Environment Action Plan 2008 - Waverley Council€¦ · (EAP1) has international best practise targets for environmental management at its core. These are targets designed to achieve

Environment ACTION PLANVersion 1: December 2008

2 – Waverley Council

© Waverley Council 2008Waverley CouncilCnr Bondi Road & Paul StreetBondi Junction NSW 2022PHONE 02 9369 8000FAX 02 9387 1820EMAIL [email protected]

Printed on 100% recycled paper:– 90% post-consumer waste– meets ISO 14001 & Eco Mark– de-inking process uses hydrogen peroxide (not chlorine)– FSC accredited mill

Environment Action Plan 1 – 1

ContentsExecutive summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Our Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Filling Knowledge Gaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Key Projects for Future EAPs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Summary of Targets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Greenhouse Gas Emissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Background Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Water – Background Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Water – Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Waste – Background Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Waste – Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Biodiversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Biodiversity – Background Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Biodiversity – Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27


Our Vision Our vision is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and waste to landfi ll, use water more effi ciently and protect and enhance our local native plants and animals.

In addressing our targets Council will;

Accept the critical urgency of greenhouse gas emission reduction. ■

Remain conversant with community expectation. ■

Plan, monitor and evaluate actions to ensure they are fi nancially ■

responsible and technically feasible.

Investigate innovative solutions and methods of engagement to assist ■

community members to improve the effi ciency of their lifestyle.

Lobby State and Federal Government to legislate policy complementing ■

local action.

It is now widely accepted by the international scientifi c community that decisive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions must be taken by the global community in order to sustain life as we know it. Local Government occupies a unique position to facilitate the enhancement of our community’s environment. Waverley Council (Council) has been a leader and early adopter of emission reduction and other environmental targets as well as delivering extensive community education and environment improvement projects. Through the introduction of the Environment Action Plan (EAP) Council will integrate environmental planning into the broader strategic planning framework. Within such a structure Environmental Services will prepare and deliver cost effi cient, quantifi able projects over the short, medium and long term to meet community expectation of responsible environmental management.

Within the subject areas of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Water, Waste and Biodiversity the fi rst version of the EAP (EAP1) has international best practise targets for environmental management at its core. These are targets designed to achieve an ecologically sustainable local government area and to be conversant with other elements of the quadruple bottom line Waverley Strategic Plan.

Executive summary


Council regards EAP1 as a preliminary plan establishing baseline information and consolidating previous single issue action plans. To publish EAP1 signifi cant work was undertaken to establish current environmental trends for Council and the Local Government Area (LGA) and within this process knowledge gaps were discovered. Subsequent plans, beginning with EAP2 will deliver a far greater depth of understanding around local issues and opportunities for maximising cost effective environmental management. Specifi cally, EAP2 and beyond will quantify the potential contribution of individual actions and measures towards achieving overall targets.

To close critical knowledge gaps the following program of investigation and planning is to be undertaken for EAP2 and beyond.

Key Projects for Future EAPsProject PriorityA. Community consultation on EAP1 targets EAP2

B. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Modelling EAP2

C. Greenhouse Gas Emission cost/benefi t action planning EAP2

D. Baseline fl ora and fauna survey to establish total species numbers EAP2

E. Baseline marine intertidal biodiversity survey EAP2

F. Water management cost/benefi t action planning EAP2

G. Waste management cost/benefi t action planning EAP2

H. Biodiversity cost/benefi t action planning EAP2

Filling Knowledge Gaps


Summary of Targets

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS:

30% reduction and offset ■ 1 of the LGA’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 based on 1996 levels.

70% reduction and offset of the LGA’s ■

greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 based on 1996 levels.

WATER:

Zero increase in the LGA’s mains water ■

consumption by 2015 based on 2006 levels.

20% reduction in Council’s mains water ■


100% compliance with the National ■

Water Quality Management Strategy (NWQMS) guidelines.

1 Waverley Council promotes maximising energy effi ciency before considering offsetting.

WASTE:

Divert 75% of the LGA’s domestic waste ■

from landfi ll by 2017.

Divert 70% of the LGA’s commercial ■

waste from landfi ll by 2017.

Recover 95% of the LGA’s waste by ■

2020.

BIODIVERSITY:

Ensure current numbers of native plant ■

(n=153) and animal (n=94) species are maintained.

The following summary present’s targets adopted to address each of the four environmental subject areas.


CONTEXT

Anthropogenic (human induced) climate change as a result of greenhouse gas emissions is the overarching environmental issue for the 21st century. The Garnaut Climate Change Review1 commissioned by the Australian Government explored the impacts of climate change on the Australian economy and began with the preface that “The weight of scientifi c evidence tells us that Australians are facing risks of damaging climate change”. The review concludes that these risks (environmental, economic and social) can be managed and reduced by strong, effective and early action and that Australia’s proportionate share in emission reduction while considerable is manageable.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) are the scientifi c research body behind reports such as the Garnaut and Stern2 Review’s. The IPCC Fourth Assessment Report3 recommends stabilisation of atmospheric carbon equivalents at 450ppm to avoid the most dangerous risk of climate change. Council’s emission reduction targets are in line with these recommended emission reductions designed to prevent global average temperatures increasing more than 2 – 2.4°C above pre industrial levels.

Federal Context THE DEPARTMENT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

The federal Department of Climate Change is responsible for implementing Australia’s response to climate change through reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The department’s main focus is to reduce emissions in Australia in the short and long term, work with the international community to develop a global response that is effective and fair and prepare for the inevitable impacts of climate change. Having recently adopted a 60% greenhouse gas emission target by 2050 based on 2000 levels the departments soon to be released Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme will be the main vehicle by which emission reduction will be achieved. The department has also set a minimum 20% renewable energy target for 2020, invests in research and development of low emission technologies and provides fi nancial incentives and rebates for household uptake of energy effi cient technology.

State Context THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DECC)

The NSW State Plan includes the commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% of 2000 levels by 2050 and to this end the DECC delivers a range of programs to assist the community and local councils reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the wider context of responding to climate change. The Climate Change Fund established in 2007 is the fl agship community engagement program providing fi nancial support to households, schools, business and industry for water and energy effi ciency projects. Energy Savings Action Plans administered by the DECC directly target high energy users including local Councils and contain a range of actions designed to improve energy effi ciency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING (DOP)

The DoP administers the Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) online planning tool which ensures homes and units are designed to use less potable water and create fewer greenhouse gas emissions by setting energy and water reduction targets.

Waverley ResponseVISION

With each Waverley resident emitting 16.1 tonnes of CO2-e per year4 Waverley Council is committed to assisting and leading its community to recognise and respond to their individual contribution to climate change.

TARGETS

30% reduction and offset ■ 2 of the LGA’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 based on 1996 levels.

70% reduction and offset of the LGA’s ■

greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 based on 1996 levels.

2 Waverley Council promotes maximising energy effi ciency before considering offsetting.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions


Greenhouse Gas Emissions Background Data

Estimated Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Waverley Local Government Area5

494,273

621,423

535,439

400,000

450,000

500,000

550,000

600,000

650,000

1996 2001 2006

Equi

v C

O2

(tonn

es)

(Source: CCP) Emissions growth fi gures display a signifi cant change (doubling) in the rate of emissions growth from 1.7% P/A in the 5 years to 2001 increasing to 3.5% p/a in the 5 years to 2006.


Waverley LGA Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Change over Time by Sector 1996-2006

3.87

%

0.97

%

50.2

0%

4.52

%

15.6

9%

-49.

00%

12.7

3%

434.

72%

14.7

0%

40.2

3%

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

TransportationWaste

Equi

v C

02 (t

onne

s)

199620012006

(Source: CCP)

Community Engagement

Action Timeframe Responsibility Budget

Work with local schools and businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by improving infrastructure energy effi ciency and changing transportation behaviour.

Commenced 2001 / Annual Program Environmental Services Recurrent / Grants

Deliver targeted community education programs that promote energy effi ciency and greenhouse gas emission reduction.

Commenced 2008 / Ongoing Environmental Services Environment Levy / Grants

Collaborate with regional programs and partners to deliver projects such the eastern suburbs Sustainable Demonstration house (Barrett House), household energy audits and action plans and the fridge buyback scheme.

Ongoing as projects are developed Environmental Services Environment Levy / Grants

Run greenhouse gas reduction, energy effi ciency and transport related workshops for the community.

Biannual Program / Ongoing Environmental Services Environment Levy

Council will investigate mechanisms by which the cost of greenhouse gas emission reduction can be alleviated for the community.

EAP3 – September 2010 / Ongoing Environmental Services Recurrent

Promote community initiatives and achievements towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Commence 2010 / Ongoing Environmental Services Environment Levy

Conduct regular community consultation to gauge understanding of transport issues and support for active travel plans.

Commenced 06/07 / Ongoing Environmental Services Environment Levy / Recurrent

Undertake education and promotion to encourage active travel as a sustainable transport alternative.

Commenced 2006 / Ongoing Environmental Services Environment Levy / Recurrent


Greenhouse Gas Emissions Actions


Leadership and Planning


Demonstrate sustainable development practices during refurbishment and construction of all Council buildings and infrastructure assets.

Ongoing as projects are developed Environmental Services / Public Works and Services / Corporate and Technical Services

Recurrent / Grants

Encourage greater uptake of public transport via capital works infrastructure improvements.

Ongoing in line with maintenance program Environmental Services / Public Works and Services

TBC

Make roads and pavements accessible, safer and more enjoyable to promote walking and cycling.

Ongoing in line with maintenance program Environmental Services / Public Works and Services

Recurrent

Utilise planning instruments, Council policy and the approval process to maximise sustainable outcomes for residential and commercial development. This should include consideration and response to the effects of new development on transport and parking as well as the impacts of climate change on development and the Waverley land area.

Waverley Planning Review 2010 / Ongoing Environmental Services / Strategic Planning

Recurrent

As defi ned by the Environmental Management System for Council fl eet vehicles demonstrate best practice environmental and economic practices during the operation, maintenance and purchase of Council vehicles.

Ongoing Public Works and Services – Fleet Management

Recurrent



Demonstrate sustainable purchasing practices through procurement policy and purchasing decisions.

Ongoing Corporate and Technical Services / Environmental Services

Environment Levy

Purchase 25% Accredited Green Power for Councils top 5 energy usage sites.

Commenced 1997 / Ongoing Corporate and Technical Services Recurrent

Participate in environmental management groups such as SSROC and SCCG to establish consistent responses to regional environmental issues.

Quarterly / Ongoing Environmental Services Recurrent

Conduct an internal education program to ensure staff minimise the environmental impact of their daily activities and improve organisational capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Commence 2009 Environmental Services Environment Levy

Leadership and Planning (continued)


Monitoring and Evaluation


Model and evaluate greenhouse gas reduction targets to identify the most cost effective management opportunities. Incorporate results into future EAP’s through revised and updated targets and actions.

EAP2 published September 2009 / Ongoing

Environmental Services Environment Levy

Maintain a database to monitor greenhouse gas emissions from the Waverley LGA and evaluate progress towards emissions reduction goals.

Commenced 2008 / Ongoing Environmental Services Environment Levy

As part of the Environmental Management System for Council fl eet vehicles test vehicle emissions with the RTA each November and use the results to inform fl eet purchasing and operational decisions.

Annual / Ongoing Public Works and Services – Fleet Management

Recurrent


CONTEXT

Water is a severely undervalued resource in Australia despite being the driest continent on earth. Over recent years Sydneysiders along with the broader Australia population have lived with the reality of drinking water scarcity as realised through state enforced water restrictions. Residents of Waverley LGA have responded to water restrictions, cutting their water use by 12.53% in the period 2000/2001 - 2006/2007 to a level (159 kltrs/household/year) which is below the Sydney residential average of 186 kltrs/household/year). Notwithstanding this result climate change is generally projected to reduce total rainfall across Sydney’s catchments (CSIRO and BOM, 20076) while the Sydney coastal region can expect changes of -3 to +9% by 2030 and -25 to +10% by 2070 (CSIRO and BOM, 2007). In a report recently written for the Australian Government and the Sydney Coastal Councils Group it was asserted that ‘despite the broad range of projected outcomes, the majority of climate models indicate total rainfall is likely to decline in the (Sydney Coastal) region’ (Preston et al., 20087).

Federal Context THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER, HERITAGE AND THE ARTS

The federal Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts administers the national water framework Water for the Future.

The key aims of this $12.9 billion framework are taking action on climate change, using water wisely, securing water supplies and maintaining healthy rivers and waterways. Under Water for the Future the department invests in a diverse range of projects from water allocation and buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin to the Water Effi ciency and Labelling Standards (WELS), scheme placing effi ciency rating stickers on appliances and household water fi xtures.


The DECC recognises water management as a critical issue and through the Water for Life scheme it is addressing the issue at a range of scales. These include water recycling which aims to achieve 100 billion litres recycled per year by 2030, desalination, effi ciency programs and environmental water fl ows. Water effi ciency has been actioned through Water Savings Action Plans for large water users, the Every Drop Counts Business Program, Sydney Waters WaterFix program and the Climate Change fund used to provide fi nancial support to help residents become more water effi cient.

THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING (DOP)

The DoP administers the Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) online planning tool which ensures homes and units are designed to use less potable water and create fewer greenhouse gas emissions by setting energy and water reduction targets.


Council operations have reduced potable water consumption through improved effi ciency and alternative water supplies by 51% since the introduction of water restrictions. Council knows the community has already made signifi cant water savings and can help residents implement practical measures to further reduce demand.

TARGETS

Zero increase in the LGA’s mains water ■


20% reduction in Council’s mains water ■


100% compliance with the National ■

Water Quality Management Strategy (NWQMS) guidelines.

Water


Water Background Data

Mains Water Consumption in the Waverley Local Government Area

6,204,4776,308,330

6,367,019

7,093,426

6,840,027

5,600,000

5,800,000

6,000,000

6,200,000

6,400,000

6,600,000

6,800,000

7,000,000

7,200,000

01/02 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07

Mai

ns w

ater

con

sum

ptio

n (k

lts)

(Source: Sydney Water)


Waverley LGA Water Consumption and Change over Time by Sector 1996-2006

-17%

-47%

-10%

-2%

-8%

-33%

-59%

-6%

-4%

-14%

-52%

-65%

1%

-3%

-14%

-62%

-68%

16%

-5%

-18%

0

500000

1000000

1500000

2000000

2500000

3000000

3500000

Houses Units/Flats Commercial Industrial Other

Wat

er c

onsu

mpt

ion

(kltr

s)

01/02

03/04

04/05

05/06

06/07

(Source: Sydney Water)


Water Actions


Action Timeframe Responsibility BudgetWork with local schools and businesses to reduce their environmental impact by improving water effi ciency.

Commenced 2001 / Annual Program Environmental Services Environment Levy / Grants

Deliver targeted community education programs that promote water effi ciency.

Ongoing Environmental Services Environment Levy

Collaborate with regional programs and partners to deliver projects such the eastern suburbs Sustainable Demonstration house (Barrett House).

Ongoing as projects are developed. Environmental Services Environment Levy / Grants

Run water effi ciency and quality related workshops for the community.

Commence 2009 / Ongoing Environmental Services Environment Levy

Install interpretive signage in situ with Councils demonstration projects to educate the community about water conservation and pollution prevention.

Ongoing as projects are developed Environmental Services Environment Levy / Grants



Action Timeframe Responsibility BudgetDemonstrate sustainable development practices during refurbishment and construction of all Council buildings and infrastructure assets. This will incorporate Water Sensitive Urban Design and the strategic replacement of non-porous surfaces in public spaces with porous alternatives.

Ongoing as projects are developed Environmental Services / Public Works and Services / Corporate and Technical Services

Recurrent / Grants

Incorporate stormwater capture and reuse during infrastructure renewals and in strategic locations to reduce peak pressure on our drainage systems, improve stormwater quality and reduce mains water consumption.

Ongoing in line with maintenance program Public Works and Services Recurrent

Where suitable, groundwater will be harvested for use on playing fi elds and in other applications that do not require drinking quality water.

Implemented where applicable Environmental Services / Public Works and Services

Recurrent

Utilise planning instruments, Council policy and the approval process to maximise sustainable water management outcomes for residential and commercial development.


Recurrent


Action Timeframe Responsibility BudgetImprove water effi ciency in Councils largest single open space, Waverley Cemetery.

Commencement date to be confi rmed. Environmental Services / Cemetery Operations

TBC

Participate in environmental management forums such as SSROC and SCCG to establish consistent responses to regional environmental issues.

Quarterly / Ongoing Environmental Services Environment Levy

Conduct an internal education program to ensure staff minimise the environmental impact of their daily activities and improve organisational capacity to deliver sustainable water management outcomes.

Commence 2009 Environmental Services Environment Levy




Model and evaluate water reduction targets to identify the most cost effective management opportunities. Incorporate results into future EAP’s through revised and updated targets and actions.

EAP2 published September 2009 / Ongoing

Environmental Services Environment Levy

Maintain a water usage database to track consumption changes over time.

Commenced 2008 / Ongoing Environmental Services Environment Levy

Conduct water quality testing at coastal locations and periodically monitor stormwater outlets to assess catchment pollution issues.

Weekly / Ongoing Environmental Services / Compliance Environment Levy

All storm and groundwater harvesting projects to incorporate quality monitoring and management plans.

Ongoing in line with project delivery Environmental Services Environment Levy


CONTEXT

Federal Context THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER, HERITAGE AND THE ARTS

It is the federal Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts role to reduce waste by encouraging material effi ciency; reduction in the generation of waste; and enabling the recovery and re-use of discarded material. The Department is initially addressing these issues in the following broad sectors: automotive waste (including tyres); oil recycling; the plastics industry; the electrical industry; and all industries within the packaging chain.

THE NATIONAL PACKAGING COVENANT (NPC)

The NPC was fi rst launched in 1999 to provide more effective management of used packaging based on the principles of ‘shared responsibility’ and ‘product stewardship’. It is a voluntary co-regulatory arrangement between key stakeholders in the packaging supply chain and all spheres of government – Australian, state, territory and local. In 2005, the Covenant was revised and strengthened for a term of fi ve years. It commits signatories to a national recycling target of 65% for packaging,

and no further increases in packaging waste disposed to landfi ll by 2010. Some examples of signatories include federal, state and local governments, industry associations such as ACOR, BIEC, and the Australian Retailers Association, as well as retail industry groups including 3M, Coca-Cola, Australia Post, Hewlett Packard, and McDonalds.


In 2001, the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act (2001) dissolved the former waste boards and replaced them with Resource NSW. Resource NSW produced the NSW Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy (WARR) in 2003, which set non-mandatory waste reduction and recovery targets for state and local governments. In 2003, the Environment Minister announced the amalgamation of state government bodies – including Resource NSW – to form the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)which is now known as the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC). In 2007 The Sustainability Division of the DECC administers programs to reach the targets established in the NSW WARR strategy.

THE WARR ACT

The Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act (2001) aims to encourage the effi cient use of resources and reduce environmental harm, in accordance with the principles of environmentally sustainable development. The main achievement of this legislation was to provide the framework for the development of a Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy.

THE WASTE AVOIDANCE AND RESOURCE RECOVERY STRATEGY

In 2003, Resource NSW produced the NSW Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy. The strategy provides a framework to encourage better use of our resources and to reduce waste. It establishes where we are now, and where we want to be in the future. The strategy contains four non-mandatory targets to be achieved by 2014. These targets are:

Preventing and avoiding waste: ■

Increasing recovery and use of ■

secondary resources:

Reducing toxic substances in products ■

and materials:

Reducing litter and illegal dumping ■ :

ALTERNATIVE WASTE TECHNOLOGIES

In recent years there has been much debate around the lack of appropriate landfi ll space available within the Sydney region. It has been reported that we will run out of space for landfi ll within the next 10 years. As a possible solution to this issue, alternative waste technologies (AWT) have been developed to:

divert waste away from landfi ll ■

recover more resources from the waste ■

stream, and

minimise their impact on the ■

environment.

There are two AWT facilities currently operating which have the potential to accept waste for processing from the Sydney metropolitan region. These are the UR-3R facility and the Woodlawn BioReactor. The UR-3R facility is located at Eastern Creek, and is owned and operated by WSN Environmental Solutions and Global Renewables. The faculty can currently process 175000 tonnes of waste each year (up to 11% of Sydney’s waste) and can divert 80% of waste from landfi ll.

The Woodlawn BioReactor was established in a 25 million cubic metre disused open cut mine located 250km

Waste


south-west of Sydney near Goulburn. It is a joint venture between Veolia, ActewAGL and EHN Oceania. The bioreactor technology uses an extensive network of pipes to accelerate the decomposition of the residual waste and maximise the capture of biogas for conversion into green energy. The facility can accept up to 400,000 tonnes per year of municipal waste. This waste is transported from Clyde in Western Sydney, via rail to Tarago and then by truck to Woodlawn. The facility fi rst accepted waste in September 2004 and has a projected life of 75 years.

A third AWT facility has been approved for development at Jacks Gully in south-western Sydney.

The Macarthur Resource Recovery Park will process waste from Campbelltown, Camden, Wollondilly, and Wingecarribee Councils for 15 years. These four councils are foundation partners in the park, which will be owned and operated by WSN Environmental Solutions.

SOUTHERN SYDNEY REGION OF COUNCILS (SSROC) WASTE MANAGEMENT WORKING GROUP

The Waste Management Group was established in 2001 and consists of Botany Bay, Canterbury, City of Sydney, Hurstville, Kogarah, Marrickville, Randwick, Rockdale, Sutherland, Waverley and Woollahra Councils. The aim of the group is to undertake projects and programs that allow member councils to maximise their effectiveness in managing waste in the region. Some of the projects undertaken include:

Regional Contract for Receipt of ■

Recyclable Products

Regional Dry Waste Tender ■

Regional Waste Audits ■

Community Sharps Collection Program. ■


Waverley will have achieved a reduction in total waste generation through access to a waste and recycling system that diverts 75% of all waste from landfi ll by 2017 and maximises resource recovery.

TARGETS

Divert 75% of the LGA’s domestic waste ■

from landfi ll by 2017.

Divert 70% of the LGA’s commercial ■

waste from landfi ll by 2017.

Recover 95% of the LGA’s waste by ■

2020.


Community Waste Profi le 1996 -2006

-11.

44%

-79.

56%

-55.

72%

-77.

86%

104.

60%

-1.0

2%

-42.

37%

-20.

20%

-85.

59%

-95.

20%-1

6.53

%

-35.

59%

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

Paper

produ

cts

Food w

aste

Plant d

ebris

Wood/T

extile

Other

TOTAL

Tonn

es to

land

fill

1996

2001

2006

Waste Background Data



Action Timeframe Responsibility BudgetWork with local schools and businesses to reduce waste generation rates and improve resource recovery.

Annual program Environmental Services / Public Works and Services – Waste Services

Recurrent / Domestic Waste Charge

Deliver targeted community education programs that promote increased resource recovery and reduced waste generation rates.

Annual program Environmental Services / Public Works and Services – Waste Services


Encourage public place recycling through targeted community education.

2008 - 2017 Environmental Services Recurrent / Domestic Waste Charge

Implement a targeted illegal dumping education and enforcement program in the Waverley area.

Annual program Environmental Services / Compliance Recurrent / Domestic Waste Charge

Working with businesses to reduce their potential to create litter through material choices and waste collection practices.


Use litter auditing results to develop targeted education programs.


Waste Actions




Investigate opportunities to become involved in regional waste and recycling collection or disposal contracts where appropriate.

2009 - 2011 Environmental Services / Public Works and Services – Waste Services


Identify opportunities for the greater reuse and recovery of bulky household items.


Investigate the viability of a residential and commercial organics recycling / collection system.


Investigate waste disposal options that deliver maximum resource recovery and environmental benefi t.


Continue to lobby the state and federal government to implement programs aimed and increased resource recovery and reduced waste generation including Extended Producer Responsibility and container deposit legislation.

Ongoing Environmental Services Recurrent / Domestic Waste Charge

Implement and evaluate public place recycling in all major parks and commercial centres.


Provide residents with a waste, recycling and garden waste collection system that is convenient and delivers a high recovery rate of resources.

Ongoing Public Works and Services – Waste Services Recurrent / Domestic Waste Charge



Provide a convenient “on call” collection system for bulky household materials that are collected and recycled where appropriate.

Ongoing Public Works and Services – Waste Services Recurrent / Domestic Waste Charge

Develop and implement a waste minimisation and resource recovery policy for events in Waverley.


Conduct an internal education program to ensure staff minimise the environmental impact of their daily activities.

2009 - 2012 Environmental Services TBC

Use litter audit results to develop public place cleansing regimes that derive the maximum environmental benefi t.




Conduct litter audits of public places to identify waste type, quantity and source

2009 Environmental Services Recurrent / Domestic Waste Charge

Conduct residential waste audits to identify increased recovery opportunities.

2011 Environmental Services Recurrent / Domestic Waste Charge



CONTEXT

Biodiversity is the variety of all life forms: different plants (from lichens and mosses to shrubs and trees), animals (invertebrates, frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals), the genes they contain and the ecosystems in which they live.8 Biodiversity is not static but constantly changing and is increased by genetic change and evolution and reduced by processes such as habitat destruction, population decline, and extinction. Biodiversity includes terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic environments.

Federal Context THE NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR THE CONSERVATION OF AUSTRALIA’S BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

The National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological Diversity is the national framework supporting actions aimed at preserving Australia’s biodiversity and is administered by the federal Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. The National Strategy considers biological diversity at 3 levels9:

genetic diversity - the variety of genetic ■

information contained within all living organisms. It occurs within and between

Biodiversitythe populations of organisms that comprise individual species as well as among species;

species diversity - the variety of species ■

on the earth;

ecosystem diversity - the variety of ■

habitats, biotic communities and ecological processes.

State Context NSW GOVERNMENT BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY

The NSW Government’s Biodiversity Strategy (currently under review) establishes an action orientated, whole of government approach to the protection and management of the biodiversity within NSW. The Strategy administered by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, aims to:

Identify and tackle threats to biodiversity ■

Improve our knowledge of the States ■

Biodiversity

Involve landowners and communities in ■

biodiversity conservation

Manage natural resources better, for ■

ecological sustainable development

Protect native species and ecosystems ■

NSW ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT ACT 1979

The NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 ensures local Councils consider biodiversity conservation in the preparation and implementation of environmental planning instruments that govern development in their areas (EPIs). EPIs provide a key mechanism for the identifi cation and protection of environmental and conservation values at the strategic planning stage.

THE BIODIVERSITY PLANNING GUIDE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The Biodiversity Planning Guide for Local Government produced by NSW Parks and Wildlife service is a ‘good practice guide’ aiming to assist councils with biodiversity conservation through their day-to-day functions, especially those relating to planning and development.

CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES

Thirteen Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) have been established across NSW. One of the key functions of the CMAs is the development of Catchment Management Plans that includes management targets

and actions that will assist in achieving the state wide Natural Resource Management targets. Waverley local government area is in the Sydney Metropolitan CMA. The CMAs also play a key role in the implementation of the Native Vegetation Act 2003 that seeks to protect the biodiversity values of native vegetation and the important roles native vegetation plays in maintaining water quality, preventing salinity and land degradation.

Waverley Response VISION

The Waverley LGA will be a place where our native species and ecosystems are enhanced and threats to these are minimised.

TARGETS

Ensure current numbers of native plant ■

(n=153) and animal (n=94) species are maintained.


Waverley’s current biodiversity data is contained in historic reports or described at a regional (coastal Sydney) rather than local scale. Baseline biodiversity data has been identifi ed as a critical knowledge gap for Council, accordingly surveys of marine intertidal and land based plants and animals will be undertaken with key results published within EAP2.

Biodiversity Background Data


Biodiversity Actions



Promoting community involvement in biodiversity through the civic pride program- sustainable gardens awards, foot path gardens program, “pocket parks” and “adopt a tree program”.

Annual Program Environmental Services / Bushcare, Parks and Open Space Planning

Recurrent

Encourage native plantings on private property through council planning instruments and education programs.


Recurrent

Support organisations in our LGA that work to improve biodiversity, e.g. WIRES, Birds Australia.

Ongoing Environmental Services Recurrent / Environment Levy

Continue to promote and encourage community involvement in biodiversity projects.


Develop regional partnerships with SSROC Councils and Centennial Parklands to improve local biodiversity management.


Recruit more bushcare volunteers and provide more training for them.

Ongoing Environmental Services / Bushcare, Parks and Open Space Planning

Recurrent

Utilise existing Council education networks to promote local biodiversity conservation eg. community workshops, environmental events and the sustainable schools program.


Recurrent / Environment Levy

Supporting the Marine Discovery Centre to educate the community about biodiversity and the marine environment.

Ongoing Environmental Services Environment Levy / Recurrent

28 Waverley Council



Coordinate and expand Councils volunteer bushcare program.

Ongoing Bushcare, Parks and Open Space Planning / Environmental Services

Recurrent

Investigating a native plants seed collection program.

Commencement date to be confi rmed Environmental Services Environment Levy

Utilise council planning instruments, policy and the development approval process to protect and enhance remnant populations of endemic fl ora and fauna and increase native vegetation.


Recurrent

Implement the Tree Management Plan to improve condition of habitat.

Commenced 2007 / Ongoing Park and Street Tree Maintenance / Bushcare, Parks and Open Space Planning

Recurrent

Plant and maintain a minimum of 400 trees per annum in accordance with our Draft Street Tree Master Plan.

Annual Program Park and Street Tree Maintenance Recurrent

Continue weed eradication program, address environmental weeds and exotic plants and investigate alternative weed removal techniques.

Ongoing in line with park and open space management

Bushcare, Parks and Open Space Planning Recurrent / Environment Levy

Develop and improve wildlife habitat corridors.

Commence 2010 / Ongoing Bushcare, Parks and Open Space Planning / Environmental Services

TBC



Increasing Council’s management skills in biodiversity- procedures to incorporate biodiversity considerations.

Commencement date to be confi rmed Environmental Services TBC

Extending regeneration and habitat into schools and private property.

Commencement date to be confi rmed Environmental Services / Bushcare, Parks and Open Space Planning

TBC

Developing a comprehensive feral animal program.

Commencement date to be confi rmed Environmental Services / Bushcare, Parks and Open Space Planning

TBC

Work with private landholders to protect endangered ecological communities and wildlife corridors


Creating an incentive scheme for increasing habitat in private development.






Conducting and supporting research and monitoring programs- e.g. NPA coast keepers program.

Ongoing as projects are developed Environmental Services TBC

Undertake fl ora and fauna baseline study of the Waverley LGA.

Feb – June 2009 Environmental Services Environment Levy

Identify wildlife habitat corridors in the LGA. Feb – September 2009 Bushcare, Parks and Open Space Planning / Environmental Services

Environment Levy

Undertake an intertidal zone biodiversity survey of the Waverley Coastal Zone.

Feb – June 2009 Environmental Services Environment Levy

Undertake periodic weed mapping to focus eradication programs.


Environment Levy

1 Garnaut Climate Change Review 2008.2 Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change.3 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report.4 Who’s Emitting What: Results of the SSROC Household Energy Survey, 20055 Emissions estimated by Council offi cers using ICLEI Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) software. Estimate is calculated using normalised 2006 Australian

Bureau of Statistics energy and transport data and Waverley Council’s waste collection fi gures. 6 CSIRO and BOM (Bureau of Meteorology) (2007) Climate Change in Australia. CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology. Melbourne, VIC, in preparation.7 Preston, B.L., Smith, T.F., Brooke, C., Goddard, R., Measham, T.G., Withycombe, G., McInnes, K., Abbs, D., Beveridge, B., and Morrison, C. (2008) Mapping

Climate Change Vulnerability in the Sydney Coastal Councils Group. Prepared for the Sydney Coastal Councils Group and the Australian Government Department of Climate Change.

8 http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/biodiversity/index.htm9 http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/publications/strategy/index.html


Documents

Environment Action Plan 2008 - Waverley Council€¦ · (EAP1) has international best practise targets for environmental management at its core. These are targets designed to achieve