Ordinary Council Meeting - 29 May 2014
LATE AGENDA Page
5 Notices of Motion
5.1 Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) - Call to have the Australian Government Restore the Indexation of the local government Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs).............................. 2
5.2 Notice of Motion - Request for Leave - Cr Anne Smyth - 26 April to 30 June 2014 (SF1228).. 6
9 General Manager Report
9.9 Environmental Levy Program............................................................................................ 7
Ordinary Council Meeting 29 May 2014
ITEM 5.1 SF851 290514 Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) - Call to have the Australian Government Restore the Indexation of the local government Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs)
AUTHOR/ENQUIRIES: Rhonda Hoban, Councillor
Summary:
A summary is not required.
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That Council make representations to the Member for Cowper, the Hon. Luke Hartsuyker MP as well as the Australian Labor Party and the Australian Greens calling for the Government to restore the indexation of the local government Financial Assistance Grants.
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OPTIONS:
The Council can decide whether or not it wishes to support the ALGA’s call for the restoration of indexation of the Financial Assistance Grants (FAG’s). The Council can also decide the manner in which it chooses to make any representations.
DISCUSSION:
Council has received the attached letter from the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) asking that Council join the ALGA’s call to have the Australian Government restore the indexation of the local government Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs).
Council will be aware that in the Federal budget papers, the Government has announced its intention to achieve savings of $925.2 million over four years by pausing the indexation of the Local Government Financial Assistance Grants Program for three years commencing 1 July 2014.
The Federal Budget papers list the savings as:
2014-15 -$95.8m
2015-16 -$200.4m
2016-17 -$307.8m
2017-18 -$321.1m
As the ALGA advise, the impact will continue beyond that date because the base level of FAGs will be permanently reduced by over 12%.
The FAGs are a vital part of the revenue base of all councils and for many smaller rural and remote councils, FAGs can form the majority of their revenue. These councils are likely to be hardest hit by the reduction in the grants. The FAGs are general purpose income and as such they are used to maintain all local government services including roads, bridges, parks, swimming pools, libraries, halls as well as services to the young, the elderly and community groups of all kinds.
The ALGA has been fighting to have the value of the FAGs restored to a level equivalent to 1% of tax revenue, which the ALGA state was the level they were at when John Howard became Prime Minister in 1996. According to ALGA in recent years they have slipped to 0.7% but the announced cuts mean that they will decline to just 0.53% by 2017-18.
In relation to Nambucca Shire Council, the draft budget for 2014-15 provides for the following general purpose revenues (in order of importance):
General Rates $9.0m
Financial Assistance Grants $2.6m
Interest on investments $0.5m
13/14 surplus reallocated $0.3m
Pensioners’ Rates Subsidy $0.2m
Extra charges $0.1m
Interest on advances $0.05m
Debt recovery costs recouped $0.04m
TOTAL $12.88m
As indicated, the Council’s FAG’s are the second largest source general purpose income being approximately 30% of rate income.
The Council’s draft budget provided for an increase in the FAGs from $2,498,700 in 2013/14 to $2,598,600 in 2014/15. This $99,900 increase was based on the average 4% increase over the past 10 years. As indicated by the ALGA and the budget papers, the loss of indexation will mean a compounding reduction in FAG income.
The loss of the FAG indexation will substantially reverse the revenue benefit of Council’s application for a special rate variation of 3.8% in 2014/15; 5.0% in 2015/16 and 5.5% in 2016/17.
14083/2014 - ALGA call to have the Government restore the indexation of the FAGs |
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Ordinary Council Meeting - 29 May 2014 Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) - Call to have the Australian Government Restore the Indexation of the local government Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) |
ITEM 5.2 SF1933 290514 Notice of Motion - Request for Leave - Cr Anne Smyth - 26 April to 30 June 2014 (SF1228)
AUTHOR/ENQUIRIES: Anne Smyth, Councillor
Summary:
I request leave from 26 April to 30 June 2014 inclusive.
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That Cr Anne Smyth be granted leave of absence in accordance with Section 234(d) of the Local Government Act for the period 26 April to 30 June 2014 inclusive.
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Ordinary Council Meeting 29 May 2014
ITEM 9.9 SF688 290514 Environmental Levy Program
AUTHOR/ENQUIRIES: Grant Nelson, Strategic Planner; Michael Coulter, General Manager
Summary:
The purpose of this report is to provide Council with an update on the Environmental Levy and to discuss budget items.
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1 That following completion of the exhibition of the draft operational plan/delivery program that Council consider the 2014/15 Environmental Levy Budget comprising the projects shown in the table headed “Proposed 2014/15 Environmental Levy Budget”.
2 That Council accept the offer of up to $7,500 Heritage Advisor Funding for the 2014/15 Heritage Program, requiring matching funds from Council.
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OPTIONS:
Council may choose to amend the budget;
Council may choose not to accept the Heritage Funding or propose an alternative source of funds to support the program. The budget situation of the General Fund is that Council should not be adding any further operating expenses without first removing an equivalent expenditure.
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this report is to discuss projects presently progressing with finances provided by the Environmental Levy in accordance with previously adopted strategic priorities. The report also discusses future projects proposed through the Environmental Levy.
Strategic Direction
For some time the Environmental Levy has been used to prepare reports and documents to support environmental conservation and social wellbeing. Over the last 10 years the Levy has funded, Estuary Study and Management Plans; Flood Studies; Coastal Hazard Studies; Coastal Zone Management Plan, and Nambucca River Masterplan. Now that direction has been provided by these studies and plans the Levy funds have been more focused toward on-ground works that support the actions identified in these plans.
Funds will continue to be allocated to state and federal programs that are offering funds or resources with an aim to leveraging the outputs of the levy. This is discussed further below.
Below is a list of potential future projects and funding opportunities and their status. These projects are taken from previous project lists.
POSSIBLE FUTURE PROJECTS |
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES |
Landcare Riparian Catchment Project |
Natural Resource Grants - early discussions held with Local Land Services |
Nambucca Town Centre Masterplan Implementation |
Possible RMS Pamp funding or bypass funding; Regional Town Renewal Funds |
Macksville Town Centre Implementation |
Possible RMS Pamp funding or bypass funding; Regional Town Renewal Funds |
Valla Beach Road Pedestrian Connectivity (Crown Reserve Plan of Management Action) |
Possible Matching Funds through Section 94 Contributions or Crown Reserve Management Fund/Grant |
Dawkins Park Reserve Water Quality & Environmental Improvements |
Possible Section 94 contribution, Estuary Management Plan Funding |
Bowraville Streetscape Improvements |
Regional Town Renewal Funds |
Implementation of Flood Risk Management Plan Actions |
OEH Flood funding |
Removal of Camphor Laurel trees Entrance to Macksville |
Natural Resource Grants |
Additional Weed Management |
Natural Resource Grants |
Rebates for Fencing off Riparian Areas (Policy to be developed) |
Natural Resource Grants |
Natural Resource Officer Part Time 3 days/week (project management) |
Natural Resource Grants |
Education and Ecotourism – Sustainability Program |
Tourism/Natural Resource/Education Grants |
Easement/Property Acquisition Seaview St Catchment (Could also be funded from a Stormwater Catchment Levy) |
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Stabilisation of land identified as Unstable Land in Council's Slope Stability Hazard Identification and Land Slip Reports |
(General works Program; RMS Funding; Hazard Funding) |
Audit and Implement sustainability for Council controlled buildings Stage 1 |
Sustainability grants; asset management fund |
Community Grants |
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Bellwood Causeway Duplication |
OEH Flood Management funding |
Beach Watch Program Nambucca & Scotts Head |
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Water Reclamation Projects |
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Wetland Retention system for Scotts Head – Adin Street Reserve |
Crown Reserve Fund (part of Caravan Park Master Plan Redevelopment) |
Shire-wide Koala Plan of Management Stage 1 |
OEH have identified funding for 2014/15 |
Development of the Stuart Island "Harbour" |
Stuart Island works underway - 13/14 OEH and Better Boating funding |
Shire-wide Biodiversity Management Plan |
Natural Resource Grants |
Dawkins Park Reserve Water Quality Improvement and Environmental/community activation |
OEH Estuary Management Funding |
Macksville Entrance/Pacific Highway Camphor Laurel weed Management |
Natural Resource Grants |
Draft Valla Beach Reserve Plan of Management Implement Actions Valla Beach Crown Reserve –Coastal Pedestrian Access (Valla Beach Road) |
See 2014/15 Budget proposal/Crown Reserve Funding/Natural Resource Funding/Health Wellbeing |
Threatened Species habitat protection/restoration/education - Scented Acronychia habitat (acronychia littoralis) Nambucca Heads |
Natural Resource Grants |
Threatened Population habitat protection/restoration/education – Love Creeper Glycine clandestine Scotts Head – Also Wakki Beach Reserve Improvements – Partnership with Crown Reserve Trust |
Grant applied - for awaiting outcome (100% funded) |
Ecohealth scorecard with Kempsey Council and Local Land Services |
Natural Resource Grants; OEH Estuary Management Funding |
Hyland Park Property Protection (Deep Creek Inundation) |
OEH Estuary Management Funding |
Deep Creek Island Weed Management |
Natural Resource Grants |
Shirewide 'Linking the Landscape' Habitat Restoration Program |
Natural Resource Grants |
Gumma Swamp Property Acquisition Program |
Natural Resource Grants |
Stuart Island Riverbank Restoration and Reef Ball Installation |
Grant applied - for awaiting outcome (50% funded) |
Riparian Restoration and Coastal Squeeze Management Options |
Natural Resource Grants |
Waste Compactor Bins |
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Coastal Zone Management Plan Implementation |
Coastal Management Grants |
Nambucca River Masterplan Implementation |
Natural Resource Grants |
Estuary Management Plan Implementation |
Natural Resources Grants |
Financial overview of the Environmental Levy
The below table illustrates where funding for the 2013/14 financial year has been sourced. The majority of the funding is sourced from the annual Environmental Levy income, being approximately 44% of the total budget. Subsidies for 2013/14 accounted for 25% of the total budget and levy revotes approximately 21%.
A major objective of the levy program is to supplement levy income with subsidies sourced from various funding bodies and government agencies to provide value to programs and actions. The implications of this have been positive as other agencies have contributed $199,000 to environmental levy programs this year. This represents a 57% funding increase in the funds available in the levy. Although this is positive in regards to the resources available in the Levy, it also has implications in regards to the timing of programs and revotes that accumulate through the financial year.
A number of the programs Council has funded through the levy this year are being progressed over multiple years such as the Beach Access Improvement Program (stage 2 is to commence in 2014/15); Flood Risk Management Study and Plan (due for completion late 2015); Gumma Swamp Healthy Wetland Program (extended to await a significant rainfall event to finalise assessment) etc. As such the revotes accumulate.
Further to this, some funding bodies may not announce successful funding until later in the year, making it difficult to complete the project by the end of the financial year. As necessary extensions are sought from funding bodies and programs continue as necessary. The finances for the Environmental Levy Program are continually changing and evolving.
As reconciliation of the Levy occurs every year unallocated or excess funds will be determined and additional projects will be developed in consultation with Councils Engineering Services Department and reported to Council. Funds may also be held in reserve to target grants as they arise, or set aside for larger projects such as those identified in the Nambucca River Masterplan.
The following graph has attempted to categorise current programs by environmental themes to illustrate how the funding is presently being distributed. It must be noted that many of the themes overlap – for instance the beach access improvement program was identified in the Coastal Management theme but involved exotic plant management and rehabilitation activities.
The weight given to the Coastal Management, Flood Mitigation, and Estuary Health themes is largely due to the funding programs presently being offered through the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH). It is anticipated that these programs will continue to dominate the themes as long as the funding is being offered by the State Government.
Current Programs
The progress of the 2013/14 budget is shown below.
Proposed 2014/15 Environmental Levy Budget
Note: Expected Levy income $361,000, the variance of $138,000 is for street lighting which was held in reserve from the 2013/14 year which explains increase in the total levy budget.
A brief discussion of projects proposed in the 2014/15 years is outlined below along with any changes for Council to note. Projects that are annual allocations are not discussed.
Bowraville Flying Fox – Grassy Park
$2500 has been allocated to continue to maintain plantings already undertaken and weed management as necessary and in accordance with Council license agreements with OEH and Federal government Departments. Some of the weed management works proposed in 2013/14 could not be undertaken due to the return of the Flying Fox camp and Councils license agreements – revotes from 2013/14 will also be allocated. This program has been largely managed by Nambucca Valley Landcare.
Indian Myna Bird Program
The Indian Myna Bird program grant funding through the environmental trust is now complete and it proposed that each of the Councils involved in the program take over administration and key contact information at this stage. The program was previously administered by Nambucca Valley Landcare. It is estimated a contribution of $2500 would be sufficient to resource the program at this stage. This funding would contribute to gas, bait and other resources that be required by Key volunteers. Council will receive a more detailed report on this program in the near future and how it is expected to continue and the staff resources required.
Vegetation and Koala Habitat survey and Mapping
$10,000 has been allocated to contribute to a collaborative project between Council and the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH). OEH has proposed an allocation of $120,000 to project and has offered the key role in management of the project. Please refer to the report in this business paper.
Coastal Zone Management Plan – Beach Access Improvements stage 2
Stage 1 completed early in 2014 and has been acquitted. OEH indicated the results were considered excellent and has now agreed that Stage 2 funds are available. The funds are to be allocated over 2014/15 financial year and will revisit areas as necessary and target new access points such as the failed access at Shelly Beach. OEH are matching levy contributions to this project total funds available $101,000 approximately.
Ongoing allocation Our living Coast Website and Sustainability Alliance with Coffs Harbour and Bellingen Shire Council.
It is proposed to continue to allocate funds to this program. Staff have met with sustainability officers from Bellingen and Coffs Harbour Council to discuss the future of the website and some recommendations have been made to discontinue the sustainability living guide and direct future content to more local initiatives such as central contact point for local community groups (dune care, landcare, bushcare and the like), events and information relating to sustainability and the environment. The website is a central feature in maintaining an alliance with the other Councils for sustainability matters.
With the lack of a dedicated sustainability officer at Nambucca, the contribution to the upkeep of the website is considered low in order to benefit from the expertise and initiatives of the dedicated officers from the other Councils as well as central point to maintain a sustainability alliance between the Shires. The alliance that has developed will continue to seek opportunities for grant funding that may suit other collaborative programs.
Environmental Levy Salaries and a Proposed Management Fund
Since the position of Environmental Compliance Officer was made redundant, $56,000 has been made available in the Environmental Levy to offset staff salaries involved in the management of the Environmental Levy.
An additional allocation of the $10,000 has been proposed to assist in the management of the Environmental Levy projects. This allocation may be directed to Environmental Consultants, Engineers or other experts such as Nambucca Valley Landcare to manage specific projects on behalf of Council as necessary.
During deliberations regarding the 2013/14 budget Council resolved to consider a part time/full time Natural Resource Officer position to assist with the implementation of the Environmental Levy in the 2014/15 year. Assistance to implement projects within the levy would be well received, however, it will detract from funding available in the levy for projects. Following discussions with the General Manager the proposal has been put forward for a $10,000 allocation for project management utilising contractors with appropriate expertise.
The previous allocation for the Environmental Compliance Officer was approximately $78,000. Should Council resolve add this as a budget item to the Environmental levy other items would need to be removed.
At present approximately $153,000 of the environmental levy is directed to annual funding programs such as the Dog Bags; SOE reporting and the $56,000 to offset staff salaries. An additional $78,000 to the budget would increase the annual programs to $231,000 leaving an estimated $130,000 to allocate to specific projects and grant funding.
Dawkins Park Reserve water quality Improvement and Management Investigation
$15,000 is proposed to be allocated to an investigation/ design for improvements to Dawkins Park. The purpose of the project is to be grant-ready for a future project to be targeted with Environmental Levy and appropriate grant funding.
Valla Beach Crown Reserve (Draft Management Plan Action) – Pedestrian access to south Valla Carpark
$25,000 is proposed to prepare a design for a pedestrian path from the top of the Headland to the south Valla Beach Carpark and amenities. The project would involve linking the residential area to the beach via two (2) crown reserve lookouts and middle valla carpark. The project would contribute to coastal vegetation management in the adjoining reserve and provide interpretative signage with respect to environmental attributes of the coastal area. The funds will not complete the project but with a design in place Crown Reserve Funding and/ or Coastal Management Funding would be targeted.
Continuation of Estuary Management Plan Actions
Council has applied for a grant of matching environmental levy funds of $50,000 through the OEH Estuary Management program to provide rock protection and fish habitat installation (reef balls) on the southern side of Stuart Island adjoining the golf Course. The project compliments actions in the Estuary Management Plan and the Nambucca River Masterplan. If successful the $100,000 project would be completed in partnership with Nambucca Valley Landcare.
Continuation of Implementing Coastal Zone Management Plan Actions
An allocation of the $55,000 has been allocated from the levy to match revotes from the beach access program for the protection of Main Beach Surf Club. A grant under the OEH coastal program has been applied for to match Councils contribution. The project would involve design and construction of appropriate seawall protection and embellishments to the surrounding area. If successful the project value will be approximately $160,000. Discussions have been held with Surf Club representatives regarding the function of the area and requirements they may have in any future design.
The project is described as ‘urgent’ in the Coastal Zone Management Plan.
Heritage Program
Council successfully completed the first year of the heritage program a report on the funded projects is attached. Council has been offered funding for a heritage advisor program for 2014/15 (of up to $7,500). For 2013/14 year the program was allocated funds from Council’s Section 94A fund and OEH. It is proposed that the environmental levy provide Councils contribution to the program in future years.
The program successfully contributed the conservation of four sites in Bowraville in 2013/14 and our Heritage Advisor has commenced a review of heritage items in the Shire. Despite a short timeframe for staff to familiarise themselves with the program and its associated procedures, the first year of the program has been considered a success. OEH has agreed to contribute $11,978 to the program this year.
The attached report summarises the heritage fund outcomes [attachment]. The budget for this program is based on a 50:50 funding scheme with OEH and $8,500 is proposed for heritage conservation projects and $4,250 is proposed for a heritage advisor. In 2013/14 Councils total contribution to $34,000 worth of works was $6,217. It is not known if the full amount of $8,500 will be consumed in future years as it depends on the value and number of projects that are funded.
The program is worthwhile and is expected to gain momentum as landowners become more familiar with it. Bellingen LGA has had its successful program in place for 17 years and has proven success. The program assists in conserving the Shire’s heritage and also contributes to the appearance of the public/private domain in our towns. Should Council not wish to fund this program through the Environmental Levy consideration should be given to allocation of $13,000 from elsewhere. The budget situation of the General Fund is that Council should not be adding any further operating expenses without first removing an equivalent expenditure.
Forward Budgets
A forward budget for the environmental levy is presented below, however as stated previously the Environmental Levy changes as issues arise, grants become available or opportunities to implement recommendations of previous reporting become available.
CONSULTATION:
General Manager
SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT:
Environment
The environmental levy is Council main source of funding to support environmental management and conservation.
Social
A number of programs within the environmental levy have been undertaken or are proposed which contribute to the Health and Wellbeing of the community. Many projects have the overlapping benefit to the environment and community.
Economic
The Environmental Levy provides the main source of funding for environmental projects and this funding is used leverage to support grant applications. For the 2013/14 financial year the levy budget was increased by 57% through successful grant applications.
Risk
Nil, the Environmental Levy is aimed at providing positive outcomes for the environment and the community.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Direct and indirect impact on current and future budgets
The budget allocations are identified in the body of this report.
Source of fund and any variance to working funds
Variations to budget allocations would be reported to Council as considered necessary.
Service level changes and resourcing/staff implications
Councils Strategic Planner has been overseeing the implementation of the Environmental Levy program
12651/2014 - Final Heritage Report - Heritage Fund 2013-14 (docx) |
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14139/2014 - Activities Report Environmental Levy May 2014 |
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Ordinary Council Meeting - 29 May 2014 Environmental Levy Program |
SUMMARY REPORT ON ALL COMPLETED PROJECTS
Applicant |
Heritage item address |
Project description |
Total project cost |
Applicant’s contribution |
Local heritage funding |
P.M & A.M Turnbull |
51 High Street, Bowraville |
Treating of rust and painting of High Street roof |
$1,933.00
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$1,433.00
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$500.00
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P.M & A.M Turnbull |
53 High Street, Bowraville |
Treating of rust and painting of High Street roof and rear roof facing Fire Station and metal parapet facade |
$2,512.00
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$1,812.00
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$700.00
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R. Cruickshank |
72 High Street, Bowraville |
Repainting of exterior of building |
$10,560
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$5,560.00 |
$5,000.00
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Bowraville Arts Council |
Bowraville Theatre 74 High Street Bowraville |
Repairs to stained glass circular window in theatre facade |
$1,200.00 |
$600.00 |
$600.00
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Nambucca Valley Phoenix Ltd |
88 High St Bowraville |
Repainting of front of building. Repairs to window joinery. Removal of balcony enclosure. |
$17,009.50 |
$12,009.50 |
$5,000.00 |
P.M & A.M Turnbull |
51 & 53 High Street Bowraville |
Replace guttering facing High Street and re secure lower roof |
$1270.00 |
$635.00 |
$635.00 |
TOTAL |
$34,484.50 |
$22,049.50 |
$12,435.00 |
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Based on the approved funding agreement for 2013-14 financial year and the local heritage funding expenditure of $17,000.00, the Heritage Branch will reimburse $6,217.50*
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* Council can claim reimbursement on this amount from the Heritage Branch, according to the approved Council funding agreement. |
FINAL PROJECT REPORT
Project No. |
1/2013-2014 |
Heritage item address Project description Reason for project |
51 High Street, Bowraville Treatment of rust and painting of High Street roof To help prolong the life of the roof until such time as the owner can replace the roof in short sheet lengths |
Heritage item listing Applicant |
Not listed as an individual item. Is within the Conservation Area P.M & A.M Turnbull |
Date commenced Date completed |
April 2014 April 2014 |
Total project cost Applicant contribution Local heritage funding |
$1,933.00 $1,433.00 $500.00 |
Before
photos
After photos
Project No. |
2/2013-2014 |
Heritage item address Project description
Reason for project |
53 High Street, Bowraville Treatment of rust, painting of High Street roof and metal parapet facade To help prolong the life of the roof until such time as the owner can replace the roof in short sheet lengths |
Heritage item listing Applicant |
Not listed as an individual item. Is within the Conservation Area P.M & A.M Turnbull |
Date commenced Date completed |
April 2014 April 2014 |
Total project cost Applicant contribution Local heritage funding |
$2,512.00 $1,812.00 $700.00 |
Before
photos
After photos
Project No. |
3/2013-2014 |
Heritage item address Project description Reason for project |
72 High Street, Bowraville Repainting of exterior of building To improve the building’s presentation within the streetscape |
Heritage item listing Applicant |
I28 – State Bank R. Cruickshank |
Date commenced Date completed |
April 2014 April 2014 |
Total project cost Applicant contribution Local heritage funding |
$10,560.00 $5,560.00 $5,000.00 |
Before
photos
After photos
Project No. |
4/2013-2014 |
Heritage item address Project description Reason for project |
74 High Street, Bowraville Repairs to stained glass circular window in theatre facade To ensure building is watertight and maintain building’s presentation within the streetscape |
Heritage item listing Applicant |
I29 – Bowraville Theatre Bowraville Arts Council |
Date commenced Date completed |
April 2014 April 2014 |
Total project cost Applicant contribution Local heritage funding |
$1,200.00 $600.00 $600.00 |
Before
photos
After photos
Project No. |
5/2013-2014 |
Heritage item address Project description
Reason for project |
88 High Street, Bowraville Repainting of front of building, repairs to window joinery and removal of balcony enclosure To improve the building’s presentation within the streetscape |
Heritage item listing Applicant |
I36 – The Bank Nambucca Valley Phoenix Ltd |
Date commenced Date completed |
April 2014 April 2014 |
Total project cost Applicant contribution Local heritage funding |
$17,009.50
$12,009.50
$5,000 |
Before photos
After photos
Project No. |
6/2013-2014 |
Heritage item address Project description Reason for project |
51 & 53 High Street, Bowraville Replacement of Guttering at Hill Top Store To prevent issues water management and restore guttering |
Heritage item listing Applicant |
Not listed as an individual item. Is within the Conservation Area P.M & A.M Turnbull |
Date commenced Date completed |
April 2014 April 2014 |
Total project cost Applicant contribution Local heritage funding |
$1270.00 $635.00 $635.00 |
Before photos
Published by: Office of Environment and Heritage, 59–61
Goulburn Street, Sydney South 1232.
Ph: 131 555 or 1300 361 967. TTY: (02) 9211 4723. Email: info@environment.nsw.gov.au
;
Web: www.environment.nsw.gov.au
. OEH 2014/0287 ;March 2014
Report pollution and environmental incidents: Environment Line: 131 555 (NSW only)
Ordinary Council Meeting - 29 May 2014 Environmental Levy Program |
Activities Report 2012-14
PROJECTS
The following projects are a selection of projects undertaken as part of the environmental levy program. The council report provides additional details on the budget and annual costs.
Mapping of Likely Endangered Ecological Communities
Nambucca Shire Council in partnership with the Office of Environment and Heritage have prepared indicative mapping of threatened ecological Communities within the Nambucca shire. The program involved a significant component of ground truthing and used recent aerial photography to map vegetation communities within the shire . The project will assist Council, the community and other government agencies in developing sustainable land management practices. $37,000 with equivalent in kind support provided by NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.
Image
courtesy of OEH (2013)
Grassy Park Endangered Ecological Community Management
Nambucca Shire Council in partnership with Nambucca Valley Landcare have been undertaken ongoing weed management activities at Grassy Park Bowraville. The project has focused on removal of invasive vine weeds and replanting of the understory. The project will assist in restoring a 1HA area of endangered ecological community (Lowland Rainforest in the NSW North Coast and Sydney Basin Bioregion).
Weed Management Nambucca Coastline
Managed by Council Weeds officer, l Endangered Ecologica Communities including Themeda grassland on seacliffs and coastal headlands in the NSW North Coast, Littoral Rainforest and Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the NSW North Coast were target management areas using management funds. In Total approximately 4HA of coastal vegetation was targeted to compliment Council Clean Energy Futures – Biodiversity Funding also Managed by Councils Weeds Officer. Before and After Photos 2013 (courtesty Tim Woodward)
Indian Myna Bird Control Program
Council in partnership with Nambucca Valley Landcare, Bellingen Shire Council, Coffs Harbour Shire Council the office of environment and heritage to continue a program to control the Indian Myna Bird population in the region. The program involved the engagement of an officer to coordinate and manage the program and its volunteers.
Gross Pollutant Trap Maintenance
In 2013 Council commissioned a desludging contractor to address a stormwater sediment basin in Valla Beach. The sediment basin had not been cleaned out since commencement of development in the adjoining subdivision. The sediment basin adjoins a state significant wetland and endangered ecological communities Swamp Sclerophyll Forest and Saltmarsh. The removal of sediment from the basis will provide ongoing protection to the adjoining sensitive environmental receptors. A program of GPT maintenance has also commenced.
River Bank Stabilisation and Revegetation
A
program of riverbank stabilization works was undertaken in 2012/13 the main
target being River Street and Gumma Road. Standard rock stabilisation methods
were used in areas of most concern. More recently a program of planting has
commenced in some areas stabilised by rock work. Further stabilisation will be
continued in accordance with Councils Estuary Management Plan and Nambucca
River Masterplan.
Purchase of iPads for Councillors
Each Councillor was provided with an iPad and associated software to eliminate the paper copies of Council reporting. Funding was matched through the Our Living Coast project.
Nambucca and Deep Creek Flood Management and Investigation
Council engaged WMA Water specialists in flood modeling to prepare flood studies for both Deep Creek at Valla and the Nambucca River. The studies were complete with modeling that utilized Lidar (an airborne laser survey of the local terrain) providing Council with the most accurate flood models we have available for our shire.
Part
of this program was develop an Entrance Management Policy for Deep Creek which
is now also complete. Council has recently been informed that granting funding
from OEH has been received to continue with the program to prepare a Flood Risk
Management Study and Plan.
Beach Access Improvement Program
Council’s Coastal Zone Management plan identified that beaches access in the shire needed immediate action. Council was successful at attracting funds from both the CMA and the OEH to commence a program of beach access improvements. Stage 1 of the program addressed 8 beach accesses. At each access dune and weed management was undertaken.
Funding
for stage 2 has now also been made available and will be commencing during in
2014. It will address priority areas and revisit some of the stage 1 areas
where necessary.
Streetscape Improvement Planning and Implementation
Council
identified $20,000 to be made available for Streetscape Improvement Actions.
Subsequently streetscape revitalization options have been prepared for
Macksville and consultants are now progressing with refined plans for River
Street Macksville.
A
program of Street tree Planting has commenced in Nambucca Heads in consultation
with the Chamber of Commerce. To date ten (10) advanced Tuckeroos (cupaniopsis
anacardioides) have been planted in Bowra Street at key locations. The
plantings are going well and additional trees are planned. An additional
$15,000 from the Environmental Levy matched $15,000 from the s94a fund to
contribute to this project.
Stuart Island
Council received funding from OEH through its estuary management program to undertake weed management, revegetation and access consolidation on Stuart Island. The program has commenced, weed management and replanting is presently underway. The project will compliment other funding made available to Stuart Island for a new pontoon and amenities.
Gumma Healthy Wetland
Council in collaboration with Wetlandcare Australia and OEH commenced investigation into Gumma Wetland. WRL water were engaged to prepare a Hydrological report for the area and various onground works such as fencing, and weed management has been undertaken. The project is presently awaiting a significant rainfall event prior to finalizing management recommendations.
Other annual expenses
The above projects are a selection of projects funded by the Environmental Levy during this report period. The environmental Levy contributes to a number of other annual costs associated with ongoing programs and management. Additional information is provided in the body of the Council Report regarding these programs