Notice of Meeting

 

 

 

 

 

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Biodiversity Advisory Committee Meeting

 

 

An Biodiversity Advisory Committee Meeting of Byron Shire Council will be held as follows:

 

Venue

Conference Room, Station Street, Mullumbimby

Date

Monday, 11 November 2019

Time

3.15pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shannon Burt

Director Sustainable Environment and Economy                                                          I2019/1839

                                                                                                                                    Distributed 04/11/19

 

 


CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

 

What is a “Conflict of Interests” - A conflict of interests can be of two types:

Pecuniary - an interest that a person has in a matter because of a reasonable likelihood or expectation of appreciable financial gain or loss to the person or another person with whom the person is associated.

Non-pecuniary – a private or personal interest that a Council official has that does not amount to a pecuniary interest as defined in the Code of Conduct for Councillors (eg. A friendship, membership of an association, society or trade union or involvement or interest in an activity and may include an interest of a financial nature).

Remoteness – a person does not have a pecuniary interest in a matter if the interest is so remote or insignificant that it could not reasonably be regarded as likely to influence any decision the person might make in relation to a matter or if the interest is of a kind specified in the Code of Conduct for Councillors.

Who has a Pecuniary Interest? - a person has a pecuniary interest in a matter if the pecuniary interest is the interest of the person, or another person with whom the person is associated (see below).

Relatives, Partners - a person is taken to have a pecuniary interest in a matter if:

§  The person’s spouse or de facto partner or a relative of the person has a pecuniary interest in the matter, or

§  The person, or a nominee, partners or employer of the person, is a member of a company or other body that has a pecuniary interest in the matter.

N.B. “Relative”, in relation to a person means any of the following:

(a)   the parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, lineal descends or adopted child of the person or of the person’s spouse;

(b)   the spouse or de facto partners of the person or of a person referred to in paragraph (a)

No Interest in the Matter - however, a person is not taken to have a pecuniary interest in a matter:

§  If the person is unaware of the relevant pecuniary interest of the spouse, de facto partner, relative or company or other body, or

§  Just because the person is a member of, or is employed by, the Council.

§  Just because the person is a member of, or a delegate of the Council to, a company or other body that has a pecuniary interest in the matter provided that the person has no beneficial interest in any shares of the company or body.

Disclosure and participation in meetings

§  A Councillor or a member of a Council Committee who has a pecuniary interest in any matter with which the Council is concerned and who is present at a meeting of the Council or Committee at which the matter is being considered must disclose the nature of the interest to the meeting as soon as practicable.

§  The Councillor or member must not be present at, or in sight of, the meeting of the Council or Committee:

(a)   at any time during which the matter is being considered or discussed by the Council or Committee, or

(b)   at any time during which the Council or Committee is voting on any question in relation to  the matter.

No Knowledge - a person does not breach this Clause if the person did not know and could not reasonably be expected to have known that the matter under consideration at the meeting was a matter in which he or she had a pecuniary interest.

Non-pecuniary Interests - Must be disclosed in meetings.

There are a broad range of options available for managing conflicts & the option chosen will depend on an assessment of the circumstances of the matter, the nature of the interest and the significance of the issue being dealt with.  Non-pecuniary conflicts of interests must be dealt with in at least one of the following ways:

§  It may be appropriate that no action be taken where the potential for conflict is minimal.  However, Councillors should consider providing an explanation of why they consider a conflict does not exist.

§  Limit involvement if practical (eg. Participate in discussion but not in decision making or vice-versa).  Care needs to be taken when exercising this option.

§  Remove the source of the conflict (eg. Relinquishing or divesting the personal interest that creates the conflict)

§  Have no involvement by absenting yourself from and not taking part in any debate or voting on the issue as of the provisions in the Code of Conduct (particularly if you have a significant non-pecuniary interest)

 

RECORDING OF VOTING ON PLANNING MATTERS

Clause 375A of the Local Government Act 1993 – Recording of voting on planning matters

(1)   In this section, planning decision means a decision made in the exercise of a function of a council under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979:

(a)   including a decision relating to a development application, an environmental planning instrument, a development control plan or a development contribution plan under that Act, but

(b)   not including the making of an order under that Act.

(2)   The general manager is required to keep a register containing, for each planning decision made at a meeting of the council or a council committee, the names of the councillors who supported the decision and the names of any councillors who opposed (or are taken to have opposed) the decision.

(3)   For the purpose of maintaining the register, a division is required to be called whenever a motion for a planning decision is put at a meeting of the council or a council committee.

(4)   Each decision recorded in the register is to be described in the register or identified in a manner that enables the description to be obtained from another publicly available document, and is to include the information required by the regulations.

(5)   This section extends to a meeting that is closed to the public.

 


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Biodiversity Advisory Committee Meeting

 

 

BUSINESS OF MEETING

 

1.    Apologies

2.    Declarations of Interest – Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary

3.    Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meetings

3.1       Biodiversity Advisory Committee Meeting held on 17 June 2019

4.    Staff Reports

Sustainable Environment and Economy

4.1       Biodiversity Conservation Strategy................................................................................... 4

4.2       Wildlife Road Strike......................................................................................................... 24

4.3       Brunswick Valley Landcare Support Officer report September 2019............................ 64

4.4       Minutes of previous meetings held 11 February 2019 & 17 June 2019......................... 74

Infrastructure Services

4.5       Byron Bay Bypass - Environmental Compensation Options over and above project requirements......................................................................................................................................... 83   

 

 


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy                                     4.1

 

 

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy

 

Report No. 4.1             Biodiversity Conservation Strategy

Directorate:                 Sustainable Environment and Economy

Report Author:           Lizabeth Caddick, Biodiverity Officer

File No:                        I2019/1734

                                       

 

 

Summary:

 

Council is revising its 2004-2014 Biodiversity Conservation Strategy. This report summarises the draft structure and key objectives of the Strategy. Following the meeting, members of the Biodiversity Advisory Committee will be emailed a draft of the strategy and invited to provide comments.

 

Next steps will be a Strategic Planning Workshop with Councillors on 5 December, to discuss and get feedback on draft Strategy actions.

 

 

  

 

RECOMMENDATION:

  That the Biodiversity Advisory Committee members provide preliminary feedback on the draft Strategy by 22 November 2019.

 

 

 

Attachments:

 

1        Status of Actions from Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2013, E2013/64342 , page 12  

 

 


 

REPORT

 

Background

 

Council’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (BCS) is a key document for guiding planning, decision-making and activities that impact on our environment and community. It will shape future planning and growth, and provide a framework for navigating future environmental challenges and opportunities. It will be based on a 10 year timeframe (2020 – 2030) and will be an overarching reference document, informing a number of other Council strategies, master plans and initiatives. It must direct Council, as well as providing best practice leadership to other stakeholders involved in biodiversity conservation, including the community, landholders, government agencies and neighbouring local governments.

 

Council is reviewing its 2004-2014 Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (BCS) in line with five key objectives (Council resolution 14-334, 7 August 2014):

 

1.    To ensure the Strategy is in accordance with recent local, regional and national plans, strategies and policies

2.    To ensure the Strategy is in accordance with legislative changes completed since 2004

3.    To ensure the Strategy is reflective of current research and best practise in biodiversity conservation and management

4.    To review vegetation mapping to reflect changes in vegetation extent and composition over time, and improve accuracy of line work

5.    To identify new actions to be included to direct future work priorities following consultation and input from stakeholders and the community.

 

This report presents an outline of the draft Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (BCS) document, and invites review by members of the Biodiversity Advisory Committee.

 

General Format

 

The BCS has been written to be readable and accessible. The language used has been kept simple and informative, avoiding use of technical jargon, and with case studies throughout that reflect the environmental work being done by the local community. The BCS presented for Biodiversity Advisory Committee members to review is a working draft. The final draft will be developed with a graphic designer to create a layout that is both accessible and inspires people to want to read it and get involved.

 

This Strategy will not include the extensive maps and species lists that were included in the 2004 BCS. This is reflective of the fact that any environmental and ecological data presented are only a snapshot in time - because environmental data are constantly changing and are readily available on line, presenting hard copies of this for a ten-year strategy is no longer considered necessary.

 

Strategy Development Process

 

The revised BCS has been developed through a process of review, consultation and stakeholder input. It has been developed by Council staff working together with environmental consultants Ecosure, who have developed recent Biodiversity Strategies for other local governments, e.g. Coffs Harbour.

 

A review of previous BCS Actions that was reported to 25 October 2013 Committee meeting (Attachment 1) indicated that 84% of the actions of the 2004 Biodiversity Strategy had been implemented. Many of the actions in the 2004 BCS are still relevant and ongoing, and these have been reviewed and updated in the revised BCS.

 

As well as reviewing the 2004 BCS, development of the current BCS has included a review of our current environmental context, including:

 

·    Community, population and economy

·    Environmental threats, including climate change, invasive species, fire ecology etc.

·    Current legislation and policy

·    Current tools (e.g. maps and databases) available to support biodiversity conservation

·    Funding opportunities

 

There has been extensive stakeholder consultation during development of the BCS, some of which is still being followed up. Engagement of the community is a key element of the strategy – while Council can demonstrate leadership in biodiversity conservation, this is ultimately the collective responsibility of the whole community, and thus consideration of community trends and issues is critical. In addition to BCS-specific consultation, development of the BCS has also considered environmental issues/trends raised during other recent Council community consultation initiatives, including consultation done for the Sustainable Visitation Strategy and Community Strategic Plan. The table below summarises consultation to date:

 

What

When

Who

World Café event at Federal 

05/09/2018

Attended by 30 members of the farming community

World Café event at Mullumbimby        

5/12/2019

Attended by 40 members of the public including Landcare members, property owners, and local business operators.

 

Stakeholder meeting with National Parks and Wildlife Service, Arakwal and Marine Parks 

07/02/2019

Representatives from Ngulingah LALC, Arakwal, NPWS, Cape Byron Marine Parks, Byron Shire Council and Ecosure

JALI Local Aboriginal Land Council 

07/02/2019

Representatives from JALI, Byron Shire Council and Ecosure.

Madhima Gulgan Community Association

09/08/2-19

Shane Ivey, Council Biodiversity Officer

Bangalow Koalas 

22/02/2019

Representatives from Bangalow Koalas, Byron Shire Council and Ecosure.

Update to Byron Shire Council Managers and Directors

05/12/2018

Representatives from Council management team, environmental staff and Ecosure.

 

Byron Shire Biodiversity Advisory Committee

11/02/2019

Council and Community representatives that sit on the Biodiversity Advisory Committee.

Community Survey

2015

Received 426 responses, representing around1.4% of the population.

Community Survey 2018-19

December 2018-April 2019

15 Responses

89 Visitors to site

Our Byron Our Future – Community Strategic Plan 2028, community engagement program

November-December 2017

Community engagement reached 2,769 people through workshops, online engagement, interactive pop up activity, written submissions, business surveys and targeted conversations.

Sustainable Visitation Strategy

March-May 2019

Over 1,200 people engaged through kitchen table discussions, online forums, workshops and focus groups for both visitors and residents.

 

Strategy Content

 

The revised BCS comprises four main chapters:

·    Introduction

·    Strategy Framework

·    Strategy Vision, Aims and Objectives

·    Strategy Implementation

 

Introduction

 

The draft BCS presents a snapshot of Byron Shire from a community, environmental and indigenous perspective.

 

Introductory sections summarise how our community and environment is changing, including population changes, climate change and threats to biodiversity.

 

The introductory sections also explain what a biodiversity strategy is and why Council needs one.

 

Strategy Framework

 

The Strategy Framework summarises the technical background information that has guided development of the strategy, including relevant environmental legislation, policies and plans, datasets and guidelines, plus key trends and themes identified during stakeholder consultation:

 

·    Environmental legislation and policy – presented as a summary with a detailed review in an appendix. This includes recent changes to biodiversity legislation in NSW, as well as a summary of local, regional and national plans and policies that impact on biodiversity conservation in Byron Shire.

·    Review of 2004 BCS Actions.

·    Biodiversity planning tools and resources – this includes mapping, databases and guidelines that are available to Council and the community to help identify biodiversity priorities and to assist with best practice management. This section also identifies information gaps where further action by Council is required.

·    Stakeholder input - presented as a summary with a detailed review in an appendix. Stakeholder feedback over the course of development of the strategy indicated a number of key issues, which also reflect the key threats and changes discussed in the introductory chapter. Key threats and community issues have been central in guiding development of the Vision, Goals and Objectives of the revised BCS.

 

Central to the Strategy Framework are a key set of Guiding Principles, which will function as a guide to Council’s decision making over the lifetime of the strategy. These Guiding Principles were a core element of the 2004 BCS and remain relevant today:

 

Biodiversity Strategy Guiding Principles

Collective responsibility – we all benefit from biodiversity and it is everybody’s responsibility to protect, maintain and restore it. To achieve this requires development of inclusive management options and cooperative partnerships between Council, landholders, the community, private industry and other government agencies.

Open and transparent consultation - effective management of biodiversity requires input from the community and other stakeholders.

Education and engagement – developing a culture of biodiversity protection, through improved understanding and appreciation for the many benefits biodiversity provides is fundamental to its conservation and enhancement.

Best practice – ecosystem management must adapt to new science and on-ground knowledge. Planning and decision making should be based on reliable scientific and technical information, on evidence published in peer reviewed journals or reports, or where there is a high degree of support from those with expertise.

In-situ conservation – biodiversity is best conserved in its natural environment.

Protection of areas of regional significance – areas of regional conservation significance and High Conservation Value must be protected and restored.

Restore connectivity - the long term viability of biodiversity in Byron Shire depends on the identification, protection, restoration and enhancement of wildlife corridors that link existing habitat.   

A landscape approach – to effectively conserve biodiversity we need to consider the whole landscape, including all land tenures and crossing shire boundaries.

Enhance resilience - natural ecosystems are dynamic but have a finite capacity to recover from external impacts. The more diversity there is within an ecosystem, the more resilient it is to external threats and changes.

Understand threatening processes – effective protection of biodiversity requires the identification, prevention and amelioration of the threatening processes that are impacting on it.

The precautionary principle – Lack of full knowledge should not be used as a reason to postpone action to prevent environmental degradation. In applying the precautionary principle, decisions should be guided by careful evaluation to avoid, wherever possible, serious or irreversible damage to biodiversity.

Sustainability – sound management requires ecologically sustainable development, which recognises environmental, economic and social values and accounts for inter-generational equity, long-term planning and accurate valuation of environmental resources.

Net biodiversity gain – to achieve environmental sustainability, our biodiversity needs to grow. Actions that deliver a net biodiversity gain include restoration and management of ecosystems and ecological processes, mitigating threats to native wildlife, research into best practice management, increasing community capacity to protect the environment and strategic planning to prioritise conservation and restoration activities.  

Foster Byron’s ‘green’ identity – biodiversity and sustainability are integral components of Byron’s ‘clean and green’ image. Sound biodiversity management will enhance the Shire’s green identity whilst maintaining its local character.

 

Strategy Vision, Aims and Objectives

 

This Chapter outlines Council’s aspiration for biodiversity conservation (our vision), what we want to do to protect our biodiversity (our goals), and how we intend to do it (our objectives).

 

Council’s vision and aims were confirmed during the 17 October Planning meeting (Council resolution 10-456, 17 October 2019), and are summarised below. They reflect the trends identified through stakeholder consultation, that indicated Council’s role needs to be one of both leadership and management, as well as education and support.

 

 

In this chapter, each aim is then discussed in more detail, including a summary of how Council intends to achieve this aim - the objectives. A summary of the BCS objectives is provided below.

 

Aims

Objectives

Lead: A Council that provides clear direction, guidance and resources to conserve and enhance our biodiversity.

Council's planning framework aligns with current environmental legislation and maximises opportunities to protect High Ecological Value landscapes.

Climate change adaptation strategies consider and maximise opportunities for biodiversity conservation.

Council uses current best practice desktop tools to support and facilitate High Ecological Value landscape and habitat protection.

Additional is funding secured to support biodiversity projects.

Educate: A community that is well informed about biodiversity and what they can do to protect it.

The community has access to clear, up to date information on Byron Shires unique biodiversity and how everyone can help protect it.

Residents and land managers are provided with clear information regarding threats to native biodiversity and their individual responsibility to manage these threats.

Council facilitates opportunities for visitors to engage with nature and to learn about and want to protect Byron Shire's biodiversity.

Information on our local indigenous heritage is integrated into education and information materials developed for residents and visitors.

Information on our local indigenous heritage is integrated into education and information materials developed for residents and visitors.

Support: Land managers that are well supported to maximise biodiversity conservation across the landscape.

 

Council works positively and proactively with rural landholders to facilitate biodiversity restoration and conservation on private land.

Council pest management programmes use a cross-tenure approach to maximise effectiveness.

Council partners with other government agencies & institutions to improve strategic biodiversity planning within the Northern Rivers region.

Council supports and facilitates a local carbon offsets industry that integrates biodiversity conservation into planning and design of offset plantings.

Manage: Best-practice land management is used to improve ecological resilience, reduce threats to biodiversity and protect cultural values.

 

Partner with universities, community groups and other land managers to monitor threatened species and ecological communities and to integrate monitoring data into ongoing work programmes.

Engage with other local and regional stakeholders and advisory groups to ensure land managers are aware of and implementing current best practice in biodiversity and cultural heritage management.

Investigate and implement opportunities to protect and provide habitat for native wildlife on Council-managed roads.

Provide ongoing resources for the bush regeneration team to continue to implement and grow their work programme, restoring degraded native vegetation on Council-managed land.

Weeds are monitored, mapped and recorded to prioritise management across the shire.

Pest animals are managed strategically through targeted management plans.

 

Strategy Implementation

 

The final chapter of the BCS outlines how the strategy will be implemented. Central to this is the Actions Summary, which breaks down all the Objectives listed above into specific Actions that deliver on the Aims and Vision of the Strategy. In the final BCS Actions will be costed and prioritised, however this has not been done at the working draft stage. The BCS is intended to be achieved over a ten-year timeframe, so prioritisation of Actions is important and input from Biodiversity Advisory Committee members regarding this is welcomed.

 

The Strategy Implementation chapter also includes discussion of funding opportunities. Again this represents a snapshot in time, as funding programs, particularly government grants, do change, and the BCS will have to have the flexibility to adapt to this.

 

Next steps

 

Council staffs are continuing to develop the draft strategy. While most of the preliminary stakeholder consultation is complete, we are still trying to arrange further conversations with local ecologists and with some Aboriginal stakeholders.

 

A working draft BCS will be presented to Councillors at the 5 December Strategic Planning Workshop. This will be an opportunity for Councillors to find out more detail about the proposed Strategy actions, and to advise staff of any additional actions they would like to see prioritised in the Strategy, prior to peer review in January and submission of the draft Strategy for Adoption by Council in February 2020.

 

A working draft BCS will be sent to all Biodiversity Advisory Committee members following this meeting. Members should be aware that this is a working draft and as such it’s confidential and not for distribution. Also while the content is relatively complete, the layout (i.e. graphic design) of the BCS is likely to change. Feedback from BAC members is welcomed up until 22 November 2019.

STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS

 

Community Strategic Plan and Operational Plan

 

CSP Objective

L2

CSP Strategy

L3

DP Action

L4

OP Activity

Community Objective 3:  We protect and enhance our natural environment

3.1

Partner to protect and enhance our biodiversity, ecosystems and ecology

3.1.1

Protect and enhance our natural environment and biodiversity

3.1.1.1

Continue to undertake the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy review

 

Legal/Statutory/Policy Considerations

 

Legislation relevant to the BCS that has been recently changed or is in the progress of being amended includes:

 

·    State Environmental Planning Policy 44 (SEPP 44) for Koala Habitat Protection. Still under review by State Government. Key changes to SEPP 44 relate to definitions of Koala habitat, list of tree species, list of Councils and development assessment process.

·    Biodiversity Conservation Act (2016): Act commenced on 25 August 2017, however Plant Community Types (PCTs) still under review.

 

Financial Considerations

 

Existing budget is available in FY2019/20 to finalise development of the revised BCS.

 

Consultation and Engagement

 

Summary of consultation undertaken as part of the BCS review contained in the report.

 

 

 


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy                          4.1 - Attachment 1

 

Report No. 1.

Byron Biodiversity Conservation Strategy - status of actions and plans for review

Executive Manager:   Environment and Planning

Report Author:           Angus Underwood

File No:                        #E2013/64342

 

Theme:

 

Land and Natural Environment

Summary:

 

This report provides the status of actions from the Byron Biodiversity Conservation Strategy to date and a discussion on plans for a review of the strategy.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the Biodiversity and Sustainability Advisory Committee note this report.

        

 

 

 


Report

Council adopted the Byron Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (BCS) in 2004. The BSC provides a framework for Council to manage biodiversity in the Shire and is the result of considerable investigations and consultation with the community, industry and relevant government agencies. 

 

Following adoption of the Byron Biodiversity Conservation Strategy in 2004, Council approved a four year works program for implementation of the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (BCS) for the period 2004 – 2008.  The works program has been progressively implemented since adoption in November 2004 and has been used to direct the operations of Council’s Natural Environment team since establishment in 2007.

 

In 2008 Council endorsed a permanent Environmental Levy which was to fund not only actions from the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2004 (BCS) but also Council’s Sustainability and Coastal Programs.  As part of this process, an internal review of the BCS actions was undertaken to identify existing and new actions for inclusion in a works program which was subsequently endorsed by Council in July 2008 (Res 08-420).  The Environmental Levy and external funding from various environmental grants has enabled the continued implementation of actions from the BCS.

 

Implementation of the actions from the BCS to date has been significant.  Table 1 presents a summary of total actions implemented through the funded works program, as well as operational implementation through Council divisions and current investment through the environmental levy works program. 

 

Table 1 – Summary of total actions

Total No. of  BCS actions by priority level

Total No. of BCS actions

implemented or commenced             

% of actions

implemented or commenced

 

Very High

18

16

89%

High

35

32

91%

Medium

25

17

68%

Low

4

1

25%

 

 

 

 

Total

82

66

80%

 

The actions from the BCS are presented below in Table 2 with a brief comment regarding the implementation and outcomes.  This information has been updated from a previous report to Council in 2010 and compiled through consultation with relevant Divisions of Council. 

 

Actions not commenced are highlighted in yellow.

 

Table 2: Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2004 actions

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & EDUCATION

No

Action

Priority

Status October 2013

1.

Market research into current community knowledge, needs, beliefs and attitudes toward biodiversity.

 

Medium

Not actioned to date however some information available as a result of Council community satisfaction survey in 2007 and development of the Community Strategic Plan.

2.

Establish an Internet site for biodiversity related GIS products (in PDF format) – eg. vegetation mapping, threatened species mapping, ecological ranking, wildlife corridors, etc.

 

Medium

Complete - http://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/byron-shire-environmental-mapping

 

3.

Establish a biodiversity extension service to offer (but not limited to):

·      Property based biodiversity assessments;

·      Advice on threatened species management and provision of background information;

·      Advice on weed management, bush regeneration, revegetation and animal pest control;

·      Property planning advice;

·      Advice on all forms of assistance available to landowners to manage biodiversity values;

·      Vegetation and other constraint mapping; and

·    Provision of available data and assistance in the preparation of Property Management Plans.

Very High

Complete – Initially establishment with Biodiversity levy funding and subsequent Environmental Levy funding.

 

Currently unfunded

4.

Employ a ‘biodiversity dedicated’ education officer to deliver an education program including, but not limited, to the following:

·      Provide information to the community on the benefits of conserving biodiversity and how groups and individuals can conserve, survey, monitor

High

Complete – included to environmental levy works program as environmental communications officer-part time for 12 months. Development of communications resources and draft strategy.

 

ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION

No

Action

Priority

Status

5.

Monitor the effectiveness of the No Net Loss Policy by assessing the extent of vegetation cover when undertaking comprehensive State Of the Environment reports.  

 

Medium

Not actioned to date

6.

Apply for reliable funding for the implementation of on-ground ecological restoration actions at identified priority sites. 

 

High

Underway - ongoing.  Approx. $3m in grants funding accessed during period of biodiversity and environmental levy works programs to date.

7.

Employ a Biodiversity Conservation Officer (to co-ordinate overall project management and implementation). 

 

Very High

Complete – establishment of Team Leader, Natural Resources position

8.

Employ a skilled bush regeneration team/s for undertaking restoration works at targeted sites. 

Very High

Complete – ongoing

9.

Establish links with job creation and labour market schemes (eg Greencorps) to assist in undertaking ecological restoration initiatives. 

 

Medium

Complete – ongoing as opportunities arise.

10.

Encourage the revegetation of secondary wildlife corridors and the rehabilitation of vegetated wildlife corridors.

Medium

Underway – ongoing. Delivered through Land for Wildlife, koala Connections, Local Environmental Plan provisions for wildlife corridor overlay.

11.

Conduct site assessments for all Council owned and managed lands. 

High

Complete for majority of Council managed lands. Delivered through operations of Bush Regeneration Team.  Also comprehensive condition assessment undertaken as part of Bush Futures audit.

12.

Identify high priority sites for environmental repair and enhancement across the Shire according to the Relative Ecological Values Matrix and prioritise target sites for undertaking ecological restoration actions.

 

Very High

Complete – High Conservation Value vegetation mapping completed. Ongoing prioritisation occurs through development of programs/ grants.

13.

Prepare template pro-forma’s for assessing ecological attributes of a site (and assist in preparing BMP’s). 

High

 

Complete

14.

Prepare a template Bush Regeneration Work Schedule. 

 

High

Complete

15.

Prepare Bush Regeneration Work Schedules for sites identified for restoration works.

 

High

Complete - ongoing

16.

Produce or adapt information (ie designs etc) on the construction of nest/roost boxes for dissemination to the public and to schools.

Low

Complete – produced through Bush Futures project.

17.

Prepare a Roadside Vegetation Management Plan with input from Asset Management Services (AMS) staff and the community. 

 

High

Complete – currently being implemented

18.

Investigate options for providing planting stock for identified restoration sites.

Low

Not actioned to date – plants currently accessed from local nurseries.

19.

Notify property holders with identified HCV vegetation and habitats.

When new mapping completed

 

High

Not actioned to date. However completed indirectly through LEP 2012 exhibition.

20.

Encourage and promote NPWS Voluntary Conservation Agreements (VCAs), DIPNR Property Agreements and various non-government organisations that promote biodiversity conservation on private lands.

High

Undertaken through Biodiversity Extension officer and Land for Wildlife program

21.

Develop an application process for distribution of Council funding. 

High (if & when Council has funding available for landholders)

Not actioned to date as no suitable funding available.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL WEEDS & INTRODUCED PESTS

No

Action

Priority

Status

22.

Develop best practice weed control and management guidelines for serious weeds.

 

Very High

Complete – Byron Shire Bush Regeneration Guidelines published February 2010.

23.

Prepare or adapt educational materials on the most serious weeds and introduced pests in the region, covering their identification, effective control and management, and ways to reduce their spread. 

High

Complete/underway for weeds - included in Bush Regeneration Guidelines and Weed Profiles.  Complete or underway for some pest animals through previous projects such as Getting a grip on cane toads

24.

Adopt weed management guidelines from Figure 2 of this Action Plan into weed management guidelines, restoration prioritisation schedule and planning controls.

 

Medium

Complete/ underway (see 8, 22,23)

25.

Council will review its current ornamental planting policy to exclude those species that have the potential to become environmental weeds or negatively impact on native ecosystems. 

High

Currently implemented through assessment of landscape plans for major developments by Parks Superintendent and Ecologist.  Planting lists and weed lists reviewed.  Information published in Bush regeneration guidelines and to be included to Development Control Plan.

26.

Council will commence replacing weed species from its parks and gardens with non-invasive and locally native species.

High

Underway.  Non-native species are replaced with native species as required and/or funds become available. 

27.

Prohibit the planting of weed species as part of any development application that requires approval for a landscape plan through the DCP. 

 

High

Complete/ underway Landscaping chapter in DCP reviewed .Currently implemented through assessment of landscape plans for major developments by Parks Superintendent and Ecologist. 

28.

Examine options for improving organic waste recycling in the Shire (through Councils Integrated Waste Management Strategy). 

Medium

Ongoing/underway

29.

Facilitate community surveys to assess and map the extent of serious environmental weeds. 

Low

Not actioned to date

30.

Develop a pro-forma for the collection of details relating to the location and severity of weed infestations. 

Medium

Not actioned to date

31.

Develop training for staff and the public that covers:

·    weed identification;

·    weed control and management;

·    bush regeneration;

·    weed mapping; and

·    Geographic Information Systems (Council staff).

High

Underway – Natural Resources team facilitate provision of and access to existing opportunities through Land for Wildlife, Biodiversity seminar series and displays/workshops for events including World Environment Day and Weedbusters Week.

32.

Screen, control and monitor weeds in soil prior to and following dumping of soil. 

High

Community Infrastructure monitor weeds at soil stockpiles and manage weeds by turning piles periodically. 

33.

Support community based weed identification and control initiatives such as the Bushland Friendly Nursery Scheme. 

Medium

Underway. Production and distribution of educational materials and public engagement (see 31) 

34.

Investigate the feasibility for developing weed wash down procedures and facilities for Council (or contractors) machinery after working in weed affected areas.

Medium

Not actioned to date – included as action in Roadside Vegetation Management Plan

35.

Compile and regularly update a comprehensive weed list for the Council website.

High

Partially complete – list prepared but not posted to website.

 

POLLUTION

No

Action

Priority

Status

36.

Initiate catchment based nutrient-reduction programs.

High

Ongoing – point source reductions via Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) upgrades and some diffuse source reductions via riparian rehabilitation at STP’s

37.

Deliver targeted education programs that promote control and reduction of pollution.

High

Ongoing – underway through Wast and Water dept.

38.

Monitor pollution activities and events, and assess and reduce impacts for indicator species and/or ecosystems.

High

Ongoing – for STP discharges

39.

Investigate the establishment of buffers to reduce the potential for pollutants to impact on biodiversity. 

High

Ongoing – riparian buffer works undertaken at STP’s, riparian revegetation undertaken through other project/ Landcare work. Buffer provisions included draft LEP 2012.

40.

Support compliance to respond to (and prevent) pollution events.

High

Ongoing

41.

Identify and map areas where sediment enters waterways from gravel roads and drains and quantify amount of sealing required to ameliorate the problem. 

Very High

Not complete although Byron Shire Rural Roads and Roadside Land Management Plan prepared with funding from NRCMA has gone some way to addressing this issue.

42.

Investigate options for reducing dust pollution associated with gravel roads (eg reducing road speeds on gravel roads).

High

Not actioned to date

 

THREATENED SPECIES

No

Action

Priority

Status

43.

Identify all high quality threatened species habitat outside of identified HCV habitats.

High

Complete/ ongoing – threatened fauna habitat modelling included to High Conservation Value vegetation method. Ongoing refinements required as resources allow.

44.

Implement recovery actions (e.g. Actions 12.8 & 12.9 for Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail) and Little Tern Management Plan for Belongil Spit.

Medium

Commenced for various species (eg for Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail through DECCW funded project.  Underway for Little Tern through Council support/participation in implementation group for Belongil Estuary Shorebirds Management Plan, and for koalas through Koala Connections)

45.

Maintain and update threatened species database and related GIS layers every two years.

Medium

Complete.  Database updated bi monthly or as required to facilitate enhanced data management, quality and automatic updating of GIS layers.

46.

Amend dog exercise area between Brunswick Heads north and New Brighton to stop it 50 metres north of the northern boundary of the Nature Reserve (down to low water mark).

Very High

Complete

47.

Undertake threatened species habitat assessments of all Council lands and for properties where Council prepares Biodiversity Management Plans.

High

Underway/ ongoing – habitat assessments completed as part of development of site actions plans and considered in Bush Futures audit methodology

48.

Purchase survey equipment (including Anabat bat detector, harp nets, hair tubes, call playback equipment, spotlight & battery, binoculars, telescope, Elliott traps, books) to be used for habitat assessments, training and LEP review purposes (that could also be hired out to private consultants to help recover costs).

High

Complete.

49.

Prepare biodiversity assessment and reporting guidelines for development applications (including minimum standards for Threatened Species Survey and Assessment).

Very High

Underway – integrated to new Development Control Plan Natural Environment chapter. Interim measures implemented including publication of guidelines for identification of when ecological assessment is required, template biodiversity conservation management plan and use and promotion of existing minimum standards as published by State Agencies.

50.

Establish a threatened plant arboretum on Council land. 

Low

Not actioned to date

51.

Provide the community with information on lodging threatened species records for inclusion in the NPWS Wildlife Atlas to improve the Shire’s threatened species database.

Medium

Not actioned to date

52.

Employ ecologists to carry out duties in Local Approvals, Waste and Water, Asset Management and Environmental Planning.

Very High

Complete – ongoing

53.

Create and update a comprehensive species list of threatened and/or regionally significant species within the Shire.

Medium

Partially complete for some species. Published to Council’s website.

http://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/threatened-species-and-communities

 

54.

Prepare threatened species profiles and management guidelines for all threatened species that are known or considered likely to occur in the Shire.

Very High

Partially complete - 10 high priority species/ecosystems.

http://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/threatened-species-and-communities

 

 

 

 

 

NEW PLANNING CONTROLS INITIATIVES & MECHANISMS

No

Action

Priority

Status

55.

To draft new Shire-wide planning control provisions for HCV vegetation and habitats, and ‘secondary wildlife corridors’ in accordance with decision making criteria outlined in section 4.1.3

Very High

Underway through draft LEP 2012 and Biodiversity chapter of DCP in preparation.

56.

To review Councils DCP (or similar planning controls) for exempt and complying development to ensure the appropriateness of any forms of development in ‘secondary wildlife corridors’ and HCV vegetation and habitats

Very High

Underway through draft LEP 2012 and Biodiversity chapter of DCP in preparation.

57.

To introduce new Shire-wide planning controls for buffers

Very High

Underway through draft LEP 2012 and Biodiversity chapter of DCP in preparation.

 

58.

Adopt No Net Vegetation Loss Policy and tree replacement fee through local planning controls. 

 

High

Policy not developed to date. No net loss principle as defined in the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy implemented through ecological referrals for development applications and Council development proposals.

 

59.

To draft new definitions for new Shire-wide planning controls

High

Superseded by Standard Instrument LEP

60.

To amalgamate Zone No. 7(a)-(Wetlands Zone), Zone No. 7(b)-(Coastal Habitat Zone), and Zone No. 7(k)-(Habitat Zone) into a single ‘Habitat’ zone

 

 

 

Very High

Underway through draft LEP 2012. Implemented as Environmental zones (E2,E3, E4) consistent with Standard Instrument template.

61.

Develop biodiversity assessment and reporting guidelines (minimum standard requirements) for development applications

Very High

Underway Biodiversity chapter of Development Control Plan in preparation.

62.

Amend TPO application fee and introduce a replacement schedule for tree removals

Medium

Not actioned to date
DCP to be prepared to go with new Shirewide LEP for tree preservation.
Planning staff often require compensatory planting as a condition of approval for tree removal

63.

Review the types of developments permissible in environmentally sensitive areas

High

Underway through draft LEP 2012 and Biodiversity chapter of DCP in preparation.

64.

Ensure that the development of community land plans and other Council plans and strategies must have regard to HCV vegetation and habitats mapping

Medium

Ongoing – through Natural Environment team referrals and review of plans and strategies.

65.

Develop an environmental repair and enhancement schedule.

Medium

Not actioned to date

IMPROVING OUR KNOWLEDGE

No

Action

Priority

Status

66.

Establish monitoring and evaluation programs for all biodiversity projects undertaken as part of this strategy (ie establish feedback loops).

Medium

Ongoing - Undertaken as part of monitoring activities for all on ground restoration works and grant funded projects.

67.

Encourage and provide training on survey and monitoring techniques to staff, community groups and schools

Medium

Underway for Natural Environment team.  Also assist in facilitating access to relevant opportunities through various programs and support for the CMA Community Support Officer

68.

Establish and maintain a Council database of biodiversity information (including the existing GIS database).

Medium

Complete – available to all staff via internal GIS system

69.

Establish a Council Flora and Fauna Reference Library (for access by public and staff)

Medium

Complete – for staff access

70.

Update vegetation and HCV mapping (and rectify to cadastre).

Very High

Complete 2007 – but ongoing reviews required

 

DELIVERY OF INCENTIVES, EDUCATION MATERIALS AND ON-GROUND EXTENSION

No

Action

Priority

Status

71.

Investigate all options for delivering a range of incentives (as listed in section 5.2) within the budgetary constraints of Council.  This will include, but not be limited to:

·      Assessing the feasibility of introducing a reduced differential rate for lands managed for conservation purposes (including seeking external funding to cover costs where reduced rates are offered);

·      Investigating the options for offering grants to private landholders;

·      Investigating Councils ability to set up a voluntary land acquisition trust fund; and

·    Investigate the introduction of various non-financial motivational incentives.

High

Partially complete/ ongoing – currently facilitated through Land for Wildlife, cooperative involvement in projects including the Priority Action Statement implementation scheme with Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority. 

Other relevant actions include consideration of opportunities through consideration of relevant opportunities to access grant funding to support an incentive program.

72.

Develop and nurture partnerships with other agencies that offer various incentive schemes - such as NPWS/DEC Voluntary Conservation Agreements (VCA), DIPNR Property Agreements and Land for Wildlife.  This will include application to DEC to implement VCA’s on identified Council lands, funding for a Land for Wildlife Officer and seeking advice from DIPNR regarding Property Agreements on Council managed lands. 

Medium

Underway/ ongoing – Land for Wildlife program involvement. Also relevant actions underway through partnership projects with, NRCMA, Nature Conservation Trust - Border Ranges Alliance.

73.

Use Council allocated funding and existing biodiversity related project resources as ‘in kind’ contributions to apply for additional external funds.

Medium

Complete – ongoing.  Approx $3m in grants funding accessed during period of biodiversity and environmental levy works programs to date.

 

FUNDING THE STRATEGY

No

Action

Priority

Status

74.

Investigate all aspects of Councils operations to determine which aspects are considered as having biodiversity-related benefits.  These should then be used as ‘in kind contributions’ to apply for external funding.

High

Ongoing -  Implemented for joint projects between Environment & Planning, Water & Waste and Community Infrastructure divisions

75.

Investigate whether any monies or resources allocated to biodiversity related projects (including developer contributions, existing positions etc) can be used as ‘in kind contributions’ to apply for external funding.

High

Ongoing – for environmental levy funded program. Staff time used as in kind contribution for various projects.

76.

Investigate options for biodiversity projects to be funded through Section 94 developer contributions.  This will include habitat restoration projects (ie. bush regeneration, weed control, remnant fencing, reforestation, etc.).

 

High

Complete - Section 94 not available to be used for environmental works.

77.

Establish a fee structure for the sale of Council’s biodiversity related GIS/mapping products to consultants.

Medium

Not actioned to date – often provided free of charge

78.

Investigate options for imposing a replacement fee for tree removals.

 

High

Proposed as part of Comprehensive koala plan of management

79.

Seek annual biodiversity budget in Council’s Management Plan.

 

High

Not actioned however - Environmental levy provides funding

80.

Use all in kind contributions to apply to the NRCMA for funding assistance.

High

Ongoing - Approximately $202,000 in grants funding accessed from NRCMA during period of biodiversity and environmental levy works programs to date

81.

Seek funding to resource a Council grants officer.

Very High

Not actioned to date

82.

Prepare a work schedule for implementing works identified in the special variation to the general rate (biodiversity levy).

Very High

Complete

 

 

Reviewing the Strategy

Councils Delivery Program 2013-2017 includes an action to implement a review of the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy. This is planned to commence in early 2014 following the completion of a number of significant projects currently underway including the Local Environment Plan (LEP), and exhibition of the Draft Byron Coast Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management, the outcomes of which will have a significant influence on biodiversity conservation in the Shire.

 

To initiate the review process a discussion paper will be prepared and presented to the Biodiversity and Sustainability Advisory Committee. This discussion paper will propose the methodology for review and committee members will have an opportunity to provide input into how the process will occur and the scope of the review.

 

 

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications associated with the contents of this report.

 

 

Statutory and Policy Compliance Implications

Implementation of the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy is a Key Activity under the Principal Activity - Land and Natural Environment from Councils Delivery Program 2012-2017.

 

 

 


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy                                     4.2

 

 

Report No. 4.2             Wildlife Road Strike

Directorate:                 Sustainable Environment and Economy

Report Author:           Lizabeth Caddick, Biodiverity Officer

File No:                        I2019/1757

                                       

 

 

Summary:

 

This report responds to recent concerns raised regarding wildlife vehicle road strike in Byron Shire. The report presents recent information from NSW DPIE regarding road strike hot spots mapping and the effectiveness of various mitigation options.

 

The report identifies actions relating to this issue that are included in the revised draft Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, and invites Biodiversity Advisory Committee feedback regarding these actions.

 

Estimated costs of recent signage and road treatments installed by Lismore Council are presented as an indication of the costs for these types of treatments.

 

  

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Biodiversity Advisory Committee notes this report.

 

 

 

Attachments:

 

1        Friends of Koala Statistics - Koala Cause of Death 2018-2019, E2019/76396 , page 32  

2        Wildlife Roadkill Mitigation Strategy, Lismore City Council, E2019/69609 , page 35  

 

 


 

REPORT

 

Cr Richardson has recently raised concerns with Environmental Planning and Infrastructure Services staff regarding injury/death of native wildlife as a result of road strike, in particular:

 

-     The need to identify key hotspots where wildlife road strike is occurring.

-     Options available to mitigate this issue.

-     The value of underpasses for koalas, particularly in relation to predation by dogs.

-     Residents concerns regarding wildlife road strike along Broken Head Road.

 

Wildlife road strike has also been raised as a key community concern during consultation conducted for revision of Council’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy. Through the Regional Koala Communications Group, Council staff are also aware that this is a significant concern in other neighbouring LGAs, including Tweed Shire Council and Lismore. Motor-vehicle collision is identified by Friends of the Koala as the second most common cause of koala mortality (after Chlamydia), for koalas coming in to their care (Attachment 1).

 

Staff are currently considering effective actions that can be included in the revised Biodiversity Conservation Strategy to help manage the issue of wildlife road strike, particularly for threatened species such as koalas. In doing this we are reviewing current best-practice information regarding wildlife road strike, as well as liaising closely with neighbouring Councils to learn from their experiences and identify opportunities to work collaboratively on this issue. 

 

To ensure a centralised and unified approach, it is recommended that the issues and options presented in this report are considered by the Biodiversity Advisory Committee. Where required, Council’s Biodiversity Officer will then liaise with Infrastructure Services regarding next steps.

 

 

Key issues

 

Identifying hotspots

 

DPIE and RMS have recently developed some emerging hotspot maps for the region, which identify historical, sporadic, persistent and consecutive hot spots, as well as showing other local road strike records. These data have been collated from the ‘defined location emerging hotspot tool’, which uses data from both Bionet and wildlife carer records from 1975-2017. Some of the older records have low resolution, so records have been snapped to the nearest road within 500m if they weren’t already on a road. Points within 50m were integrated to share the exact same location. The analysis is also weighted to try and account for reporting bias in some areas [LGA KVS count]/[LGA Koala sighting count].

 

The maps are not yet available for publication as RMS are continuing to fine tune the methodology, and carrying out ground truthing in regional offices. They may be published by the end of the year, but are currently being used by DPIE to guide their funding allocations for hotspots mitigation.

 

Some of the consecutive hot spots identified include:

 

-     Bangalow Rd, Byron

-     Broken Head Road

-     Lismore Rd, Bangalow

-     Lismore Rd, Clunes

-     Bates Rd, Federal

 


 

Road Strike Mitigation Methods

 

DPIE (previously OEH) are developing a series of Koala Vehicle Strike Fact Sheets, which identify:

 

-     Factors contributing to vehicle strike

-     Measures to keep koalas off the road

-     Measures to change driver behaviour

-     Monitoring and recording methods.

 

These fact sheets are currently only in draft form, but should be published by the end of 2019. Information in the fact sheets are based on a detailed review of the current literature, from Australia and overseas, and have been peer reviewed by local ecological experts (Sandpiper Ecology). Sandpiper Ecology also recently developed a Wildlife Roadkill Mitigation Strategy for Lismore Council (Attachment 2), which included a detailed review of the effectiveness of various mitigation measures – Figure 1 below presents a summary of these.

 

Road crossing structures and barriers

Road crossing structures (e.g. underpasses, culverts) are identified as effective, but only if used in conjunction with well-maintained fauna-proof fencing and grids at road junctions. This is supported by the on-ground experiences of Tweed and Lismore Councils, where monitoring indicates significant increases in road strike at points where fencing is breached. Culvert dimensions are dependant on culvert length and while furniture (e.g. timber rails) is used by smaller arboreal mammals and can be beneficial in seasonally wet culverts, there is little evidence of use of furniture by koalas. Timber refuge poles are recommended to enable animals to escape dog attack, although there is little evidence of culverts being a target for predation by dogs. However, installing culverts on existing roads is prohibitively expensive, and this approach is most viable as part of a new road/road upgrade, or where fencing can be used to funnel wildlife along a road towards an existing modified culvert. Lismore Council installed six underpasses along Skyline road when it was upgraded from dirt to bitumen, because it was a known high koala use area. Monitoring between 2005 and 2010 and 2018-19 indicates the koala population remains high at this location.

 

Virtual fencing

Virtual fencing uses electronic devices, activated by vehicle headlights, to emit a sound and light stimulus to repel animals from entering the road. There is very limited evidence that virtual fencing is effective and it is expensive. It is unlikely to be effective in a peri-urban environment where wildlife is habituated to light and sound, and DPIE advise it is unlikely to be effective on koalas, and therefore is not a recommended solution. Other less expensive options include Swaraflex reflctors, which deflect light from oncoming vehicles into roadsides to provide a visual warning. Again there is no robust evidence supporting their effectiveness in reducing wildlife vehicle strike.

 

Signage and road marking

There is significant evidence that reduced vehicle speed can reduce the incidence of wildlife strike and also reduce the severity of the strike and increase likelihood of wildlife survival post collision. However, DPIE report that measures to reduce speed, including permanent signs, seasonal signs, pavement treatments and rumble strips have been largely unsuccessful and should only be considered (for koala management) if exclusion of koalas from a roadway is not an option. There is some evidence from overseas that enhanced signs (e.g. variable message sighs, vehicle activated signs) can be effective in the short term – i.e. where they are targeted at a site for a short period/season. Tweed Shire Council recently used a combination of pavement marking and variable message sign at Clothiers Creek and observed a 12% increase in driver compliance with speed limits, although the lack of before-treatment monitoring makes it difficult to gauge the effectiveness of these works on fauna mortality. Redlands Shire Council implemented a seasonal speed reduction trial over four years that didn’t have much impact on rates of vehicle strike but did show improved survivorship from the animals that were impacted. WID activated signs, which are activated when a tagged animal comes within range of the sign, are not considered cost effective or viable.

 

Figure 1. Extract from Lismore Wildlife Roadkill Mitigation Strategy, summarising cost and effectiveness of various road strike mitigation measures

 

Costs of Road Strike Mitigation

 

As indicated in Figure 1, above, the costs for implementing effective road strike mitigation options are high. The most effective measures (fauna-proof fencing combined with underpasses) are prohibitively expensive to retrofit, but do have potential for incorporation into new roads or upgrades where there is likely to be a significant impact on wildlife.

 

More cost effective mitigation measures, including signage and road treatments, have limited effectiveness and are also not cheap. For example, Figure 2 below outlines a draft cost for road treatment and signage along the Wyrallah Road black spot in Lismore. This site was identified as one of the highest koala road strike mortality sites in Lismore shire, with 35 known koala road strikes reported between 2011-16 at a rate of 3.9 road strikes/km.

 

Where new roads/upgrades are occurring, it is advisable that the costs of mitigation measure be integrated into costings for these projects. Where retrofitting of mitigation measures is required, grant funding would be necessary.

 

While the evidence for the effectiveness of motion signage (VMS or VAS) is somewhat equivocal, it does appear to be effective in the short term. Procurement of a mobile VMS that can be relocated seasonally around road strike hotspots may be a relatively inexpensive option to trial ($11-15,000 plus maintenance), particularly if this could be hired out periodically to recoup some of the costs (as with the VMS at the Cavanbah Centre). Pre and post installation monitoring would be required to gauge effectiveness.

 

 


 

Figure 2. Cost estimates for mitigation treatments at Wyrallah Rd, Lismore (Extract from Lismore Wildlife Roadkill Mitigation Strategy, 2018)

 

 

Options

 

Council’s draft Biodiversity Conservation Strategy includes a number of actions that relate to managing wildlife vehicle road strike, listed in Table 1 below. The BCS is likely to go on public display in early 2020 and be finalised by May 2020, so implementation of strategy actions can be progressed in the 2020-21 financial year and beyond.

 

Table 1 Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Actions Relating to Road Strike

Action

Other relevant plans/policies

Responsibility

Partner with DPIE and community wildlife groups to identify hotspots for wildlife roadkill in Byron Shire.

DPIE Emerging Hotspots Analysis

Biodiversity Officer

FOK, Wires, Bangalow Koalas, DPIE

Develop a Wildlife Road Strike Mitigation Action Plan for priority hotspots that provides mitigation recommendations based on feasibility, cost and effectiveness.

CKPOM 25;

NSW Koala Community Engagement and Communication Strategy 2018; DPIE Koala Vehicle Strike Fact Sheets

Biodiversity Officer
Manager Works

Seek funding for mitigation measures at priority sites identified in the roadkill action plan.

 

Biodiversity Officer
Manager Works

Embed roadkill mitigation measures and opportunities to improve wildlife connectivity into design work for all new roads and road asset upgrades.

 

Manager Works

Biodiversity Officer

Engage with DPIE and RMS regarding ongoing research into best practice road crossings to reduce fauna road strike.

CKPOM 20, 24

Biodiversity Officer
Manager Works

 

In the interim, Council staff are continuing to consult with other stakeholders on this issue, particularly through the Regional Koala Communications Group. Council is a partner in the OEH-funded Northeast Hinterland Koala Conservation Project, which is currently looking into opportunities for a community education campaign regarding vehicle road strike. This would be initiated by Lismore Council as part of their project funding commitments, but would be able to be expanded into other LGAs partnering in this project (Tweed, Byron and Ballina).

 

 

Next steps

 

To ensure a centralised and unified approach to managing road strike within the shire, it is recommended that the issues and options presented in this report are considered by the Biodiversity Advisory Committee. Where required, Council’s Biodiversity Officer will then liaise with Infrastructure Services regarding next steps.

 

Following feedback from the BAC, Council will continue to progress development of the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, and will begin to implement these actions in 2020-21, subject to funding.

 

In the interim, Council will also continue to liaise with other local councils and community groups (e.g. Friends of the Koala) on this issue, to identify opportunities where we can partner to develop community education programs regarding vehicle road strike, e.g. through the NE Hinterland Koala Conservation Project.

 

 

STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS

 

Community Strategic Plan and Operational Plan

 

CSP Objective

L2

CSP Strategy

L3

DP Action

L4

OP Activity

Community Objective 3:  We protect and enhance our natural environment

3.1

Partner to protect and enhance our biodiversity, ecosystems and ecology

3.1.1

Protect and enhance our natural environment and biodiversity

3.1.1.1

Continue to undertake the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy review

Community Objective 3:  We protect and enhance our natural environment

3.1

Partner to protect and enhance our biodiversity, ecosystems and ecology

3.1.1

Protect and enhance our natural environment and biodiversity

3.1.1.8

Implement the Koala Plan of Management

 

 

 

Legal/Statutory/Policy Considerations

 

The two primary considerations controlling the use of variable message signs are:

 

·    Austroads Guide to Traffic Management Part 10: Traffic Control and Communication Devices

·    RMS Supplement to Austroads Guide to Traffic Management Part 10: Traffic Control and Communication Devices (2016) https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/partners-suppliers/documents/austroads-supplements/s-gtm_10.pdf .

 

The use of any variable message signs, the way in which they are positioned and the messages used within the signs must be in accordance with the above documents. The use of VMS signs within a Classified road must be done with RMS concurrent approved.

 

AS1742.2 provides recommendations regarding static wildlife signs that meet RMS requirements. Images of recommended signs included below. None of these signs are considered regulatory and they do not require Council approval via the Local Traffic Committee.

 

 

Policies

State Environmental Planning Policy 44 (SEPP 44) for Koala Habitat Protection, requires implementation of Council’s Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management.

 

 

Financial Considerations

 

Actions in the draft Biodiversity Conservation Strategy are yet to be costed, adopted by Council and incorporated into Council’s operational plan.

 

 

Consultation and Engagement

 

Advice regarding roadkill mitigation measures has been sought from:

-     Friends of the Koala

-     NSW Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Environment

-     Tweed Shire Council

-     Lismore City Council

-     Byron Council Infrastructure Services.


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy                                              4.2 - Attachment 1

Koala outcomes by LGA for period 1/07/2018 to 30/06/2019

Attack - Suspected	1
Collision-Motor Vehicle	5
Disease - Chlamydia	4
Disease - Other	2
Habitat loss	2
Unclassified/Other	1
Unknown	1
Attack - Suspected	1
Collision-Motor Vehicle	16
Disease - Chlamydia	36
Disease - Other	4
Unclassified/Other	1
Unknown	2
Attack - Suspected	1
Disease - Chlamydia	11
Disease - Other	1
Abandoned/Orphaned	2
Attack - Suspected	1
Attack-dog	4
Collision-Motor Vehicle	1
Disease - Chlamydia	7
Disease - Other	3
Unknown	3
Attack - Suspected	3
Attack-Dog	8
Collision-Motor Vehicle	28
Dependent On Parent Taken	1
Disease - Chlamydia	67
Disease - Other	18
Geriatric	1
Unclassified/Other	1
Unknown	7
Collision-Motor Vehicle	6
Disease - Chlamydia	5
Disease - Other	5
Unknown	3
 



Ballina                                            36                        19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Byron                                          250                        77


Released            3                16

In Care            0

 

 

 

 

 

Released         16                60

In Care        1


 

 

 

 

 

Clarence Valley

0

17

Released

3

13

 

 

 

In Care

1

 

Kyogle

20

27

Released

6

21

 

 

 

In Care

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lismore

286

196

Released

51

134

 

 

 

In Care

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richmond Valley

49

30

Released

7

19

 

 

 

In Care

3

 

 

Attack-dog	1
Collision-Motor Vehicle	3
Disease - Chlamydia	7
Disease - Other	1
Unknown	4

Tenterfield	1	0	Released	0	0
			In Care	0	
Tweed	113	28	Released	10	16
			In Care	2

 

 

 

 

Printed on 24/07/2019                                                                                                                          Page 1 of 1


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy                          4.2 - Attachment 2

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BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy                                     4.3

 

 

Report No. 4.3             Brunswick Valley Landcare Support Officer report September 2019

Directorate:                 Sustainable Environment and Economy

Report Author:           Michelle Chapman, Project Support Officer

File No:                        I2019/1817

                                       

 

 

Summary:

 

This report tables the activities of the Landcare Support Officer in three quarterly reports, until September 2019.

 

  

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Biodiversity Advisory Committee note the report.

 

 

Attachments:

 

1        Brunswick Valley Landcare Support Officer report December 2018 to March 2019, E2019/29734 , page 66  

2        Brunswick Valley Landcare Support Officer report April - June 2019, E2019/79637 , page 69  

3        Brunswick Valley Landcare Support Officer report July to September 2019, E2019/79162 , page 71  

 

 


 

REPORT

 

Council considered an allocation of funds in the 2019/20 budget to continue to support the Brunswick Valley Landcare, Landcare Support Officer position for 1 day per week to deliver the Land for Wildlife Program and respond to customer enquiries.

 

Attached are the quarterly reports from the Landcare Support Officer for the Committees reference. The Landcare reports for the March quarter was reported to the June committee meeting that didn’t reach quorum.

 

 

STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS

 

Community Strategic Plan and Operational Plan

 

Objective 3

We protect and enhance our natural environment

Strategy 3.1

Partner to protect and enhance our biodiversity, ecosystems and ecology

Action 3.1.2

Restore degraded areas and habitats that have or provide significant or high environmental and or community value

Activity: 3.1.2.3

Train and mentor community Landcare and Dunecare groups

 

Legal/Statutory/Policy Considerations

 

Nil

 

Financial Considerations

 

Funding allocated in 2019/20 budget.

 

Consultation and Engagement

 

Nil

 

 


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy                          4.3 - Attachment 1

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BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy                          4.3 - Attachment 2

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BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy                          4.3 - Attachment 3

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BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy                                     4.4

 

 

Report No. 4.4             Minutes of previous meetings held 11 February 2019 & 17 June 2019

Directorate:                 Sustainable Environment and Economy

Report Author:           Kimberley Rogers, Environment Support Officer

File No:                        I2019/1825

Theme:                         Sustainable Environment and Economy

                                      Planning Policy and Natural Environment

 

 

Summary:

 

The minutes of two previous Biodiversity Advisory Committee meeting held on 11 February and 17 June 2019 and referred to at Item 3 of this meeting’s agenda, are attached. 

 

The meeting of 17 June did not reach quorum.

 

  

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Biodiversity Advisory Committee note the minutes of 11 February and 17 June 2019 meetings.

 

 

Attachments:

 

1        Minutes 11/02/2019 Biodiversity Advisory Committee, I2019/187 , page 76  

2        Minutes 17/06/2019 Biodiversity Advisory Committee, I2019/865 , page 81  

 

 


 

Report

 

The minutes of the previous Biodiversity Advisory Committee meeting held on 11 February and 17 June 2019 are attached and available at:

 

https://byron.infocouncil.biz/RedirectToDoc.aspx?URL=Open/2019/02/BAC_11022019_MIN_1023.PDF (11 February)

 

https://byron.infocouncil.biz/RedirectToDoc.aspx?URL=Open/2019/06/BAC_17062019_MIN_1077.PDF  (17 June – no quorum)

 

The minutes were reported to 28 March 2019 Council meeting, resulting in resolutions 19-115 to 19-119. - https://byron.infocouncil.biz/Open/2019/03/OC_28032019_MIN_994.HTM#_Toc4661863

 

STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS

 

Community Strategic Plan and Operational Plan

 

CSP Objective

L2

CSP Strategy

L3

DP Action

Community Objective 3:  We protect and enhance our natural environment

3.1

Partner to protect and enhance our biodiversity, ecosystems and ecology

3.1.1

Protect and enhance our natural environment and biodiversity

Community Objective 3:  We protect and enhance our natural environment

3.2

Strive to become a sustainable community  

3.2.2

Support community environmental and sustainability projects

 

 

Legal/Statutory/Policy Considerations

Nil

 

Financial Considerations

Nil

 

Consultation and Engagement

N/A

 

 

 


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy                          4.4 - Attachment 1

Minutes of Meeting

 

 

 

 

 

bsc_logo_150dpi_rgb

 

 

 

Biodiversity Advisory Committee Meeting

 

 

 

Venue

Conference Room, Station Street, Mullumbimby

Date

Monday, 11 February 2019

Time

3.15pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Minutes of the Biodiversity Advisory Committee Meeting held on Monday, 11 February 2019

File No: Error! Unknown document property name.

 

PRESENT:   Cr C Coorey, Cr S Ndiaye

 

Staff:   Sharyn French (Manager Environmental and Economic Planning)

            Chloe Dowsett (Coastal and Biodiversity Coordinator)

            Peter Boyd (Project Officer – Environmental Projects)

            Karen Love (Research Officer - Integrated Pest Management)

            Michael Matthews (Manager Open Spaces & Resource Recovery)

 

Community:                                                                                      Peter Westheimer

Luke McConell

Greg Shannahan (BVL)

Margaret Greenway

 

Invited Guests:  Nigel Cotsell (Ecosure – Consultant for Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Consultation)

 

Cr Coorey (Chair) opened the meeting at 3.25pm and acknowledged that the meeting was being held on Bundjalung Country.

 

Apologies:

 

Cr J Martin, Shannon Burt (Director Sustainable Environment and Economy)

 

Declarations of Interest – Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary

 

There were no declarations of interest.

 

Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meetings

Committee Recomendation:

That the Biodiversity Advisory Committee note that:

a)      the previous meeting scheduled to be held on 10 December 2018 did not proceed as quorum was not reached.

b)      the minutes of the meeting held on 15 October 2018 were adopted by Council, at the Ordinary Meeting held on 13 December 2018.

(McConell/Coorey)

 

Business Arising from Previous Minutes

 

There was no business arising from previous minutes.

 

Procedural Motion

Committee Recommendation:

That Council change the order of business to deal with Reports 4.3, 4.4, 4.6 next on the Agenda.

(Coorey/Ndiaye)

The recommendation was put to the vote and declared carried.

 

 

 

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy

Report No. 4.3             Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Consultation

File No:                        I2019/6

 

Committee Recommendation:

That the Biodiversity Advisory Committee:

 

1.       Note that community engagement forms a key part of developing the revised Biodiversity Conservation Strategy.

 

2.       Inform the Consultant of the key biodiversity values, issues and threats important to the Committee.

 

3.       Receives a draft Biodiversity Conservation Strategy prior to the public exhibition for review and feedback.

(Ndiaye/Coorey)

The recommendation was put to the vote and declared carried.

 

 

Report No. 4.4             Integrated Pest Management Strategy - mapping and revised timeframes for project delivery

File No:                        I2019/7

 

Committee Recommendation:

That the Biodiversity Committee:

1.       Note the report and update on delivery of the project key milestones.

 

2.       Recommend to Council to endorse in principle the IPM Strategy Communications Plan (Attachment 2 – E2018/115375).

 

3.       Review the Draft IPM exclusion and minimisation mapping (Attachment 1 E2019/1847), Draft Pesticide Use Decision Tree (Attachment 3 – E2019/2054) and provide feedback by 12 March 2019.

(Westheimer/Greenway)

The recommendation was put to the vote and declared carried.

 

 

Report No. 4.6             Submissions Report on the draft Pest Animal Management Plan

File No:                        I2019/58

 

Committee Recommendation:

That the Biodiversity Advisory Committee:

 

1.       Note the submissions received during the public exhibition period (9 August to 21 September 2018), issues raised and staff comments.

 

2.       Recommend to Council to adopt the Pest Animal Management Plan (Attachment 2- E2018/108387) as amended following public exhibition and outlined in Table 1 of this report.

(Coorey/Greenway)

The recommendation was put to the vote and declared carried.

 

 

Report No. 4.1             Brunswick Valley Landcare - Landcare Support Officer Report

File No:                        I2019/4

 

Committee Recommendation:

That the Biodiversity Advisory Committee note the report.

(Ndiaye/Coorey)

The recommendation was put to the vote and declared carried.

 

 

Report No. 4.2             Flying Fox Project Reference Group

File No:                        I2019/5

 

Committee Recommendation:

That the Biodiversity Advisory Committee:

 

1.       Note the outcomes of the two meetings held on 2 October 2018 and 27 November 2018.

 

2.       Recommend to Council that the amended Constitution of the Flying Fox Project Reference Group (Attachment 1 - E2018/109946) be adopted.

 

3.       Recommend to Council that the Councillor representative not be replaced on the Flying Fox Project Reference Group as it reports to the Biodiversity Advisory Committee on which there are 3 nominated Councillors. 

(Westheimer/McConell)

The recommendation was put to the vote and declared carried.

 

 

Report No. 4.5             2019 Meeting dates

File No:                        I2019/42

 

Committee Recommendation:

That the Biodiversity Advisory Committee:

 

1.       Note the 2019 meeting dates, and include two additional field trips in between the scheduled dates.

 

2.       Amend the June meeting date to be Monday 17 June in lieu of Monday 10 June 2019.

 

3.       Extraordinary meetings will be called when required.

 

4.       Future agenda items and field trips to include: fire and biodiversity, wildlife corridors, flying foxes.

(Coorey/Ndiaye)

The recommendation was put to the vote and declared carried.

 

 

There being no further business the meeting concluded at 4.59pm.


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy                          4.4 - Attachment 2

Minutes of Meeting

 

 

 

 

 

bsc_logo_150dpi_rgb

 

 

 

Biodiversity Advisory Committee Meeting

 

 

 

Venue

Conference Room, Station Street, Mullumbimby

Date

Monday, 17 June 2019

Time

3:15pm

 


Minutes of the Biodiversity Advisory Committee Meeting held on Monday, 17 June 2019

File No: Error! Unknown document property name.

 

PRESENT:   Cr C Coorey, Cr J Martin,

 

Staff:   Chloe Dowsett (Coastal and Biodiversity Coordinator)

            Lizabeth Caddick

            Peter Boyd

            Kimberley Rogers (Minute Taker)

 

Community:                                                                                      Peter Westheimer

 

Invited Guest:    Scott Hetherington (Senior Program Leader – Biodiversity – Tweed  Shire Council

 

Apologies:

 

Apologies were received from Cr S Ndiaye, Luke McConell, Greg Shanahan and Sharyn French

 

ABSENT:

 

Margaret Greenway

 

 

Due to the lack of quorum, this meeting was cancelled and all items deferred to the next scheduled Biodiversity Advisory Committee meeting on
11 November 2019, if required.

 

 

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy

Report No. 4.1             Brunswick Valley Landcare - Landcare Support Officer Report

File No:                        I2019/666

 

 

 

Report No. 4.2             Update on all related Koala projects

File No:                        I2019/183

 

 

 

Report No. 4.3             Minutes of previous meeting held 11 February 2019

File No:                        I2019/669

 

 

 

Report No. 4.4             Update on the review of the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy

File No:                        I2019/844

 

     

 

 

 

 


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services                                                                   4.5

 

 

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services

 

Report No. 4.5             Byron Bay Bypass - Environmental Compensation Options over and above project requirements

Directorate:                 Infrastructure Services

Report Author:           Phil Warner, Manager Assets and Major Projects

File No:                        I2019/1488

                                       

 

 

Summary:

 

At the 22 August meeting, Council considered a report on the Byron Bay Bypass – Environmental Compensation Options over and above project requirements and resolved 19-419 in part:

 

3. Seeks input from the Biodiversity Committee with regard to the suitability of the proposed sites and the consideration of other potential sites;

 

This report to the Biodiversity Advisory Committee seeks to address point 3 of Res 19-419.

 

 

  

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Biodiversity Advisory Committee recommends:

 

1.       That Council complete bush regeneration works on the Butler Street Reserve Bushland and Midgen Swamp sites with a proposed budget of $62,000 being considered as part of the 30 September 2019 Quarterly Budget Review.

 

2.       That Council consider as part of the 2020/2021 Budget Estimates the provision of $36,500 for bush regeneration works on the Sunrise site in addition to the Butler Street Reserve Bushland and Midgen Swamp sites.

 

3.       That the cost of these environmental compensation works be factored into Council’s Long Term Financial Plan as indicated in the report over the next five financial years.

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

REPORT

 

At the 22 August 2019 meeting, Council considered a report on the Byron Bay Bypass – Environmental Compensation Options over and above project requirements and resolved:

 

Res 19-419:

 

1. Notes the intent of Resolution 19-253 'Byron Bay Bypass - Environmental Compensation

Options Over & Above Project Requirements' and supports measures to improve ecological

values in Byron Bay;

 

2. Notes the progress that Council has made to implement 84% of Council’s award-winning

Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2004, and that the Strategy is currently being reviewed

and updated;

 

3. Seeks input from the Biodiversity Committee with regard to the suitability of the proposed

sites and the consideration of other potential sites;

 

4. Further discuss the proposed sites in a Strategic Planning Workshop of Council and staff,

and also discuss Council potentially conducting an EOI process to identify landowners in

the Byron Bay wetland area who would like to work with Council to facilitate and secure

long term revegetation and regeneration outcomes;

 

5. In line with the Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail Recovery Plan 2002, give priority to the recovery

of the Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail in the land identified as snail habitat in Council’s mapping

of its known habitat in the vicinity of the Byron Bay Bypass

 

6. That (5) be among other measures to mitigate impacts of the Byron Bay Bypass that go

‘over and above’ as per Resolution 19-253.

 

7. Should the staff recommendation for adding an extra the bush regeneration crew member

to carry out works be supported, this position be quarantined for an Arakwal person in order

to ensure workplace diversity and additional local knowledge.

 

This report to the Biodiversity Advisory Committee seeks to address point 3 of Res 19-419.

 

For the reference of the Committee, the 22 August report is now reproduced.

 

At the 23 May 2019 meeting, Council resolved (19-253):

 

That Council receive a report on establishing a biodiversity enhancement program separate to, and above that which is required by the BioBanking component within the Byron Bay alternate route construction, and that this report contain:

 

1.       Sites within the Byron Bay Wetland SEPP area suitable for enhancement

2.       Possible sites adjacent, or close to the area in 1.

3.       Estimated costs of works

4.       Potential funding sources

5.       Potential partners and collaborative organisations

 

The first phase of the investigation has been completed with the focus on land owned or controlled by Council.  The report presents details on three options.

 

In the second stage of the investigation, it is proposed that Council conduct a EOI process to identify landowners in the Byron Bay wetland area who would like to work with council to facilitate and secure long term revegetation and regeneration outcomes.

 

Stage 1 Options

1)      Sunrise Boulevard Bushland

2)      Butler Street Reserve Bushland

3)      Midgen Park and Swamp Suffolk

 

 

Option 1: Sunrise Boulevard Bushland

 

 

 

Location of Work

Sunrise Boulevard Bushland Reserve, Byron Bay.

Vegetation - Coastal Swamp Forest

Parcel Number 220150

Site Size – 12.05 Hectares

 

 

 

 

Option 2: Butler Street Reserve Bushland

 

 

Location of Work
Butler Street, Byron Bay.
Vegetation - Coastal Swamp Forest & Subtropical Rainforest
Parcel Numbers 238704, 129710, 160280, 142250
Site Size – 2.1 hectares (750m Perimeter)

 


 

Option 3; Midgen Park and Swamp Suffolk

 

 

Location of Work

 

Alcorn Street, Suffolk Park.

Vegetation - Coastal Swamp Forest & Littoral Rainforest

Parcel Numbers 108190, 108180

Site Size – 3.7 hectares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proposed work on the Option Sites

 

All three (3) options would involve specialized bush regeneration techniques until the sites reach a point of stability and requiring only maintenance.

 

It is proposed that the work be completed by Council’s Bush Regeneration Team and that the annual budget for the team be increased subject to identification of funding to undertake the works.

 

The sites are impacted to varying degrees by weeds.  For example a preliminary list of weeds for the Butler Street Reserve bushland is as follows:

 

Scientific name

Common name

Ageratina adenophora

Crofton Weed

Ageratina riparia

Mistweed

Ageratum houstonianum

Blue Mistweed

Archontophoenix alexandrae

Alexander Palm

Asparagus aethiopicus

Asparagus Fern

Ipomoea cairica

Five-leaved or Coast Morning Glory

Ochna serrulata

Ochna

Lantana camara

Lantana

Paspalum wettsteinii

Broad-leaved Paspalum

Passiflora subpeltata

White Passionflower

Pennisetum purpureum

Bana Grass

Phoenix canariensis

Date Palm

Psidium cattleyanum

Cherry Guava

Schefflera actinophylla

Umbrella Tree

Schinus terebinthifolius

Broad-leaved Pepper Tree

Senna pendula var. glabrata

Winter Senna

Setaria sphacelata

Setaria

Solanum mauritianum

Wild Tobacco

Solanum seaforthianum

Brazilian or Climbing Nightshade

Sphagneticola trilobata

Singapore Daisy

Strelitzia nicolai

Giant Bird of Paradise

Syagrus romanzoffianum

Cocos Palm

Urochloa mutica

Para Grass

 

Cost of the proposed works

 

A cost schedule for the three options over a five year period is as follows:

 

Site

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Sunrise

20,500

8,800

7,200

7,200

7,200

Butler Street

45,600

10,400

7,200

7,200

7,200

Midgen Park

15,600

5,600

5,600

4,000

4,000

TOTAL

81,700

24,800

20,000

18,400

18,400

 

Effective regeneration requires committed funding over forward years.  Each site requires a diminishing budget until a point of stability is achieved and then only ongoing maintenance is required.  The highest cost of regeneration for a new site is in the first year.  For this reason it is recommended that the Butler Street and Midgen sites be established in the first year and the Sunrise site be established in the second year.  This will reduce the initial funding requirement and smooth the forward funding cash flow.

 

 

 

Stage 2 Options

 

Resolution 19-253 speaks about potential partners and collaborative organisations.

 

In this second stage of the investigation, it is proposed that Council conduct a EOI process to identify landowners in the Byron Bay wetland area who would like to work with council to facilitate and secure long term revegetation and regeneration outcomes.

 

It is envisaged that in addition to an open and publicised EOI process, contact will be made with land owners who have previously shown an interest in revegetation and regeneration.

 

STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS

 

Community Strategic Plan and Operational Plan

 

CSP Objective

L2

CSP Strategy

L3

DP Action

L4

OP Activity

Community Objective 1:  We have infrastructure, transport and services which meet our expectations

1.1

Provide a road network which is safe, accessible and maintained to an acceptable level of service

1.1.5

Deliver road network new works program

1.1.5.1

Continue construction of the Byron Bay Bypass

 

 

Legal/Statutory/Policy Considerations

.

There are no legal or policy considerations

 

Financial Considerations

 

It is proposed funding will be via a budget adjustment at the 30 September 2019 Quarterly Budget Review increasing the annual budget for the bush regeneration team by $62,000 for the 2019/2020 financial year subject to the identification of funding.  Council has commenced the 2019/2020 financial year with a budget deficit of $132,400 and without the identification of funding for the works subject of this report, that deficit will increase to $194,400.

 

Council does have an environmental levy within its overall general rate revenue that for 2019/2020 equates to $382,800.  This would seem to be a logical source of funding for these works but Council has fully allocated the expenditure of this levy to other projects including $199,800 for other bush regeneration works for the 2019/2020 financial year.

 

Should Council adopt the recommendations to this report, it will need to consider the funding obligation of these environmental compensation works over the subsequent four financial years post the 2019/2020 financial year in addition to financing the works in 2019/2020 to be addressed as part of the 30 September 2019 Quarter Budget Review.

 

Consultation and Engagement

 

Internal consultation has occurred for Stage 1 of the investigation. The proposed Stage 2 investigation will involve external consultation and engagement.

 

Next Steps

Following the consideration of this matter by the Biodiversity Advisory Committee, the associated advice will be reported to a Strategic Planning Workshop of the elected Council in accordance with Part 4 of Res 19-419.