Council Bushcare Representative Group

 

 

Meeting Date:     Friday, 09 December, 2016

Location:            Meeting Room 2, Ulladulla Civic Centre

Time:                   10.00 am

 

 

Please note: Council’s Code of Meeting Practice permits the electronic recording and broadcast of the proceedings of meetings of the Council which are open to the public. Your attendance at this meeting is taken as consent to the possibility that your image and/or voice may be recorded and broadcast to the public.

 

 

Agenda

 

1.    Apologies

2.    Confirmation of Minutes

Wednesday 13 April 2016

3.    Declarations of Interest

4.    Reports

BR16.1........ Options to address natural resources impacts on Captain St reserve, Vincentia........................................................................ 5

BR16.2........ Council Owned Land/Property Review ..................................... 10

BR16.3........ Discussion Paper - Bushcare Action Plans - Consultation, Feedback from Submissions & Aboriginal Cultural Heritage .... 12                         

5.    General Business


 

 Council Bushcare Representative Group – Friday 09 December 2016

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Membership

All Councillors

Mr Jason Carson

Ms Annie Boutland

Ms Francis Bray

Mr Mike Clear

Mr Tony Jennings

Mr Bryan Lenne

Mr Bill Pigott

 

Quorum - 5

 

 

 

Purpose

To act as an advisory group on all matters relating to the future directions of the Bushcare Policy and program.

 

 


 

 Minutes of the Council Bushcare Representative Group – Wednesday 13 April 2016

Page 1

 

MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL BUSHCARE REPRESENTATIVES GROUP MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 IN JERVIS BAY ROOM 1, CITY ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE, BRIDGE ROAD, NOWRA, COMMENCING AT 4.12 PM

 

The following members were present:

 

Mike Clear

Tony Jennings

Bill Pigott

Frances Bray

Jason Carson – Local Lands Service

 

Others present:

Tim Fletcher – Director Planning and Development Services

Kelie Lowe - Environmental Services Manager

Isabelle Ghetti – Manager Natural Resources

Alasdair Stratton – Bushcare Coordinator

 

 

Apologies were received from Clr Gash, Bryan Lenne, Annie Boutland

 

 

1.     Nomination of Chairperson

 

In the absence of Clr Findley, the Committee nominated an acting Chairperson for the meeting.

 

MOTION:                                               Moved: Bill Piggot / Second: Frances Bray

 

RESOLVED that Mike Clear be nominated to act as Chairperson in Clr Findley’s absence.

 

CARRIED

2.     Minutes of Previous Meeting  

 

MOTION:                                                                             Moved:  By Consensus

 

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Council Bushcare Representatives Group held on Monday 14 December, 2015 be confirmed.

 

CARRIED

 

 

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

3.     Five (5) Bushcare Group Action Plans - Review         File 51838E

 

        #  Alasdair Stratton provided a PowerPoint presentation and gave an overview of the Bushcare Action Plans Review.

 

Members discussed the Committee’s strategy to respond to objections or concerns raised in regard to the actions in reviewed Bushcare Action Plans.  The Committee also discussed the long and short term outcomes from the action plans.

 

 

MOTION:                                                                              Moved: By Consensus

 

RESOLVED that Council staff investigate and report back to the Council Bushcare Representatives Group, options for addressing rubbish dumping, illegal camping, and the impacts of these activities on the reserve at Captain St, Vincentia.

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

The Committee considered how consultation with the community is undertaken and discussed various options, for example, face to face meetings.  It was suggested that brief on-site meetings or drop in sessions could be considered in the early stages of the review process.

 

Tim Fletcher explained the review process and suggested that more informal meetings could be considered. A discussion paper could be developed to outline a range of strategy options and working principles. 

 

The Committee also discussed development of:

·        A set of procedural steps for future members to follow to enable consistency in deliberations.

·        A set of criteria to assist staff to assess submissions.

 

 

MOTION:                                                                            Moved:  By Consensus:

 

RESOLVED that Council staff provide a discussion paper to the Council Bushcare Representative Group regarding:

 

a)               Consultation options in both the preparation of a Bushcare Action Plan and its acceptance.

b)               Development of a set of criteria to assist staff and the committee in submissions.

c)               Aboriginal cultural heritage consultation criteria be considered as part of the discussion paper.

 

CARRIED

 

The Committee expressed their appreciation for recognising the contribution of volunteers hours of labour and hectares rehabilitated in the presentation.

 

 

MOTION:                                                                              Moved: By Consensus

 

RECOMMENDED that Council adopt the five (5) reviewed Bushcare Group Action Plans (2016) as follows:

 

a)               Kioloa Bushcare Action Plan – Review 2016

b)               Bens Walk Bushcare Action Plan – Review 2016

c)               Moeyan Hill Bushcare Action Plan – Review 2016

d)               Milton Rainforest Bushcare Action Plan – Review 2016

e)               Barfleur Beach, Plantation Point and Stuart King Reserve Bushcare Action Plan – Review 2016

 

CARRIED

 

 

Frances Bray expressed concern that the Bushcare Action Plan sites may include significant Aboriginal sites that are not recognized in the Bushcare Action Plans. The Committee discussed how the Bushcare Program could acknowledge and connect to the Aboriginal community.

 

The Committee agreed that this issue is to be included in the discussion paper and a part C was added to the recommendation above to reflect this.

 

Tim Fletcher highlighted the importance of the Bushcare groups in maintaining natural area assets.

 

 

GENERAL BUSINESS

4.     Local Government Organics Collection System Grants          File 17261E

 

The Committee discussed the information contained in the email sent from Annie Boutland to the Committee regarding the Local Government Organics Collection System grants (green waste management).  Green waste dumping in the bush continues to be a problem.

 

The general consensus of the Committee is that this is not the core business of this Committee and should be referred to the appropriate team in Council.  Staff confirmed that the email from Annie had already been referred to Council’s Waste Management team for consideration.

5.     Additional Item – Land Use Rezoning File 42643E

 

Frances Bray suggested that Bushcare Groups be invited to make recommendations about the environmental values of their sites with regard to land use rezoning, noting that long term needs should be considered as there is increasing pressure on sites being used for inappropriate recreational activities.

 

Tim Fletcher asked the Committee to consider if volunteers would want to be involved in this way, noting that they would need to be aware of complex zoning information.

 

The Committee discussed the value of Bushcare groups’ participation in this process and what merit there may be in Bushcare groups contributing input regarding reclassification.

 

Kelie Lowe confirmed that Council staff do consider the environmental value of sites when considering the appropriateness of zoning.

 

Isabelle Ghetti advised that it is difficult to zone all natural areas as E2 as many of these sites, particularly foreshore reserves, are used for recreational purposes. It was also noted that there is specific legislation to protect the environmental values of bushland no matter what the zoning is.

 

It was also noted that volunteers are able to access the minutes of the Council Bushcare Representative Group meetings through Council’s website and that information on the Strategic Land Review currently being undertaken could be communicated to all Bushcare volunteers via the Bushcare Links newsletter.

 

 

 

 

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 6.20 pm.

 

 

 

 

Mike Clear

CHAIRPERSON

 

 

 

 


 

 Council Bushcare Representative Group – Friday 09 December 2016

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BR16.1      Options to address natural resources impacts on Captain St reserve, Vincentia

 

HPERM Ref:       D16/359276

 

Group:                Planning & Development Services Group  

Section:              Environmental Services

 

Attachments:     1. Access map - Advice road closure

  

    

 

Purpose / Summary

The Bushcare Representative Group asked on 13/03/2016 that staff investigate and report back options for addressing rubbish dumping, illegal camping, and the impacts of these activities on the reserve at Captain St, Vincentia.

 

Recommendation

That

1.    The Bushcare Representative Group receive the report for information.

2.    Council officers arrange to meet with the people who objected to the closure of the road to discuss their concerns with this option.

 

 

Options

1.    The Bushcare Representative Group receive the report for information.

Implications: No Implications.

 

2.    The Bushcare Representative Group receive the report for information and provide advice to Council on the preferred options for addressing rubbish dumping, illegal camping, and the impacts of these activities on the reserve.

Implications: Depend on the preferred option that the Bushcare Representative Group recommend.

 

Background

The following table identifies the options available to Council to address the on-going rubbish dumping and illegal camping on the Blenheim’s Beach crown reserve and some of the positives and negatives of each option and the associated implications.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Option/s

Positives

Negatives

Implications

1. Prevent vehicle access to the reserve via Captain St from Elizabeth St

Would immediately stop the rubbish dumping and illegal camping on the reserve

·    7.1% of submissions following the BAP exhibition were opposed to closing the road

·    On-going maintenance costs of gate and barriers

 

Under Section 116 of the NSW Roads Act Council has to seek authorisation from NSW RMS to block road, seek community feedback and take technical advice from the Shoalhaven Traffic Committee (STC) (see attachment)

2. Prevent vehicle access to the reserve from the boundary of the Captain St road reserve and crown reserve (see attached map)

Would reduce the space available for illegal camping

·    Would only move the problem of rubbish dumping not prevent it

·    On-going maintenance costs of gate and barriers

·    Would require Council and Bushcare Groups to rehabilitate old turning circle area at the end of road

Costs associated with the rehabilitation

3. Increase Ranger patrols and install remote sensor cameras

Would deter illegal camping and rubbish dumping

·    Require more resources from Ranger Services

·    Legal implications for the installation of cameras in public place

Require signage alerting the public to use of cameras and increase cost to Council to have greater Ranger presence

4. Have Bushcare volunteers regularly patrol/monitor the reserve and report rubbish dumping and illegal camping directly to Rangers (Council provide digital camera to volunteers)

 

Lower cost option and give the local community greater ownership

·    Delay in prosecutions

·    Greater commitment from Bushcare volunteers

·    Would potentially put volunteers at risk of harassment / bullying

Would require volunteers to be trained in use of camera and dealing with harassment/bullying

 

The impacts on the reserve from rubbish dumping and illegal camping on the crown reserve are as follows:

1.   Environmental and visual pollution from rubbish dumping

2.   Possible contamination from the dumping of contaminated waste such as asbestos

3.   Resources required to clean up rubbish

4.   Negative impact on local tourism

5.   Weed encroachment from dumping of garden waste

6.   Impact on reserve patronage from uncontrolled pets from illegal campers

7.   Risk of wild fire from illegal camp fires

8.   Loss of potential revenue of local accommodation business from free camping

 

Community Engagement

The closing of the Captain St Road Reserve would require Council to seek community feedback under section 116 of the NSW Road Act 1993.

 

Financial Implications

Each of the options would require different levels of financial commitment.

 

 

 


 

 Council Bushcare Representative Group – Friday 09 December 2016

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 Council Bushcare Representative Group – Friday 09 December 2016

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BR16.2      Council Owned Land/Property Review

 

HPERM Ref:       D16/359278

 

Group:                Planning & Development Services Group  

Section:              Environmental Services

 

    

 

Purpose / Summary

Council’s Bushcare Representative Group at its meeting on 13th April 2016 sought a report from staff on the Council’s Property Strategy and Land Review currently being undertaken by Property Services in cooperation with Strategic Planning and Corporate and Community Services.

 

Recommendation

That the Bushcare Representative Group receive the report on Council’s Property Strategy for information.

 

 

Background

Shoalhaven City Council has a substantial property portfolio comprising community, operational, residential, industrial and commercial properties distributed throughout the Shoalhaven.

A property strategy is being prepared to assist Council in the efficient and effective management of its property portfolio and to ensure current and future community and operational needs are met.

The property strategy is intended to provide a platform for service improvements by:

•           Ensuring property is always treated as a strategic resource and commercial asset

•           Challenging the reasoning for continued ownership of non-performing (lazy) assets

•           Ensuring property decisions are informed by sufficient data and analysis

•           Providing clarity around property processes, procedures and responsibilities

•        Providing tools and measures for the assessment of property performance as a commercial asset

•        Identifying the commercial benefits that the property portfolio is expected to deliver to the community

•        Establishing a commercial process for reporting on property performance to Council on an annual basis

•        Establishing a framework for the future management of property to increase commercial return to Council

Property forms an integral component of Council’s service delivery capability.  Council has a continuing commitment to progressive improvement of the integration of our planning, resourcing, delivery and reporting as we work together to meet the challenges and opportunities into the future. To maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of Council’s services it is imperative that the property portfolio be structured to maximise operational effectiveness, efficiency and financial performance.

Shoalhaven City Council also faces considerable long-term planning and service delivery challenges through a number of external factors, the majority of which are beyond the direct control of Council. These include, but are not limited to

•           An aging population

•           Increasing population growth

•           Climate change

•           Impact of Tourists at peak times

To cater for the growing needs of the community, Council must establish a clear vision and commercial strategy for the development or acquisition of new property assets.

 

Community Engagement

It is anticipated that the draft Shoalhaven Council Property Strategy will be placed on public exhibition in the first part of 2017.

The implementation of the strategy will involve community consultation to discuss proposed changes to the management of identified properties.

Any proposed changes to the current ownership, zoning, classification or categorisation of properties will undergo a public consultation and exhibition phase in accordance with the requirements under the Local Government Act 1993.

 

Policy Implications

The property strategy and its implementation may have implications on natural areas and subsequently the Generic Community Land Plan of Management for Natural Areas and individual Bushcare Action Plans. The Environmental Services section will be involved during the process and will ensure the Bushcare representative group is duly consulted and involved in discussions where it relates to their areas. 

 

 

 


 

 Council Bushcare Representative Group – Friday 09 December 2016

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BR16.3      Discussion Paper - Bushcare Action Plans - Consultation, Feedback from Submissions & Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

 

HPERM Ref:       D16/360378

 

Group:                Planning & Development Services Group 

Section:              Environmental Services

 

Attachments:     1. Discussion paper 

 

    

 

Purpose / Summary

To provide a discussion paper to the Bushcare Representative Group regarding the following:

·    Consultation options on Bushcare Action Plans;

·    Set of criteria to assess submissions; and

·    Aboriginal cultural heritage considerations.

 

 

Recommendation

That the Bushcare Representative Group recommend that Council implement the following actions:

1.    Establish a sub group of the Bushcare Representative Group to review and consider the potential implications and costs of updating the Shoalhaven Bushcare/Parkcare Policy and Procedures section six (6) Community Consultation, to include the methods used for consultation in order to be consistent with Councils Community Engagement Strategy.

2.    Council officers and Committee members continue to use quantitative assessment methods to assess submissions on Bushcare Group Action Plans.

3.    Council officers and committee members work with Executive Strategy & Communications Section to develop a set of qualitative methods to assess submissions on Bushcare Group Action Plans.

4.    Council officers develop a set of questions to include in the Bushcare Group Action Plan review template to prompt Bushcare Groups for the presence or absence of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage sites on their Bushcare Group site.

5.    Council officers undertake a preliminary desktop assessment which will inform investigations into the costs of engaging a suitably qualified consultant to undertake due diligence investigation of public land where Bushcare Groups currently work, that potentially have Aboriginal Cultural Heritage sites that require due diligence code to be followed and to identify site by site recommendations for the future management of the Aboriginal cultural heritage on these sites. The investigation to proceed where the cost of this investigation can be absorbed within the existing budget.

6.    Council develop a set of guidelines to assist Bushcare Groups in the identification and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage and include these as part of an Aboriginal cultural heritage identification training for Bushcare Group Coordinators.

 

 

Options

1.       1. That the Bushcare Representative Group advise Council to adopt all the recommendations of the discussion paper

Implications: Financial resources will be required to engage a heritage consultant

 

2.       2.  That the Bushcare Representative Group advise Council to adopt only some or different recommendations

Implications: Will depend on which recommendations the group advises Council to adopt

 

Background

Council Bushcare Representative Group made the following resolution at its Wednesday 13 April 2016 meeting:

RESOLVED that Council staff provide a discussion paper to the Council Bushcare Representative Group regarding:

 

a)    Consultation options in both the preparation of a Bushcare Action Plan and its acceptance.

b)    Development of a set of criteria to assist staff and the committee in submissions.

c)    Aboriginal cultural heritage consultation criteria be considered as part of the discussion paper

A discussion paper on these three points has been prepared by Council officers along with a set of six (6) recommendations for the Bushcare Representative Group to consider.

 

Community Engagement

The discussion paper outlines options available for community consultation of Bushcare Group Action Plans and some samples of various criteria that are commonly used for assessing consultation.

 

Policy Implications

The discussion paper recommends making changes to the Council’s Bushcare/Parkcare Policy and Procedures to bring it into line with Council Community Engagement Strategy.

 

Financial Implications

Council will investigate the costs for an Aboriginal heritage consultant to undertake a due diligence investigation/report once the in-house desktop assessment identifies any public land where Bushcare Groups currently work, that potentially have Aboriginal Cultural Heritage sites.

 

 


 

 Council Bushcare Representative Group – Friday 09 December 2016

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