o n e c i t y d i v e r s e p l a c e s

Transcription

1 City of Swan our Swan 2030 discussion paper our natural environment o n e c i t y d i v e r s e p l a c e s

2 2 our Swan 2030 our natural environment

3 Contents 1. Background 4 2. Trends 4 3. Key Considerations: Carbon Water Biodiversity Climate change adaptation Pollution Waste 7 4. What this means for Swan Impact and implications The City s current approach, future requirements, possible future directions 9 References 11 3

4 Embracing a healthy, safe and sustainable environment 1. Background The City of Swan covers an area which includes three major landforms; Swan coastal plain, Darling Scarp and Dandaragan Plateau. The land and waterways host a complex web of flora and fauna. The City contains national parks, State forest, rural, residential, commercial and industrial land uses. Each of these uses has a different set of impacts on the ecosystem, which presents ongoing challenges with regard to the development of environmentally sensitive communities. Protecting water quality and quantity is an important objective for the City. Access to water for personal, recreational and industrial uses is an intrinsic part of life within the City of Swan. With two major river systems and a significant proportion of Perth s groundwater resources with the Gnangara Aquifer within its boundaries, the need to protect these systems in collaboration with the community and other partners is clear. Similarly, developing communities that reduce dependence on non-renewable resources, handle waste and pollution in sustainable ways and are resilient to possible changes are important considerations for local governments. The City is committed to the principles of environmental, social and economic sustainability and to improving its understanding and achievement of, sustainable outcomes throughout every component of its business functions and responsibilities. The City also recognises the strong association that traditional owners and other Indigenous community members have for this land. 2. Trends The United Nations Environment Program lists 6 priority areas of environmental challenge for the 21st Century; climate change, disasters and conflict, ecosystem management, environmental governance, harmful substances and resource efficiency. 1 The Australian population is recognised as one of the most carbon intensive populations on Earth. With only 0.32% of the global population, Australia currently contributes 1.43% of the world s carbon emissions. 2 This pattern is directly linked to comparative wealth and transfers directly to other areas of natural resource management such as biodiversity and water. Perth currently has a higher than national average resource consumption. These are non-renewable resources and their depletion has consequences for global warming and the ability of future communities to meet their needs for energy, potable water and food. Natural resources (except biodiversity) are produced and priced within a global economy. As a result, it is expected that they will become more valuable as their availability declines and this will have significant financial implications for vulnerable sectors of the community. 4 our Swan 2030 our natural environment

5 3. Key Considerations: 3.1 Carbon The predominant legislation for greenhouse gas monitoring is the National Greenhouse Emissions Reporting Scheme (NGERS). This legislation compels corporations that reach the emission thresholds to report their annual greenhouse emissions. This legislation provides the reporting base for an emission trading scheme but currently has no mechanism to cause emission reductions. Whilst the City of Swan as an organisation does not currently reach the reporting threshold for this legislation and so is not required to report, other organisations within our community are likely to have current reporting obligations. If a consensus on carbon pricing can be reached, it will potentially provide investment certainty and create the drive for organisations to change to cleaner energy sources. It can also provide a vital framework for the government to generate revenue and direct funding to effective abatement actions. 3.2 Water The WA Government established a vision for water resource management with the State Water Plan The plan, a whole-of-government initiative with 11 agencies, provides a strategic policy and planning framework for meeting the State s water demands to the year The Department of Water protects and manages drinking water supplies in Western Australia using powers provided by the Metropolitan Water Supply Sewerage and Drainage Act, The City currently has compliance requirements arising from State water legislation. This involves ensuring that it maintains groundwater usage within its licensed allocation. The City has developed a Water Operating Strategy to guide irrigation practice and ensure compliance. The City and its community also have obligations in relation to water under legislation such as the Public Health Act (1911) and the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act (1914). 3.3 Biodiversity In the area of biodiversity retention, the Australian government policy position is indicated by legislation such as: Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia s Biological Diversity (ANZECC 1996). The Intergovernmental Agreement on the Environment (Anon. 1992b). Wetlands Policy of the Commonwealth Government of Australia (Biodiversity Group 1997). The retention of biodiversity is important because the ecosystem provides many services which are taken for granted such as drinkable water, clean air and fertile soils. A loss of biodiversity or species from an ecosystem can upset its normal function and impact on these ecological services. For this reason, it is important that biodiversity loss is viewed as not only a risk to the natural balance of our communities but as a threat to our own ecosystem balance. There are many factors, processes and activities within the boundaries of the City of Swan that have a direct impact on biodiversity. These impacts affect both land and water environments and include depletion of oxygen in water, dieback disease, weed invasion, feral animals, excessive resource use, chemical poisoning and inappropriate waste disposal practices. In the longer term, a warming climate is also expected to result negatively on biodiversity. 3 Water+resource+management/default.aspx 5

6 3.4 Climate change adaptation At a global level, the Bali Action Plan (COP13, 2007) sets the global direction for climate adaptation action. 4 It recognises that climate change is underway and is irreversible and suggests enhanced action on adaptation, including: International cooperation to support urgent implementation of adaptation actions; Risk management and risk reduction strategies, including risk sharing and transfer mechanisms such as insurance; and Disaster reduction strategies and means to address loss and damage associated with climate change impacts in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. In 2007, this action plan was adopted by parties to the United Nations Framework Convention (including Australia). The Australian government has to comply with the Bali Action Plan. It is widely accepted that in the Southwest division of Western Australia, climate change will be likely to result in: Sea/River level rise of between 0.3m and 0.7m by 2070; 11% reduction in rainfall by 2030; 4% increase in surface water evaporation by 2030; Higher frequency of extreme fire danger events; Higher frequency of extreme weather events such as storms and cyclones; Health impacts associated with higher temperature; Biodiversity impacts associated with higher temperature and declining rainfall ; and Higher demand for energy. 3.5 Pollution According to the World Health Organisation, air pollution is a major environmental risk to health and is estimated to cause approximately two million premature deaths worldwide per year. Exposure to air pollutants is largely beyond the control of individuals and requires action by public authorities at the regional, national and even international levels. The role of local government in pollution issues within its community is to respond to, and manage, minor issues. Local governments may also assist the Department for Environment Conservation (DEC) to monitor pollution management performance of industry. Primary responsibility rests with the DEC under provisions of the Environmental Protection Act Noise pollution issues are likely to increase in the future. An increase in housing densities could increase the number of noise complaints due to people living in closer proximity to neighbours and an associated increase in the number of air conditioners and construction noise. This will also be a consideration in the move to shared-use precincts which include housing commercial and entertainment activities. 4 COP13, (2007) Bali Action Plan com/bali-action-plan.html 6 our Swan 2030 our community and lifestyle

7 3.6 Waste The issues and trends around waste globally include: Reducing greenhouse emissions; Creating resource recovery facilities; Creating composting systems to put carbon back into the earth; Improving systems for waste collection; Minimising packaging; and Reducing, recycling and reusing waste. Local governments are required to follow the Western Australian Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery (WARR) Act, WA Local Government Health Act (2007), and the National Waste Policy (2010) established by the Environmental Protection and Heritage Council. The following areas of the Policy have a direct impact until the year 2020: Reducing the environmental health and safety impact of products and materials; Improving the markets for waste and recovered resources; Reducing waste and improving use of waste; Reducing the risk of potentially hazardous waste; Measuring progress; and Educating and informing the community. Population growth and urban expansion means the waste management has to continually evolve to remain efficient and cost effective. 7

8 4. What this means for Swan 4.1 Impact and implications Our current lifestyles result in significant pressure on the ecosystem in which we live. There are many indications to suggest that the ecosystem is not capable of coping with this pressure. In some cases, this pressure has resulted in irreversible change. Therefore, it is important to take action to adapt our lifestyle to cope with future change Carbon reduction To take action on carbon reduction the City will need to stay up to date with emerging carbon policy and opportunities including understanding and managing the costs of carbon trading. The City will need to minimise carbon costs by continually becoming more efficient in its use of non renewable fuel sources Water efficiency/quality There is a growing expectation that the City will play a role in assisting our community to protect water quality and to use water efficiently. To take action to address water efficiency and quality, the City will have to stay up to date with the rapid development of water policy compliance instruments, and become more efficient in the use of water Biodiversity The City will need to consider how the likely future biodiversity issues could be addressed: Drying wetland environments; Biodiversity linkages within the City and across City boundaries; Water quality issues within aquatic environments; and Invasive species, sedimentation, salinity acidification and natural filtration Climate change adaptation The City will have to consider how to address the likely consequences of climate change in the future: Possible river level rise of 0.1m by 2020; Decreasing dam and groundwater supply and potential groundwater salinity issues; Increasing bushfire risk; Increasing insect borne disease; Ecosystem disruption due to biodiversity loss or migration; and Increased emergency/disaster management in response to fires, floods and weather incidents Waste management The City of Swan makes up nearly 20% of the Perth metropolitan area and is responsible for the collection, disposal or recycling of waste from 42,000 households and small businesses, providing a total of 45,000 services. Managing the demand for additional services and the pressure this will put on City resources and on the environment will be important for future sustainability. 8 our Swan 2030 our community and lifestyle

9 4.2 The City s current approach, future requirements, possible future directions The City is committed to achieving sustainable outcomes throughout every component of its business functions and responsibilities. The following details the current approaches the City is undertaking and opportunities and possibilities of how the City could approach future challenges Carbon reduction The City s current projects and programs around carbon reduction include: Installation of photovoltaic systems; Training staff; Energy monitoring on selected buildings; Improving building monitoring and management; Energy efficiency in vehicle fleet; and Travelsmart activities for staff. The following are opportunities and possibilities to be considered to address carbon reduction for the future: Investigate and implement actions to reduce dependence on carbon based energy sources; Use planning controls to encourage the development of energy efficient communities; Investigate waste into energy schemes; and Create renewable energy generation/supply Water Efficiency/Quality The City has adopted a Sustainable Environment Policy which defines improvement in water efficiency and quality as a policy objective for the City to pursue. The actions the City may take to achieve these objectives are defined in the City s Draft Sustainable Environment Strategy. It is intended that the Draft Sustainable Environment Strategy will start the development of specific water efficiency and quality approaches to ensure compliance and efficient use of water as a valuable natural resource. The City s current projects and programs around water efficiency/quality include: Involved in catchment management planning; Developed a water operating strategy; All water abstraction bores are metered; Following water conservation principles in new irrigation design; Investigating synthetic turf opportunities; and Investigating wastewater treatment opportunities. The following are opportunities and possibilities to be considered to address water efficiency/quality for the future: Reduce impacts on water quality; Investigate alternative water supplies; Address the soil impacts arising from drying wetland environments; Encourage water efficient behaviours; and Use planning controls to encourage the development of water efficient communities. 9

10 4.2.3 Biodiversity The City s current projects and programs around biodiversity include: Condition reporting for land under management; Bushland management crew for land under management; Trees to residents program; and Support for the Eastern Hills Catchment Management Program. The following are opportunities and possibilities to be considered to protect biodiversity for the future: Show accountability and good stewardship of land and water ecosystems; Minimise the depletion of quality of ground and surface water sources, the natural environment and non-renewable energy sources; Monitor and improve efficiency in the use of natural resources such as ground and potable water and non-renewable energy sources and materials; and Support and implement the development of sustainable alternatives for the supply of water and energy Climate Change adaptation The City has adopted a Sustainable Environment Policy which contains a policy clause related to Climate Change adaptation and the City is developing a Sustainable Environment Strategy to implement the policy. The City has also participated in a regional climate change risk assessment process conducted by the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council. Emerging policy such as the draft Gnangara Sustainability Strategy5 and the draft River Protection Strategy provide examples of integrated approaches to ensure a future water supply, quality and continued aesthetic value. The City supports and participates in these initiatives. The following are opportunities and possibilities to be considered for adaptation to the impacts of climate change for the future: Advocate for reviews of flood prone land; Riverbank treatments to manage water level rise in vulnerable areas; Incorporate rise projections into future drainage design; Maintenance of appropriate bushfire emergency response capabilities; Mosquito/midge reduction programs; Urban design for cooler environments; and Work with the community to create more sustainable households. The challenge for the City is to integrate adaptation into future planning and activity as these opportunities arise within City business and within the community. 10 our Swan 2030 our natural environment

11 4.2.5 Pollution The City has a future focused approach which integrates options for program areas and service delivery. City of Swan Environmental Health Officers are recognised by the Department of Environment and Conservation as authorised Persons and Inspectors for the purposes of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, for noise matters (approximately 40% of all complaints received by Health Services are related to noise). City Officers are also authorised to deal with minor pollution issues relating to commercial premises, and maintains a register of contaminated sites. The following are opportunities and possibilities to be considered to address pollution for the future: Training for pollution response, emergency/disaster management; Address indoor air pollution (90% of time spent indoors); Proactive planning in relation to noise and other health issues; and Produce noise information for the community Waste The City of Swan has a direct requirement to observe State Local Government Legislation and Policies, and has a waste policy and waste management strategy. The strategy has four principal objectives: To reduce the total amount of waste generated; To increase resource recovery for recycling/reuse and reduce waste disposed to landfill; To increase the efficiency of the provision of waste services; and To reduce the impact of waste on the environment. As part of the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC), the City uses the Red Hill landfill facility for non recyclable waste material. The City also jointly owns and operates a Materials Recovery Facility with the Cities of Joondalup and Wanneroo for processing household recycling. The following are opportunities and possibilities to be considered to address waste management for the future: Container deposit legislation; Zero waste initiatives in line with the Western Australian Resource Recovery Act; More efficient and sustainable alternatives to landfill; Education for the community to promote less waste and greater recycling/reuse; Encourage less packaging; and Improve construction and demolition waste recycling. The aim for waste management will be to deliver customer focused, high quality services which are at the forefront of sustainable practices, taking a continuous improvement approach. References COP13, (2007) Bali Action Plan - available at 5. Department of Water (2009) Draft Gnangara Sustainability Strategy, Government of Western Australia

12 2 Midland Square, Midland, WA 6056 t (08) f (08) e swan2030@swan.wa.gov.au