BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL
14.2 - Attachment 2
NOTICE OF MEETING
Arakwal Memorandum of Understanding
ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
An Arakwal Memorandum of Understanding Advisory Committee Meeting
of Byron Shire Council will be held as follows:
Venue |
Conference Room, Station Street, Mullumbimby |
Date |
Thursday, 6 November 2014 |
Time |
10.00am |
Ken Gainger
General Manager #E2014/68530
Distributed
30/10/14
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 Local Government Act (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 Section 448 of the Local Government Act.
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.
Participation in Meetings Despite Pecuniary Interest (S 452 Act)
A Councillor is not prevented from taking part in the consideration or discussion of, or from voting on, any of the matters/questions detailed in Section 452 of the Local Government Act.
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 if the provisions in S451 of the Local Government Act apply (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 Division 2A of Part 6 of 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
14.2 - Attachment 2
BUSINESS OF MEETING
1. APOLOGIES
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – PECUNIARY AND NON-PECUNIARY
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS
3.1 Minutes from the 20 August 2014 meeting
4. BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES
5. REPORTS BY DIRECTORATE
5.1.... Progress Report on Consultation and Engagement for Development Applications and other matters in regards to public land.......................................................................................... 2
5.2.... Aboriginal Projects Grant Submissions 2014...................................................................... 7
5.3.... Local Government Aboriginal Network Conference......................................................... 10
6. OTHER BUSINESS
6.1 World Parks Congress (Delta Kay)
6.2 Reconciliation Action Plan
6.3 Ti Tree Lake (Taylors Lake) Update
CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES REPORTS
Report No. 5.1 |
Progress Report on Consultation and Engagement for Development Applications and other matters in regards to public land |
Director: Corporate and Community Services
Report Author: Belle Arnold, Indigenous Projects Officer
File No: #E2014/68001
Theme: |
Community Development, Corporate and Community Services |
Summary:
|
A priority project for 2013/14 from the Arakwal Memorandum of Understanding is:
2.2.2 Consultation processes for development applications Development of clear processes in regard to development applications and other planning mechanisms in culturally and environmentally significant areas.
Development of frameworks for ongoing consultation processes.
Council resolved (14-332) to adopt as a framework for the development of these consultation processes. This report outlines the progress on this matter. |
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Arakwal Memorandum of Understanding Advisory Committee:
1. Note the progress on the development of frameworks for ongoing consultation processes.
2. Note the external funding sources identified that could potentially assist Council undertake a Shire Wide Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Survey.
3. Recommend to Council’s Planners Sustainable Environment and Economy to consider that Council’s document titled Guide to lodging a Development Application be amended to include:
a) a description of how the impacts of their development have been identified, and the steps that are proposed to protect the aboriginal heritage and archaeological aspects of the environment or reduce expected harm.
b) a summary of Due Diligence Code of Practice for the Protection of Aboriginal Objects in New South Wales and a link to the associated website.
c) provision of evidence of the proponents of due diligence under the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act) in relation to their applications.
d) an explanation of the Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit required if a development is deemed to cause harm to an Aboriginal place or object under s.87 and/or s.90 of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act).
Attachments:
· Due Diligence Code of Practice for the
Protection of Aboriginal Objects in New South
Wales #E2014/18844 [33 pages]........................................................................................ Annexure
1
Background
On 7 August 2014 Council resolved (14-332) that in relation to Report 4.1 ‘Consultation and engagement for Development Applications and other matters in regards to public land Council adopt:
1. The existing consultation processes for development applications and other matters in regards to public lands be noted.
2. That the proposals contained in this report be considered and that a framework for consultation with the Bundjalung of Byron Bay, Arakwal people and other Aboriginal stakeholders be developed and that Council in the development of the framework:
a) Identify potential external funding sources for a Shire Wide Aboriginal Heritage Survey
b) Include reference to internal Council map titled "Aboriginal heritage conservation areas from draft Shire-wide LEP 2008" prior to notifying Bundjalung of Byron Bay, Arakwal of development applications
c) Amend Council’s document Guide to lodging a Development to include advice to the proponent on their due diligence responsibilities under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act)
d) Develop an Aboriginal cultural heritage checklist which could be included with all DA information kits for proponents
e) Establish a formal agreement with the LALCs to guide ongoing engagement and consultation processes in regards to DAs, Aboriginal heritage protection and management
f) Formalise the process of engagement as a policy or procedure document, or integrate the process into Council’s internal Integrated Planning Documents
g) Encourage Council staff to continue to refer discussion and consultation on the development and amendment of Council policies to the Arakwal MoU Advisory Committee
3. That Council, when reviewing existing Plans of Management (PoM) or developing new PoMs, undertake consultation with Aboriginal Stakeholders to identify areas within the plan that may be recognised by Council as an area of cultural significance under section 36H of the Local Government Act 1993.
The Arakwal Memorandum of Understanding contains the following:
2. Participation in Governance
Council to involve representatives of the Bundjalung of Byron Bay Arakwal People in Council decision making process on matters concerning Arakwal Country, People and business.
2.1 Participation in Governance: Guiding principles
2.1.1 Representation and Self Determination
2.1.2 Consultation
2.1.3 Responsiveness
2.1.4 Inclusion
2.2 Participation in Governance: Specific Projects
2.2.1 Participation in Committees
Council to ensure representation on Council Advisory Committees, Project Reference Groups and Steering Committees with dedicated Arakwal positions on relevant forums.
2.2.2 Consultation processes for development applications
Development of clear processes in regard to development applications and other planning mechanisms in culturally and environmentally significant areas.
Development of frameworks for ongoing consultation processes.
Report
This report outlines the progress on item 2.2.2 from the Arakwal MoU.
On 1 September 2014 the Aboriginal Projects Officer met with the Director of Planning, Development & Environment Services, Manager of Development, Certification and Assessment and the Director of Corporate and Community Services to discuss an implementation strategy for resolution 14 -332.
It was identified that the Department of Planning, Development and Environment Services were under resourced and could not commit staff to the implementation of this resolution but would support the Aboriginal Projects Officer to implement.
It was identified that the Shire Wide Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Survey was essential for planning staff to be able to protect and preserve sites. The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Survey is an outstanding action from the Council’s Cultural Plan. It was further identified that strong working relationships with all the Aboriginal stakeholder groups is essential for this project to be successful and have meaningful outcomes and strengthen any funding applications for the heritage survey.
a) Identify potential external funding sources for a Shire Wide Aboriginal Heritage Survey (13-422)
The Aboriginal Projects Officer met to discuss with Council’s Grant Officer to identify the Shire Wide Aboriginal Heritage Survey as a potential grants project. The Grants Officer has placed it on the register and will notify the Aboriginal Projects Officer of any applicable grants.
The Aboriginal Projects Officer conducted some research into potential funding for a Shire Wide Aboriginal Heritage Survey. Following programs have been identified.
About the Indigenous Heritage Program
The Indigenous Heritage Program (IHP) is an ongoing competitive annual grants program which provides funding to support the identification, conservation, and promotion of heritage places important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Since 2004, the program has provided over $30 million to support more than 500 Indigenous heritage projects across Australia.
As well as delivering strong heritage outcomes, the IHP delivers broader social, health and economic benefits for Indigenous communities. The program supports projects which provide Indigenous people with education, training, employment and business opportunities, and which foster Indigenous peoples' aspirations to care for and reconnect with country and maintain their cultural traditions.
Projects funded through the IHP in 2012-13 include conservation of burial sites, conservation management plans, heritage surveys, interpretative signage, pamphlets, books and repair work. Further information can be found at IHPgrants@network.pmc.gov.au.
Conserving, Promoting and Supporting NSW Aboriginal Heritage Grants
NSW State Government Department of Environment and Heritage have the grant round Conserving, promoting and supporting NSW Aboriginal heritage. The website outlines the following:
Project purpose: To provide funding for projects that conserve, promote and support Aboriginal heritage in NSW
Funding: grants of up to $100,000 are available for Aboriginal heritage projects
dollar-for-dollar grants are available to local government for Aboriginal heritage projects
minimum project value is $20,000 (excluding GST).
Application closing dates: Applications for project funding in 2014-16 open in late 2014.
Who can apply: Aboriginal organisations, businesses or community groups
Local councils, other organisations or consultants working in partnership with an Aboriginal applicant, Individuals that have the support of the local Aboriginal community, State or local government agencies working as project partners with community organisations, individuals or business (but NOT those undertaking work as part of their statutory responsibilities)
Projects eligible for funding include:
· Interpretation of culturally significant Aboriginal places, such as walkways, signs and trails, and mapping of tracks or places
· Recording or documenting of significant Aboriginal community events, including contemporary community events
· Recording or documenting shared history projects, including showgrounds, race courses, world wars, etc.
· Aboriginal cultural heritage tourism
· Recording oral histories and collections to increase understanding between generations and communities
· Researching Aboriginal heritage places, areas and event(s)
· Educating communities on their cultural heritage using media such as brochures, DVDs and publications
· Conservation management planning documents or site-based studies
· Undertaking physical conservation works to protect Aboriginal sites or items.
Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and Culture, Arts, Tourism & Community Heritage (CATCH)
The Culture, Arts, Tourism & Community Heritage (CATCH) program was established in 2009 in response to the need for an independent and flexible source of funding to support worthwhile activities in the areas of culture, tourism, arts, history and heritage across rural, regional and remote Australia.
The 2014 funding program will provide grants of up to $20,000, which will be targeted at NSW, QLD and NT this funding would only partially fund the Shire Wide Cultural Heritage Survey.
c) Amend Council’s document Guide to lodging a Development to include advice to the proponent on their due diligence responsibilities under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act) (13-222)
Measures in the Development Application process ensure consideration of Aboriginal cultural heritage
Council’s document titled Guide to lodging a Development Application (TRIM doc DM891570) advises prospective developers (in cases other than Designated Developments) that they need to attach a Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) with their application. The document explains that an SEE should include a statement on the impacts of the development on the natural, human and built environment that includes “historical, aboriginal heritage and archaeological aspects”. The SEE must also include a description of how the impacts have been identified, and the steps that are proposed to protect the environment or reduce expected environmental harm.
Currently the Council does not give DA proponents any guidelines or advice, or require proof of, their exercise of due diligence under the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act) in relation to their applications. The Council doesn’t provide information on their responsibilities under the NSW Heritage Act 1977 or Commonwealth heritage legislation.
When assessing DAs, council planning staff are guided by the internal Development Application Evaluation Report. The document systematically works through EP&A Act Section 79C and refers the planner to consider the application of various provisions under relevant SEPPs, LEPs and DCPs. This assessment template does not explicitly guide Council’s staff to consider the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS) database (managed by OEH) however it is the responsibility of the proponent to have undertaken this research in the production of their Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE).
Council’s document Guide to lodging a Development Application could be amended to include advice to the proponent on their due diligence responsibilities under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act). In addition, Aboriginal cultural heritage checklist could be included with all DA information kits for proponents. The checklist could be an adaptation of the Office of Environment and Heritage’s (OEH) Due Diligence Code of Practice (DDCP) for the Protection of Aboriginal Objects in NSW (TRIM doc #2014/18844). The DDCP is also available on the OEH website at: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/]. Proponents could be handed the DDCP (this document will be current until the proposed changes under the review of the NPW Act come into force).
If a development is deemed to cause harm to an Aboriginal place or object, then an AHIP (Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit) is required under s.87 and/or s.90 of the NPW Act. Guidelines for Aboriginal consultation in the production of the permit application are described in the NSW DECCW (now Office of Environment and Heritage) document titled Aboriginal cultural heritage consultation requirements for proponents 2010. This document could also be provided to the DA proponent.
Financial Implications
Nil from this report
Statutory and Policy Compliance Implications
Native Title Act 1993
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act
Local Government Act
Report No. 5.2 |
Aboriginal Projects Grant Submissions 2014 |
Director: Corporate and Community Services
Report Author: Belle Arnold, Indigenous Projects Officer
File No: #E2014/68347
Theme:
|
Community Development, Corporate and Community Services |
Summary:
|
This report provides an update on the grants Council staff have applied for in 2014 for the provision of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs in Byron Shire. |
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Arakwal Memorandum of Understanding Advisory Committee
1. Note the Aboriginal Projects Grant Submissions.
2. Identify any further projects for funding for 2014/15.
Report
This report provides an update on the grants Council staff have applied for in 2014 for the provision of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs in the Byron Shire and to consult with the Arakwal MoU Advisory Committee to identify priority projects for further funding submissions in 2014/15.
Council’s 2014/15 Operational Plan (3.28) states that all Council staff are to apply for State and Federal Grants where applicable.
The following is a summary of grants that staff have applied for to deliver projects for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Mental Health Month Small Grants Women’s Yarn Circle Event
Mental Health Association of NSW are providing funding to Council of $550 to deliver the Yarn Circle event.
The yarning circles will bring together women from the community and beyond to highlight relevant issues that are causing them anxiety, depression or Stress. The event will have a strength based approach and offer creative ways of coping with stress and creating change in personal life and in the whole of community. The event will be a facilitated yarning circle, discussing issues in our community and brainstorming strategies for empowerment and wellness. The workshops will be facilitated as culturally safe spaces and incorporate Aboriginal processes.
Creative Workshops will include:
· weaving circle to engage in a meditative cultural practice
· Earth Mandela
· Bush Tucker Garden
· Self Care Workshops
· Guided Meditation and Yoga
Project Partners include: Women’s Resource Service, Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre, Sisters for Reconciliation, Arakwal.
Event: 28 October 2014
Regional Arts Fund - Njadhu mala buhbiyn waybar - I will blow the fire
Regional Arts NSW are the funding body. Council were successful in receiving $20,450 to deliver this project.
I will blow the fire is about revitalizing cultural practice. A series of cultural intensive workshops working with an established group of children and young people from the Brunswick Valley and beyond. The workshops will be lead by cultural and Aboriginal artistic leaders from our local community and include dance, song, music, visual arts, weaving and other cultural artefact production.
The project application was developed in consultation with Bundjalung of Byron Bay Arakwal people, Tweed Byron local Aboriginal Land Council, Ocean Shores Public School, Mullumbimby High School, Bat Bus, Nigel Stewart and Dhinawan Baker.
Creative Aging Strategy Celebrate Life - Elders Flash Mob to the Beat
Local Government NSW are the funding body. Council were successful in receiving $4000.
Celebrate Life - Elders Flash Mob to the Beat will build on the success of the local Seniors drumming circle to introduce a fusion of contemporary jazz and traditional aboriginal dance to create an age appropriate 'flash mob' dance for seniors that can be performed at local events. The Seniors drumming circle would develop the music to accompany the performance.
The project aims to bring together indigenous and non indigenous older people in a fun and creative way that promotes healthy activity. Celebrate Life showcases an investment in evolving culture acknowledging our elders as the keepers of this culture and allowing them a space in which to lead the community in the creation of cultural expression based on reconciliation of our difference cultures.
This project will offer drum and dance workshops at the Byron Community Centre and hold a showcase event at the Byron Theatre and participate in the New Years Eve Events in Byron Bay and at random community cultural events.
Country Arts Support Program - Art to wake the power within
Arts Northern Rivers are the funding body. The application is for $5,000 with the grants for this funding round still to be announced.
Working with women to develop professional art pieces on themes of secret, sacred, strength and women's empowerment. The main activities of the grant will be art workshops working with three different women artists to work with women in our community to develop an empowerment oracle, exhibition and professional art product and resource for the Women of the community. For this project Council are working in partnership with the Women Resource Service and the Mullumbimby Neighbourhood Centre.
The workshop program will comprise of intensive full day workshops as part of local community events including International Women's Day, Harmony Day and NAIDOC Week and will be open to all women in the community and specific 6 - 8 week workshop series targeting women surviving domestic violence, young women and Indigenous Women. Artists will workshop many visual arts mediums to create the art works. On the completion of the workshop process Council will host exhibitions based on the thematic content of the work to showcase the artworks and to work with the women to produce an arts event. The exhibitions will involve women involved in the workshop series but will be open to all women who wish to gain experience in organising and curating an arts event. The project aims to offer many entry points into various art forms for women to work alongside established artists and community development workers to deliver a number of arts outcomes.
Council have developed this application in response the WRS requesting another print of the existing oracle, they have a high demand for further cards and from other organisations who utilise them. Council have discussed the project with the Byron Youth Council, Arakwal Corporation, Byron Youth Service and with artists in the area. The oracle allows a high number of women to participate and be included in the final product. The steering committee model allows for additional consultation to be undertaken in regards to the project.
Financial Implications
Mental Health Month $550
Regional Arts Fund $20,450
Local Government Association of NSW $4000
These successful grants will contribute $25,000 towards cultural projects for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Byron Shire.
Statutory and Policy Compliance Implications
Operational Plan 2014-15
Arakwal Memorandum of Understanding
Report No 5.3 |
Local Government Aboriginal Network Conference |
Director: Corporate and Community Services
Report Author: Belle Arnold, Indigenous Projects Officer
File No: #E2014/68496
Theme:
|
Community Development, Corporate and Community Services |
Summary:
|
This report provides information from the Local Government Aboriginal Network Conference 2014. |
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Arakwal Memorandum of Understanding Advisory Committee:
1. Note the information regarding the 2014 Local Government Aboriginal Network Conference.
2. Note the use of Reconciliation Action Plans as a tool used by Local Government for managing Council’s responsibilities to multiple Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholder groups.
3. Discuss the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan for Byron Shire’s Indigenous Community.
Report
The LGAN conference is an annual event hosted by various councils across NSW. It is a three day conference aimed at enhancing the profiles of Aboriginal Communities, skills and cultures.
The NSW Local Government Aboriginal Network (LGAN) has been operating since 1988 to provide an information exchange and forum for discussion on local government issues relating to Aboriginal communities, businesses and the wider community. The Network is made up of Aboriginal Liaison Officers working in Local Government and Aboriginal people who have been elected as Councillors. It provides support and information for network members.
The following sessions were the most useful and relevant to Byron Shire Council:
· Cultural Tourism – NSW NPWS
· Cultural Mapping showcasing cultural connection in the landscape – NSW Office of Environment and Heritage
· Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Reforms – Local Government NSW
· Black Screen – National Film and Sound Archive
· The Indigenous Advancement Strategy – Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
· Presentation by the Australian Bureau of Statistics
More useful and relevant was the opportunity to network with Aboriginal staff in similar positions from all over the state and learn about projects that are similar to those that Byron Shire Council are developing.
Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) are the tool the majority of Local Councils are using to manage their responsibilities to their Indigenous communities. RAPs are particularly relevant where there are multiple traditional owner groups and land councils over a local government area.
Financial Implications
Nil from this report
Statutory and Policy Compliance Implications
Local Government Act 1993