Agenda of Biodiversity Advisory Committee Meeting

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

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy 4.1

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy

Report No. 4.1 Brunswick Valley Landcare Support Officer reports March 2020 and June 2020

Directorate: Sustainable Environment and Economy

Report Author: Michelle Chapman, Project Support Officer

File No: I2020/662

Summary:

This report tables the activities of the Brunswick Valley Landcare Support Officer in their quarterly reports 14 December 2019 to 31 March 2020 and 1 April to 30 June 2020.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Biodiversity Advisory Committee note the Brunswick Valley Landcare quarterly reports.

Attachments:

1 Landcare Support Officer report March 2020, E2020/30513 , page 6⇩

2 Landcare Support Officer report June 2020, E2020/54001 , page 9⇩

REPORT

Council has allocated funding 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 is the March and June 2020 quarterly reports from the Landcare Support Officer for the Committee’s reference.

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	3.1.2	Restore degraded areas and habitats that have or provide significant or high environmental and or community value	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 and requested to continue for 2020/21.

Consultation and Engagement

Not applicable

BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy 4.2

Report No. 4.2 Biodiversity DCP - buffers and definitions

Directorate: Sustainable Environment and Economy

Report Author: Karen Love, Research Officer – Climate Change

File No: I2020/901

Summary:

In June 2014, Council resolved (Res 14-315) to defer Chapter B1 Natural Environment (where it remains deferred), and review the draft Byron Coast Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management (CKPoM). Since its adoption in 2016 (Res 16-435), the CKPoM has remained un ratified by the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) as it did not comply with SEPP 44. At the time, the DPE recommended that Council adopt the CKPoM as a ‘Koala Strategy’ and await the outcome of the SEPP 44 review.

The issues regarding our CKPoM approval from the DPE included;

1. Definitions of ‘core and ‘potential’ habitat.

2. Number and type of Koala food trees

3. The greater the 1 hectare trigger

4. The offset number ratio

Some of these matters have since been addressed within the new Koala Habitat Protection (KHP) SEPP which was enacted 1 March 2020. Under clause 17 of the new KHP SEPP, Council was able to re-submit the original CKPoM, and have it approved despite its non adherence to SEPP 44.

In conjunction with the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2020-2030 (action 1.1), an updated Chapter B1 is currently being developed to reflect the new legislative requirements. This report briefly outlines those requirements and seeks feedback from the BAC on the proposed provisions for inclusion into a Biodiversity DCP.

RECOMMENDATION:

The Biodiversity Advisory Committee note this report and the presentation (Attachment 1 – E2020/57499) underpinning the development of a Biodiversity DCP and provide feedback on the proposed ecological buffers and definitions.

Attachments:

1 Biodiversity DCP development presentation, E2020/57499 , page 15 ⇩

REPORT

Background:

Council’s DCP Chapter B1 has been deferred since 2014 as it was tied to the SEPP 44 review through the definitions of ‘core koala habitat’. Since that time, the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and Native Vegetation Act 2003 have been repealed and replaced by the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and Local Land Services Act 2013. These two pieces of legislation have weakened the protection of Biodiversity in NSW in the following ways:

Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016

1. The Biodiversity Offset Scheme (BOS) allows a developer to enter into a monetary agreement, where the required offset can be paid for through contribution (at a set value) into the Biodiversity Conservation Trust. This will allow;

Ø A biodiversity offset outside of the Shire resulting in a net biodiversity loss on the particular site and also within the Shire.

Ø The formation of an ideology that offsets can be paid for and therefore the need to avoid and minimise will come down to a dollar value - easily paid for by the escalating cost of land within our Shire.

Ø Inconsistent and inappropriate offsets in other regions or Shires that may not necessarily require or need them.

2. The underlying data set for the North Coast Plant Community Types (PCT) are inadequate due to the absence of PCT specific to the North Coast. Until such time as these PCT are incorporated into the offset calculator;

Ø All reports and offset requirements will be deficient and incorrect requiring Council to rely on their DCP.

Local Land Services Act 2013 & Local Land Services Amendment Regulation 2017

1. Landholders are authorised to clear native vegetation of up to 15m wide for rural infrastructure without assessment, in the Coastal zone. This means that koala habitat and wildlife corridors are able to be fragmented and degraded outside of legal recourse and control of the local authorities.

2. The only protection afforded koala habitat and wildlife corridors under the LLS Amendment Act 2016 (where the land isn’t mapped as Category 2-Vulnerable Regulated Land and therefore clearing can be no more than 6m wide), is where plantings exist that have been funded by public monies (Part 2, 17, (2) below):

(2) Clearing for that purpose is not authorised if the native vegetation was planted with the assistance of public funds granted for any purpose other than for forestry purposes.

New Legislative requirements;

Ø Within the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the newly enacted (1 March 2020) Koala Habitat Protection SEPP, the terms ‘avoid and minimise’ appear but are not defined.

Ø Schedule 2 Koala Feed tree species now number 42 species for the North Coast koala management area, which means that koala habitat mapping will require updating.

Ø Within the Koala Habitat Protection SEPP Guidelines (currently in draft), measures to address key risks to koala habitat fall to Council Development Control Plans, particularly for Development Applications triggering Tier 2 assessment under the SEPP.

Ø The development of future Koala Plans of Management are required to adhere to the Koala Habitat Protection SEPP Guidelines and can only include core koala habitat if it appears on the SEPP mapping. As the Guidelines are not yet published and the mapping is currently inaccurate, the fastest way to protect Koalas and their habitat outside of our CKPoM is to have a Biodiversity DCP.

BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy 4.3

Report No. 4.3 Mitchell's Rainforest Snail update

Directorate: Sustainable Environment and Economy

Report Author: Lizabeth Caddick, Biodiversity Officer

File No: I2020/1068

Summary:

This report has been prepared in response to Biodiversity Advisory Committee resolution 20-122 (November 2019) that:

The Biodiversity Advisory Committee recommend that staff liaise with local universities and landholders to find out what research and information pertaining to the Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail exists and how we can work together.

The report summarises recent research pertaining to Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail, including current data on the species’ distribution, range and habitat preferences. The report identifies two medium priority actions (to be implemented within 5 years of the 2020-2030 Biodiversity Conservation Strategy’s adoption) that Council can undertake to help conserve and improve our understanding of Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail in this region.

As resources are not available in the current financial year to undertake these actions, it is recommended that budget bids be considered in future years, with Action 1.25 commencing in 2021-22 FY and Action 2.6 commencing in 2022-23, unless opportunities arise to collaborate with a local university prior to this (e.g. through a student internship).

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Biodiversity Advisory Committee recommend that Council consider a budget bid for implementation of the following medium priority actions from the 2020-2030 Byron Shire Biodiversity Conservation Strategy:

· Action 1.25: Map potential habitat areas for Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail, in the 2021-22 financial year

· Action 2.6: Implement a community awareness campaign to assist in protection and habitat identification for the Mitchell's Rainforest Snail in the Byron Bay area, in the 2022-23 financial year.

REPORT

This report has been prepared in response to Biodiversity Advisory Committee resolution 20-122 (November 2019) that:

The Biodiversity Advisory Committee recommends that staff liaise with local universities and landholders to find out what research and information pertaining to the Mitchells Rainforest Snail exists and how we can work together.

This report presents a summary of information provided by scientists currently working on Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail (MRS), and their recommendations regarding how Council can best support the protection of this critically endangered species. Much of this information comes from a recent PhD thesis:

J. Parkyn (2013). Studies on the ecology of the endangered camaenid land snail Thersites mitchellae (Cox, 1864). A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University.

Key issues

Habitat preferences and ecology

Recent studies using capture-mark-recapture and radio telemetry to investigate population sizes, extent and habitat requirements of MRS indicate that it occurs in fragmented populations across the Byron Shire coastal plain, with a greater range than previously known, but characterised by low density populations with numbers that fluctuate over time.

Key known vegetation types for MRS in this region are:

- Ecotones between wetland and rainforest – generally in areas with predominantly Gahnia clarkei (Tall sawsedge). Snails retreat into the tussock and attach themselves upside-down to the stalk. This plant provides insulation and protection from birds during the day.

- Palm forest, where snails often retreat into palm frond stems (Bangalow Palm – Archontophoenix cunninghamiana), which give protection from bush turkeys and noisy pittas. The fronds provide a hard substrate for upside down attachment.

Forest habitats do not necessarily need to be intact and have a well developed leaf litter layer, although coarse woody debris is used for shelter and feeding. Habitat may also be close to relatively urbanised areas. Contrary to earlier observations, recent studies found that MRS does occur in littoral rainforest on hind dunes.

While previously recorded only from the coastal plain, new studies have identified populations occurring up to 600m ASL along watercourses of the upper Tweed catchment, in Mt Jerusalem National Park and near Byrrill Creek, in suitable habitat areas (i.e. where Gahnia clarkei and palm fronds are present).

Habitats where MRS has not been identified include dry sclerophyll forest, coastal cypress pine forest, and areas that are subject to permanent inundation.

MRS is quite nomadic and rarely stays in one habitat, but moves between rainforest, wetland and palm forest habitats. Recent studies identified individuals moving up to 75m over an 18 day period, suggesting they may be capable of colonising new habitat patches if appropriate connectivity is available, but their capacity for movement between habitats requires further investigation.

Faecal content studies suggest MRS has a generalist feeding strategy that differs in different habitats. Studies indicated a high fungal content in the diet, suggesting that coarse woody debris may be an important requirement in rainforest associated habitats. The ability of the species to obtain energy and nutrients from a variety of food in different habitats may account for its broad distribution across study sites.

Breeding has been observed at various times of year depending on climate, and it is likely that individuals will achieve multiple breeding events. Usually 50-80 eggs that hatch within 28 days.

Cryptic nature

One of the key characteristics of MRS is its cryptic nature – i.e. they can be extremely difficult to find. Recent surveys and modelling, investigating the effects of habitat type on the probability of occupancy and the probability of detection given occupancy, indicated lower than expected capture probabilities and high levels of temporary emigration from sites. Radio telemetry (i.e. use of miniature radio transmitters attached to the snail shells) allowed researchers to locate snails that were out of site and otherwise wouldn’t have been found.

Information from these studies suggests that the inability to capture a live snail during a survey is not conclusive evidence of its absence from the location, and that previous estimates of abundance are inadequate to accurately describe the population status of MRS. Snails may not be active even in suitable habitat under favourable conditions, and active snails may be inaccessible in cryptic habitats. Also, because population sizes fluctuate, there is a risk of false negatives during surveys – i.e. just because MRS isn’t found during a particular survey of suitable habitat, it doesn’t mean it’s not there some of the time. The probability of detection is therefore a critical factor when surveying for MRS. Probability of detection was higher in sites where snails can be more easily observed, e.g. inside palm fronds of attached to stalks of sedges, rather than under leaf litter.

Habitat sites are now known from Broken Head, Byron Bay, Tyagarah, Brunswick Heads, Billinudgel, Cudgen Nature Reserve, Stotts Island, Byrrill Creek and Mt Jerusalem National Park.

While the known range has increased, MRS occurs in spatially clustered populations, distributed at very low density in larger areas of suitable contiguous habitat. In short, MRS is functionally and operationally rare, sometimes clustered, usually sparse, and elusive.

Threats

MRS is a species of conservation concern because it occurs at a small number of disjunct locations of varying sizes and at low abundance. Rarity is the result of extensive habitat clearance for agriculture and urban development, which remains a threat. Fragmented populations are likely to be at risk of limited gene flow, as well as edge effects including desiccation and habitat disturbance.

MRS is dependant on high moisture levels and low fire frequency. Fire is currently infrequent in lowland rainforest on floodplain and swamp sclerophyll forest on coastal floodplain, but this threat may increase as the climate warms.

MRS is likely to be preyed upon by invasive species including black rats and cane toads. Cane toads are a concern as they share the same spatial and temporal overlap.

Options

Additional surveys / establishing species range

Extensive surveys have been conducted in Byron Shire recently, expanding our knowledge of known sites and known range for MRS. Recent research has given us a good understanding of where MRS is most likely to occur, so additional survey effort is probably not required at this stage.

Habitat sites are now known from Broken Head, Byron Bay, Tyagarah, Brunswick Heads, Billinudgel, Cudgen Nature Reserve, Stotts Island, Byrrill Creek and Mt Jerusalem National Park. Additionally Council’s 2017 vegetation mapping, which identifies areas of lowland subtropical rainforest and swamp sclerophyll forest, can be used to help identify potential habitat. A map that identifies potential MRS habitat in the Shire, based on current vegetation mapping and known MRS habitat preferences, would be a useful tool.

Habitat protection

The best way to protect MRS is to protect its habitat. Most of the known habitat sites are in protected areas, although MRS is also known from some private properties, e.g. around Suffolk Park and Byron Bay. According to the 2001 Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail Recovery Plan (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/c5ea7c55-808c-4b01-8a28-c04260f76e8d/files/t-mitchellae.pdf), the apparent ability of the species to persist as breeding populations in small remnants suggests a positive conservation potential. This indicates that even small remnants can potentially provide suitable habitat for the species.

During the development assessment process, Council ecologists check Bionet records, as well as vegetation and High Environmental Value mapping to ascertain whether a development has potential to impact on MRS, and set conditions accordingly.

Given that MRS is known to be relatively mobile, there would be value in connecting areas of suitable habitat where possible, e.g. on Council land as part of Council’s bushland restoration program and on private land, e.g. through local Landcare projects or as a condition for development consent in certain circumstances.

A map showing potential MRS habitat in the shire would be a useful trigger for development assessment and to identify areas where additional habitat connectivity could be restored.

Community engagement

Encouraging people to report possible MRS sightings (e.g. in back yards and local reserves) could help further increase our knowledge of known habitat sites in the shire. MRS is relatively easy for an expert to identify from a photograph taken by a member of the public.

Images could be provided on Council’s website and via social media. Some face to face community engagement could also help, e.g. a display at Byron farmers markets.

However, it is not recommended that people are encouraged to go out searching for MRS in local reserves at night. This could risk their own safety as well as disturbing native wildlife.

Part of community engagement could also be to encourage people living near to suitable habitat to retain and/or plant known key habitat species and habitat elements, including Gahnia clarkei, Bangalow palms and coarse woody debris.

University partnerships

SCU often has students seeking integrated projects and internships, and this is probably the best option for the University and Council to collaborate to find out more about MRS and/or raise community awareness. Council staff have advised SCU that we are interested in supporting student internships in relation to MRS and other local threatened species.

Some possible areas of further research/projects include:

- Creating a map of potential habitat areas for MRS in Byron Shire, based on existing vegetation mapping and known habitat preferences.

- Increasing understanding of capacity of MRS for movement between different habitats.

- Raising community awareness in known/likely MRS habitat areas and encouraging community members to report sightings.

- Increasing understanding of what other mollusc species co-exist with MRS.

Next steps

Two actions in Council’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy relate specifically to MRS:

Action number

Action

BCS Priority*

Delivery

Cost**

Action 1.25

Map potential habitat areas for Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail.

Medium

Can be done in via a student internship or contract ecologist, based on up to date GIS vegetation mapping and known habitat preferences. Would require peer review by MRS expert.

$10,000

Action 2.6

Implement a community awareness campaign to assist in protection and habitat identification for the Mitchell's Rainforest Snail in the Byron Bay area.

Medium

This action could include:

- Creating information via website/social media to help people identify and report MRS sightings.

- Providing residents in potential habitat areas with information on MRS including how they can help create suitable backyard habitat.

$8,000

*Actions given Medium priority in the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy will be actioned within 5 years of adoption of the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy.

**Costs provided are indicative cost estimates given in the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy. Costs may be lower subject to information availability and interest in pursuing any of this work as a student project. Project costs would need to be submitted to Council as a budget bid.

Next steps in relation to MRS include:

- Progressing Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Actions 1.25 and 2.6. Resources are not available in the current financial year and it is recommended that these actions are to be budget bids for future years, with Action 1.25 commencing in 2021-22 FY and Action 2.6 commencing in 2022-23, unless opportunities arise to collaborate with a local university prior to this (e.g. through a student internship).

- Staff to continue to liaise with researchers working on MRS in the region, to keep up to date with current information and best practice management.

- Support SCU student internships program for any students interested in working on MRS (or other locally threatened species).

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	3.1.1.3	Implement priority actions from the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy

Legal/Statutory/Policy Considerations

N/A

Financial Considerations

See above.

Consultation and Engagement

MRS experts Stephanie Clark and Jonathan Parkyn were consulted prior to development of this report.

BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy 4.4

Report No. 4.4 Biodiversity Projects and Operations Update

Directorate: Sustainable Environment and Economy

Report Author: Lizabeth Caddick, Biodiversity Officer

File No: I2020/1086

Summary:

This report provides the Biodiversity Advisory Committee with an update on current projects and programmes being undertaken by the Biodiversity team, including:

· Flying-fox Management Plan

· Pest Animal Management Plan

· Combating Pests and Weeds Grant (Commonwealth) 2020

· Fish Habitat Restoration Program Grant

· Draft Biodiversity Conservation Strategy

· Wildlife Road Signs

· Byron Habitat Corridors Project

· North East Hinterland Koala Conservation Project

· Koala Food for the Future Project

· Belongil Creek – shorebirds and dogs

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Biodiversity Advisory Committee note the update on current projects and programmes being undertaken by Council staff.

REPORT

Flying-fox Management Plan

The CSIRO census was cancelled due to COVID-19. Byron Shire staff saw no added hazard or increased risk from the virus and counted the 5 camps for our records (results in the table below).

Usually this time of year there are only Flying-foxes found in the Middleton St camp but there were a number left at the other camps that had yet to fly off for the winter. The Mullumbimby, Beech and Paddy’s Ck camps were all vacant the week following the count. The Flying-foxes are expected to return to all camps by November.

	May 2018	May 2019	May 2020
Mullumbimby	0	0	1242
Butler St	0	0	0
Middleton St	3020	947	914
Beech	0	0	80
Paddy’s Ck	0	0	187

Bush regeneration of the 2.25ha Beech camp in Suffolk Park has commenced as part of the second year of the Flying Improvement project funded by the NSW Environmental Trust. Council has committed to controlling weeds on the entire site on an on-going basis following this project.

Pest Animal Management Plan

Wild Dogs, Cats and Foxes

With funding from the Federal Combating Pests and Weeds grant, Council has contracted JR Trapping to carry out trapping on Council and private land for 15 trapping weeks in the 20-21 financial year.

Feral Deer

BSC is a member of the working group on the Northern Rivers Deer Control Plan. Tweed Shire Council and Tweed Landcare Inc. have been successful in a Federal Combating Pests and Weeds Grant (2020) to implement actions of the plan. A part time officer will be engaged by Tweed Shire Council to work in the participating six far north coast Council areas promoting community awareness of the issues relating to deer as well as who to call if any are sighted. The grant also funds mapping of known deer occupation areas (adjacent to the participating Shires) and potential incursion pathways as well as the control of deer in the project area if required.

Fish Habitat Restoration Program Grant

Council, in partnership with North Coast Local Land Services (NCLLS), has applied for $186,844 as stage 2 of Bringing Back the Bruns under the Federal Fish Habitat Restoration Program.

The proposed project is staged over 2 years and will protect, enhance and improve the aquatic habitat of 190m of riverbank in the upper estuary of the Brunswick River in Mullumbimby. The site and its remediation are identified in the Brunswick Estuary CZMP and is supported by the Cape Byron Marine Park, NSW Fisheries, the Brunswick River Angling and Deep Sea Fishing Club, OzFish and the landholder. If successful, Council will oversee the project and manage the community engagement. NCLLS will manage the design, permits, materials supply and construction of the bank earthworks. The landholder will revegetate, fence and manage a minimum 16m riparian zone to protect the works and enhance riparian and aquatic habitat.

Location of proposed project area in Mullumbimby River bank for rehabilitation

Combating Pests and Weeds Grant (Commonwealth) 2020

BSC was successful in its application for $299,712 over 1.5 years from this program. The grant will:

1. Fund a contract trapper to work on private lands to control wild dogs, cats and foxes (JR Trapping).

2. Fund contract agricultural weed controllers to assist farmers control pasture weeds, weeds of significance and environmental weeds.

3. Fund environmental weed control to assist farmers control for the benefit of habitat and productivity

4. Engage a Council Farming Extension Officer to manage the weeds and pest components of the project as well as assist local farmers 1:1 to improve their farm productivity using best practice farming methods and systems.

The extension officer is a valuable link between farmers and our biodiversity programs.

Draft Biodiversity Conservation Strategy

The draft Byron Shire Biodiversity Conservation Strategy was adopted by Council on 25 June 2020, with a number of changed proposed by the community during public exhibition. The final strategy, incorporating these amendments, is currently with the graphic designer, and will be put on Council’s website in the next few weeks.

Wildlife Road Signs

Council is taking part in a trial of new static road signs that have been designed by Rewildling Australia. Sign sites on MacAuleys Lane and Coolamon Scenic Drive have been identified in consultation with wildlife carers. Traffic counters have been installed on MacAuleys Lane and Coolamon Scenic drive to monitor traffic speeds pre sign installation.

Byron Habitat Corridors Project

This Environment Trust funded project is in its final year. Project funding of $17,025 is being used for ongoing maintenance of revegetation sites at Mullumbimby, Bangalow, Brunswick Heads, Myocum and Skinners Shoot. Staff are currently liaising with landholders involved in this project, finalising site plans and assisting with setting up Land for Wildlife agreements. The project has been extended to March 2021 due to the drought and Covid-19 which limited access to some of the properties.

North East Hinterland Koala Conservation Project

This DPIE-funded project is a partnership between Tweed, Byron, Lismore and Ballina Councils and Friends of the Koala. Byron Shire Council has a budget of $45,000 over three years for koala habitat planting and restoration on private land. Planting and restoration has started at the second site involving replacing a camphor stand with planted eucalypts plus natural regeneration of ground, while a recent planting at the project’s first property in Dingo Lane was harnessed for a Council media release aiming to encourage regenerative farmers to set land aside for koala habitat restoration. Strong media coverage was achieved in local press and via radio interviews which generated new enquiries from interested landowners.

Koala Food for the Future Project

In June, Council was successful in proactively securing $18,000 in funding to support additional koala habitat restoration on private land through Saving our Species. Following similar aims to the North East Hinterland Koala Conservation Project and working in partnership with private landowners, Koala food for the Future extends geographic coverage to include coastal land. Four properties have been secured so far with 40% of the funds and will deliver over 2 hectares of revegetated koala habitat that either joins or extends habitat corridors.

Byron Coast Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management (BC-CKPOM)

To increase community education and support for koala conservation, a number of media releases and social media posts have been generated in the last twelve months to especially target landowners, farmers, drivers and dog owners with relevant messaging. An estimated 25+ stories were generated across TV, radio, press and digital media which contributed to a 36% increase in unique visitors to Council’s koala webpage. New content relating to koalas/wildlife and the 2019 Bow Wow event has recently been added to councils’ responsible dog ownership page.

Byron Shire Council attended the July Regional Koala Communications Group (RKCG) meeting. Koala conservation is moving forward strongly with key initiatives focused on addressing domestic dogs, wild dogs, road-strike and habitat regeneration. Major developments for the region include: Friends of the Koala’s recent licensing to operate a Koala Hospital through WWF funding; WWF’s regional investment of $5 million over ten years which will mainly include project management, koala habitat restoration, stewardship payments for farmers and a koala sanctuary; and Saving our Species facilitation of a strategic, regional approach to koala habitat restoration via an August summit to include addressing bushfire and climate change. The development of a strategic plan may follow the summit, if funding can be sourced. Additionally, the North East Hinterland Koala Conservation Project has secured eight properties (regionally) for Conservation Agreements, including two in Byron Shire.

Belongil Creek – Shorebirds and dogs

Council staff recently attended the annual Byron Shorebird Management Meeting on 2 July 2020. The meeting was attended by representatives of a variety of stakeholders including NPWS, Marine Parks, Council, Byron Bird Buddies, Elements Resort and Australian Seabird Rescue. The annual meeting is held prior to the shorebird breeding season which commences in August/September and focusses on the collaboration of key stakeholders with the aim to protect local shorebirds during the breeding season. One of the key issues discussed for Byron is managing dogs and people at the Belongil Creek entrance. There appears to be a lack of compliance with local rules and regulations and a more coordinated approach to compliance was discussed and agreed. Council’s compliance team will be working closely with NPWS and Marine Parks over the breeding season in effort to maintain a regular presence in the area. Letters to residents of the Belongil Spit area will also be sent out in the near future outlining key considerations about the impact of dogs o shorebirds and the rules regarding dog ownership.

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	3.1.1.3	Implement priority actions from the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy
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	3.1.1.6	Implement the Flying Fox Camp Management Plan
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	3.1.1.7	Continue to undertake the Flying Fox National Census
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
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	3.1.1.9	Implement the Pest Animal Management Plan
Community Objective 3: We protect and enhance our natural environment	3.1	Partner to protect and enhance our biodiversity, ecosystems and ecology	3.1.2	Restore degraded areas and habitats that have or provide significant or high environmental and or community value	3.1.2.2	Respond to biosecurity threats in a timely and efficient manner
Community Objective 3: We protect and enhance our natural environment	3.1	Partner to protect and enhance our biodiversity, ecosystems and ecology	3.1.2	Restore degraded areas and habitats that have or provide significant or high environmental and or community value	3.1.2.4	Identify new high profile sites for restoration works
Community Objective 3: We protect and enhance our natural environment	3.3	Partner to protect and enhance the health of the Shire’s coastlines, estuaries, waterways and catchments	3.3.1	Implement Coastal Management Program	3.3.1.3	Investigate Brunswick River Project

Legal/Statutory/Policy Considerations

N/A

Financial Considerations

Where relevant, budgets for specific projects noted above.

Consultation and Engagement

N/A

BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy 4.5

Report No. 4.5 Minutes of previous meeting held 4 May 2020

Directorate: Sustainable Environment and Economy

Report Author: Michelle Chapman, Project Support Officer

File No: I2020/1087

Theme: Sustainable Environment and Economy

Planning Policy and Natural Environment

Summary:

The minutes of the previous Biodiversity Advisory Committee meeting held on 4 May 2020 and referred to at Item 3 of this meeting’s agenda, are attached.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Biodiversity Advisory Committee note the minutes of the 4 May 2020 meeting.

Attachments:

1 Minutes 04/05/2020 Biodiversity Advisory Committee, I2020/615 , page 42 ⇩

Report

The minutes of the previous Biodiversity Advisory Committee meeting held on 4 May 2020 are attached and available at: https://byron.infocouncil.biz/Open/2020/05/BAC_04052020_MIN_1199.PDF

The minutes were reported to the 28 May 2020 Council meeting, resulting in Resolutions 20-231 and 20-232:

Resolved 20-231 that Council adopt the following Committee Recommendation:

Report No. 4.2 Endorsement of the Northern Rivers Feral Deer Plan

Committee Recommendation 4.2.1

That the Biodiversity Advisory Committee recommend to Council that the Feral Deer Management Plan (Attachment 1 E2020/15987) be endorsed

Resolved 20-232 that Council adopt the following Committee Recommendation:

Report No. 4.4 Taro Removal - Salt Water Creek

Committee Recommendation 4.4.1

1. That the Biodiversity Advisory Committee note the update on Taro Removal at Saltwater Creek.

2. That staff provide an update to Tamara Smith outlining works done and lack of funds to continue the project.

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

Not applicable

Venue	Conference Room, Station Street, Mullumbimby
Date	Monday, 10 August 2020
Time	3.15pm

Venue	Conference Room, Station Street, Mullumbimby
Date	Monday, 4 May 2020
Time	3.15pm