Ordinary Council Meeting 29
May 2014
Notice
of Motion
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
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Summary:
A summary is
not required.
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Recommendation:
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.
Attachments:
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1
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14083/2014 - ALGA call to have the
Government restore the indexation of the FAGs
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Ordinary Council Meeting 29
May 2014
General
Manager's Report
ITEM 9.9 SF688 290514 Environmental Levy Program
AUTHOR/ENQUIRIES: Grant Nelson, Strategic Planner; Michael Coulter, General Manager
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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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Recommendation:
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.
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POSSIBLE FUTURE PROJECTS
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
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Landcare Riparian Catchment
Project
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Natural Resource Grants -
early discussions held with Local Land Services
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Nambucca Town Centre
Masterplan Implementation
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Possible RMS Pamp funding or
bypass funding; Regional Town Renewal Funds
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Macksville Town Centre
Implementation
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Possible RMS Pamp funding or
bypass funding; Regional Town Renewal Funds
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Valla Beach Road Pedestrian
Connectivity (Crown Reserve Plan of Management Action)
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Possible Matching Funds
through Section 94 Contributions or Crown Reserve Management Fund/Grant
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Dawkins Park Reserve Water
Quality & Environmental Improvements
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Possible Section 94
contribution, Estuary Management Plan Funding
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Bowraville Streetscape
Improvements
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Regional Town Renewal Funds
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Implementation of Flood Risk
Management Plan Actions
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OEH Flood funding
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Removal of Camphor Laurel
trees Entrance to Macksville
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Natural Resource Grants
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Additional Weed Management
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Natural Resource Grants
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Rebates for Fencing off
Riparian Areas (Policy to be developed)
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Natural Resource Grants
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Natural Resource Officer
Part Time 3 days/week (project management)
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Natural Resource Grants
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Education and Ecotourism –
Sustainability Program
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Tourism/Natural
Resource/Education Grants
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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
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(General works Program; RMS
Funding; Hazard Funding)
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Audit and Implement
sustainability for Council controlled buildings Stage 1
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Sustainability grants; asset
management fund
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Community Grants
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Bellwood Causeway
Duplication
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OEH Flood Management funding
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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
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Crown Reserve Fund (part of
Caravan Park Master Plan Redevelopment)
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Shire-wide Koala Plan of
Management Stage 1
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OEH have identified funding
for 2014/15
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Development of the Stuart
Island "Harbour"
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Stuart Island works underway
- 13/14 OEH and Better Boating funding
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Shire-wide Biodiversity
Management Plan
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Natural Resource Grants
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Dawkins Park Reserve Water
Quality Improvement and Environmental/community activation
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OEH Estuary Management
Funding
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Macksville Entrance/Pacific
Highway Camphor Laurel weed Management
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Natural Resource Grants
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Draft Valla Beach Reserve
Plan of Management Implement Actions Valla Beach Crown Reserve –Coastal
Pedestrian Access (Valla Beach Road)
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See 2014/15 Budget
proposal/Crown Reserve Funding/Natural Resource Funding/Health Wellbeing
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Threatened Species habitat
protection/restoration/education - Scented Acronychia habitat (acronychia
littoralis) Nambucca Heads
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Natural Resource Grants
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Threatened Population
habitat protection/restoration/education – Love Creeper Glycine
clandestine Scotts Head – Also Wakki Beach Reserve Improvements –
Partnership with Crown Reserve Trust
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Grant applied - for awaiting
outcome (100% funded)
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Ecohealth scorecard with
Kempsey Council and Local Land Services
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Natural Resource Grants; OEH
Estuary Management Funding
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Hyland Park Property
Protection (Deep Creek Inundation)
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OEH Estuary Management
Funding
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Deep Creek Island Weed
Management
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Natural Resource Grants
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Shirewide 'Linking the
Landscape' Habitat Restoration Program
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Natural Resource Grants
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Gumma Swamp Property
Acquisition Program
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Natural Resource Grants
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Stuart Island Riverbank
Restoration and Reef Ball Installation
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Grant applied - for awaiting
outcome (50% funded)
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Riparian Restoration and
Coastal Squeeze Management Options
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Natural Resource Grants
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Waste Compactor Bins
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Coastal Zone Management Plan
Implementation
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Coastal Management Grants
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Nambucca River Masterplan
Implementation
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Natural Resource Grants
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Estuary Management Plan
Implementation
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Natural Resources Grants
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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
Attachments:
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1
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12651/2014 - Final Heritage Report -
Heritage Fund 2013-14 (docx)
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2
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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
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Nambucca Shire Council Environmental Levy
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
Before
photos
After photos
Before
photos
Before
photos
After photos
Before
photos
After photos
Before photos
After photos
