Following the extensive consultation with the community outlined above, Council resolved on 20 November 2013 to make an application to the Division of Local Government for a 5% special rate variation (SRV) (including 1% for dredging and foreshore improvements) over a 5 year period (in addition to the annual rate pegged amount) to assist in implementing the plan. If approved by IPART, the environmental levy would commence on 1 July 2014 and enable the delivery of projects identified in years 2-4 of the Delivery Program, as outlined in the table below. It is also expected that if approved the SRV will enable Council to be more successful in obtaining external grant funding for environmental projects, so an additional 50% in addition to the SRV funding is expected from a range of external grant programs. A 5% SRV would generate $5,438,000 over the life of this delivery program, and would be expected to generate an additional $2,719,000 in external grant funding. It is expected that Council would apply for an extension to the SRV at the end of any initial approval period.” Year Description Assessment Method Community Plan Link 1 Prepare Environmental Action Plan and apply for a Special Rate Variation (Environmental Levy) to implement the plan. Adoption of Environmental Action Plan and submittal of SRV application. Looking after what we’ve got Respecting the environment 1 Development of projects identified in Council’s Environmental Action Plan for future implementation. Progress and completion of project Looking after what we’ve got Respecting the environment 1 Implement the ‘Protecting the Health of the Manning’ project including the publication of a State of the Manning report card. Progress and completion of project Looking after what we’ve got Respecting the environment 2-4 Environmental Action Plan implemented in line with the project priorities identified under the following themes: Annual reporting of performance against expenditure Looking after what we’ve got Respecting the environment 1. Estuary & Quality Acid Sulfate Soil Hot Spot Remediation River Health Urban Waterway Improvements Roadside and Coastal Erosion Control Coastal Floodplain Vegetation Protection & Enhancement Progress and completion of project Looking after what we’ve got Respecting the environment
Information presented Information kits handed out, and a chance for informal discussion surrounding possible projects, which were then incorporated into the EAP. Method Online and Hard Copy Surveys (Attachment 18) Where, when & attendance Online Survey Monkey form was created to gather feedback about the draft EAP and proposed environmental levy, in addition to hard copy survey forms being distributed at a range of events (mainly local community markets – outlined below). Almost 3000 information kits containing the survey handed out, and approximately 400 survey responses received. Why selected Survey of ratepayers to gauge the level of community support for the draft EAP and proposed environmental levy. Information presented Survey form sought support for the draft EAP, suggestions for improvements, and support for an environmental levy to assist in implementation of the EAP. Submissions also sought for improvements to the draft EAP, which were then the basis of changes for the final EAP. Method Attendance at Community Markets & Events when & attendance Attendance by staff at various locations and events (Attachment 19) within the Greater Taree LGA between August - October 2013 to talk to community about draft EAP & proposed environmental levy and distribute EAP Information Kits. Attended by 100s of residents at each location – approx. 1500 information kits handed out. Why selected Selected as known concentrations of local residents from a broad cross section of the community. Also enabled informal discussion with residents about local environmental issues of concern to them for inclusion in the EAP. Information presented Information kits distributed. Method Manned Shopping Centre Display
Increasing habitat for flora and fauna to offset the loss of habitat from development. This is already part of an identified future project involving the development of an ‘Offset Strategy’ which includes the setting aside of funds to undertake tree planting and habitat enhancements in compensation for the loss of vegetation as a result of Council activities such as road widening. As this project is considered to be a process improvement that could be undertaken in-house, it has not been included as a specific project in the EAP requiring significant funding. Increasing knowledge of the beneficial impacts of riparian vegetation. The education of landholders and the community of the benefits of riparian vegetation is proposed to be undertaken in conjunction with any river bank erosion control or foreshore rehabilitation project. Exclude boating improvements from the EAP. The scope of the ‘Dredging and Boating Improvements’ theme has been modified in the EAP in light of this submission and other comments received through the surveys, to include other recreational foreshore improvements such as walking tracks so as to not be solely limited to boating related infrastructure. Submitter Issue Response Koalas In Care (KiC) Submission supports the EAP proposal to address wildlife black spots and provides a range of suggestions and contacts to assist Council in the development of projects to achieve these goals. Council plans to pursue these contacts and suggestions and continue to liaise with KIC in the development of projects aimed at protecting the koala. Friends of Browns Creek (Crooked Creek) Submission supports the EAP and proposed environmental levy, and suggests a range of projects to help address environmental issues relating to Browns Creek including pollution traps, barriers, boat In of this submission and other comments received from the community, the boating facilities aspect of the draft EAP has been modified to allow for a wider range of recreational projects to be implemented within foreshore areas including walking tracks. The other project suggestions already fit