanisms empower and motivate the community to not only understand NRM processes, but also to take positive action that supports improvements to the Wingecarribee's natural environment. Landcare and Bushcare Training and education of community based groups working in partnership with WSC contribute thousands of hours to the restoration of the local environment Communication pathways developed to ensure effective communication with community to support environment levy achievements Facilitate, ensure alignment and localise State and Fed. Govt's as well as NGO's environmental education/incentive projects. The environment is an asset of common interest in the community. If we cannot connect with the community, this common bond is significantly reduced. Harnessing this common interest to work together and exchange information will strengthen the ability of Council to work together in a partnership with the community. Many environmental initiatives that are applicable to our community have their beginnings in other organisations and levels of government. Quite often these initiatives need to be localised and focussed for our community to maximise the benefits of the program. This includes programs such as Bio Banking, HNCMA activities, Caring for our Country, Land for Wildlife, Clean Up Australia Day, Low Income Energy Efficiency Program, Greening Australia, etc. Priority will be given to activities that are aligned with targets in the WSC Environment Strategy. Environment Levy Promotion Environment Forums Urban Sustainability Partner Program Rural Partner Program Development of promotional tools and materials as well as ongoing advertising of events, marking of progress and successes. Continued community forums face-to-face as well as online to "Keep the conversation going" Targeted program to promote and embed sustainable land use practices in existing residential properties. Engage local businesses & events with potential waste issues to support env. or cleanup projects (e.g. Clean Up Australia Day). Promotion of Federal and State Govt. programs e.g. Low Income Energy Efficiency program (up to 2016). Targeted program to promote and embed sustainable land use practices in existing agricultural and rural living properties.sustainable land management, and biodiversity conservation in rural areas. Seminars for Landholders- Biobanking for landholders. Incentives for landowners protecting natural ecosystems. Support federal & state biodiversity initiatives (e.g. BioLink, Land for Wildlife). Sustainable fire wood programs (full life cycle) to reduce rogue tree choppers. Towards carbon neutrality - carbon farming opportunities for private landholders. 3.5 Upgrade community owned bushland and natural space amenities Council reserves are used regularly for bushwalking by both residents and visitors to the area. Amenities and particularly signage associated with these trails as well as interpretive signage and endangered communities information require significant upgrading to support an increase in usage and therefore an increase in awareness and "pride of place" will benefit these natural areas. It is also important to further prevent these areas being affected by destructive activities e.g. trailbikes. Love the Bushwalk Targeted improvements to bushwalking facilities & trails (focus on Mt Alexandra, Gibbergunyah, Berrima, etc) Understanding Places Interpretive signs for natural spaces Biodiversity Under Threat Signage for endangered communities across shire Page 2 of 4

4 River Health and Wetland (planned 10% of Environment Levy) 4.1 Develop riparian managementriparian health throughout the Wingecarribee is fundamental to the social and economic sustainability of community and industry. Riparian areas in the Wingecarribee provide for the environment, drinking water, recreation, agriculture and tourism. These activities place significant pressure on riparian condition, without appropriate management, the riparian condition could be compromised. Providing for the sound management of this essential natural resource will ensure long term health of rivers and wetlands in the Wingecarribee. Strategy Council Guidelines for Defines priority areas for on ground investment in riparian health Develop riparian management guidelines for Council operations. 4.2 Support clean and healthy urban streams and creeks Most urban creek areas have a prolonged history of degradation, impacting on their environmental qualities and aesthetic values. For many years streams and creeks have endured the impacts of urban and industrial development, resulting in the decline of the health and quality of riparian systems. Urban creeks and streams are the main environmental interface between the broader community and the living environment. Managing reed growth and rubbish in these areas will have a twofold benefit, maintaining visual amenity and enhancing the quality of the waterway. Management Plan Whites Plan to restore ecosystem function of the urban sections of Whites Creek Creek. Management Plan Plan to restore ecosystem function of the urban sections of Mittagong Rivulet Mittagong Rivulet. Management Plan Upper Plan to restore ecosystem function of the urban sections of Upper Nattai Nattai River. Sediment Focus Sediment control programs along urban creek areas with a focus on areas becoming detrimental to riparian condition Stormwater Quality Improvement Water Runoff River & Stream Health Establish SQIDs in key stormwater channels (231 stormwater catchments have no SQID's) Development and implement strategy/plan to deal with Diffuse water pollution. Periodic assessment of riparian zones assessed for excessive erosion and general stream health and collation of information 4.3 Revegetation and rehabilitation of Council managed riparian lands A long history of agriculture, urbanisation and industrial development has lead to the decline of riparian areas in the Wingecarribee Shire. Many riparian areas, predominantly in reserves, now demonstrate the symptoms of past neglect. These areas typically have a limited capacity to recover through natural regeneration processes. Revegetation is the level of intervention required to combat such decline in the riparian health. Restoration and revegetation will provide protection to the riparian areas, increase ecosystem health, develop habitat corridors and provide for stream bank stabilisation. Wetlands Strategy Plan Wingecarribee River Plan Iron Mines Creek Plan Gibbergunyah Creek Revise Wetlands Strategy Council managed riparian area of Wingecarribee River Council managed riparian area of Iron Mines Creek Council managed riparian area of Gibbergunyah Creek Plan Chinamans Creek Riparian Works Council managed riparian area of Chinamans Creek Develop and carry out implementation plan to prioritise works for Council riparian land and program of continuous improvement. Page 3 of 4

5 Natural Asset Management (planned 10% of Environment Levy) 5.1 Monitor, Review and Report Monitoring is the key to knowing you are winning. Implementing a monitoring, review and reporting process as an integral component of all NRM activities will provide this level of information. As the environment is a living thing, evolving over time; there is constant change in condition, extent and diversity. Data collated from the MR&R program will guide future works and provide Council the information required for future investment and self promotion of the environmental levy. 5.2 Initiate formalised Natural Asset Management system Sustainability Initiatives (planned 15% of Environment Levy) 6.1 Continuous improvement in reduce, re-use, recycle waste targets via education and incentive programs An overarching approach needs to be developed and agreed with respect to long term management of Council-managed natural assets. Initial steps include: determine to what extent traditional asset management systems can be applied; clear definition of the extent, purpose and "life" of each of the natural asset classes; determination of the "value" of each asset; calculation of sustainability index (SI) for each asset; refinement of strategic objectives for natural asset management to drive future investment and priorities. Volume of waste generated by our community is a major impact on our natural environment. The habits that have been formed in our society are hard to break and concentrated education and incentive programs to alternative behaviour are required to ensure that residents and businesses are conscious of what they consume and mindful to separate out items that can be recycled. Education focus areas include contamination reduction, waste minimisation and waste avoidance. Baseline Data Collection Establish clear baseline data for local flora, fauna, water, land for ongoing reporting data. Set up data collection tools and processes required to enable reporting of progress of Environment Strategy and Environment Levy funds. Natural Asset Managemen Evaluate systems to manage natural assets that are currently managed by Council. MERI Framework Adopt and implement the National NRM MERI framework for managing natural assets. Will assist in setting targets and standard approaches to measurement. Green Business New Resources Back Yard Composting Garage Sale Trail Focus on helping local businesses to improve waste reduction and recycling habits. E.g. Support business initiatives that reduce plastic bag use Sponsor recycled products/art initiatives Subsidise compost bins & worm farms Support organised Garage Sale Trails Actively reduce our usage of fossil fuels and our carbon emmissions within Wingecarribee Shire Encourage and facilitate reduction of Wingecarribee's Ecological Footprint with specific focus on food production and resource consumption While much of this objective is being addressed by initiatives at a State/National and global level, it is necessary to act locally by identifying the main contributing factors to carbon emissions within our local area and proceeding with action plans that include retrofitting, making use of renewable energy technology and creating new habits that overall reduce our community's fossil fuel usage. Positive actions to encourage our community to live within it means in terms of its impact on local and imported resources. Facility CAP Technology Review Wingecarribee Smart Meter Southern Highlands Backyard Sustainability Sustainability Hub Project manage carbon action plans for top 10 Council facilities for GHG emissions Conduct regular reviews of energy efficiency technology and legislated requirements (+educate stakeholders) Monitor and feedback whole of community energy use (e.g. meter in Bowral and website) Facilitate "grow your own food" movement. May include community garden in village, workshops on backyard sustainability, swap network, seed savers, Council demonstration garden Support and help to facilitate sustainability Hub with CANWin. Management & Overheads (planned 7% of Environment Levy) Page 4 of 4