Council Bushcare Representative Group

 

 

Meeting Date:     Monday, 04 September, 2017

Location:            Jervis Bay Rooms, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time:                   4.00 pm

 

 

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

·      Council Bushcare Representative Group - 9 December 2016.................................... 1

3.    Declarations of Interest

4.    Reports

BR17.1........ Resignation - Annie Boutland - Council Bushcare Representative Group.... 7

BR17.2........ Three Bushcare Group Action Plans - Cudmirrah-Berrara , William Mulligan Reserve, Sussex Inlet & Dyball Reserve, Swan Haven - New and Review................. 8                         

5.    General Business


 

 Council Bushcare Representative Group – Monday 04 September 2017

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Membership

Clr White - Chairperson

All Councillors

Mr Jason Carson

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

 

 

Meeting Date:     Friday, 9 December 2016

Location:            Meeting Room 2, Ulladulla Civic Centre

Time:                   10.05 am

 

 

The following members were present:

Clr Patricia White - Chairperson

Clr Mark Kitchener

Clr Amanda Findley – arrived 10.21am

Mr Mike Clear

Ms Francis Bray

Ms Annie Boutland

Mr Jason Carson

 

 

Others Present:

Kelie Lowe – Environmental Services Section Manager

Isabelle Ghetti – Natural Resources Floodplain Management Unit Manager

Alastair Stratton – Bushcare Coordinator

Blake Kelly – Bushcare Trainee

 

 

Apologies / Leave of Absence

 

An apology was received from Clr Wells, Bill Pigott, Bryan Lenne and Tony Jennings.

 

 

Confirmation of the Minutes

 

That the minutes of the Council Bushcare Representative Group meeting, held Wednesday 13 April 2016 be confirmed.

 

Motion (Francis Bray / Mike Clear)

Resolved that the minutes of the Council Bushcare Representative Group meeting, held Wednesday 13 April 2016 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Business Arising from the Previous Minutes

General Business Item 5 – Land Use Rezoning discussed as to the potential Council sites and the Bushcare Plans that relate to them.  It was stated in the minutes that volunteers are able to access the minutes and information on the Strategic Land Review which discusses potentially rezoning of the land would be circulated via the Bushcare Newsletter.  No Update on this issue has been provided and Francis Bray requested a progress report.

Isabelle Ghetti advised that the report has been included in today’s agenda item BR16.2.  It was not included in the newsletter as there was not much progress at that stage or further information.

 

 

Declarations of Interest

 

Nil

 

 

Reports

 

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

HPERM Ref: D16/359276

Clr White advised that the community in Vincentia have been asking for the road to be closed and historically there was a resistance to close it over time.  Clr White found it useful to hear the argument from both sides.

There were three submissions that were opposed to it being closed.

Annie Boutland discussed the benefits seen in the Ulladulla Community when the road was closed to a reserve and there is no longer any illegal dumping and the reserve is rehabilitating itself.

Access could be blocked by a lockable gate with emergency access on the other side.  It would be feasible to maintain the emergency access driveway and still rehabilitate a significant part of the bush.

Note: Clr Findley arrived, the time being 10.21am.

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.

 

Recommendation (By consent)

That

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

2.      Council Officers further investigate the implementation and effect of the closure of the road for Options 1 & 2 as detailed in the report and to meet with the people who objected to the closure of the road and consult with the community.

CARRIED

 

BR16.2       Council Owned Land/Property Review

HPERM Ref: D16/359278

The Natural Resources and Floodplain Unit met with the Property Services Unit in Council, who is undertaking the lead in the review process and asked for an explanation of the process, to ensure that there was adequate opportunity for the community to provide input and for consultation.  The Natural Resources and Floodplain Unit were reassured that the process has different stages.  The 1st stage is to develop the Strategic Plan for the Property Strategic Review and the 2nd stage is to place it on exhibition for community input.

Once it is implemented nothing can change without further specific consultation on any specific land.

The Strategic Plan is expected to go on until exhibition in March 2017.  The strategic plan is divided into Northern, Central, Southern and further into suburbs.

It will concentrate on the obvious mistakes initially i.e. classifications of land e.g. natural areas that are classified as residential and not connected to other natural areas and has been this way for many years and vice versa.

The Bushcare Representative Group raised concerns as the report seemed to have a large focus on the commercial values and natural areas are not valued in this way.  Some of the areas are priceless and if a price is put on them some people maybe just pay that price.  The conservation values of the land need to part of the strategic assessment.

Staff advised that part of the reason for the Strategic Review is that it has never really been drilled right down into what we do own and what we don’t and whether the purpose land was initially purchased for is required anymore.  We will benefit from a strategic document that includes a matrix with options.  Once on exhibition the community can provide feedback which can be taken into consideration.  Please note that if land was acquired on Trust it cannot be sold prior to extinguishing the Trust, which can take up to two years.  Kelie to recommend to property that the natural values and conservation values be included in the matrix that is being used to assess properties.

Clr White advised that the State Governments Review Crown Lands is under negotiations at the moment and it is unclear if and what will go to Council to manage and if so what we can do with the land.  It is also undecided what we can take and what we won’t take.

It was also advised that Council’s Property Review does not cover Crown Land.  When the document is on exhibition this should be noted and it will be updated in the Strategic Plan when the Land is transferred.

Francis Bray advised that her concerns are in relation to the LEP process was a “like for like approach”.  Some natural areas with high conservation value remain zoned recreational.  Francis Bray foresees that there will be requests for uses of the land that would be in conflict with the natural value.

It was agreed that further crafting of the language in the document was required prior to it going on exhibition so the community could clearly understand the purpose and the process of the review.

Recommendation

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

 

Recommendation (Francis Bray / Annie Boutland)

That

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

2.      The conservation values of land be considered as part of Council owned land and property reviews prior to the document being placed on public exhibition.

3.      These values include: The natural, aboriginal cultural values, wildlife corridors and erosion elements such as stabilising the dunes and cliffs be included in the strategic document prior to it being placed on public exhibition.

 

 

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

HPERM Ref: D16/360378

Council staff have reviewed how community consultation for reviewed bushcare action plans is undertaken and how submissions are assessed.

The aim is to align the Bushcare Action Plans with the Council Community Engagement Strategy.

Staff also reviewed how Aboriginal heritage issues need to be considered.  What could be on those sites? What could be impacted? Council needs to look at what we could use more such as trigger questions in relation to Bushcare Action Plans and keeping within the law on these sites.

We are in the process of developing a set of guidelines to help identify and manage bushcare sites.

It is recommended that we initially form a sub group or hold a workshop about the consultation processes prior to making the change.  So that there is enough time for the Bushcare Groups to have direct input into what consultation methods are used.

Isabelle Ghetti advised that it is difficult to pre-empt the best method and the amount of expected consultation.  Isabelle Ghetti suggested that a trial could be implemented and reported back to the Bushcare Representative Group.

Looking at percentage of submissions is not enough.  We also need to assess the comments made.

Clr White said that Council needs to do better with community consultation.  To do better we require feedback and this workshop or subgroup could assist staff to change it.  The staff need direction in relation to what do you want to see in it.  It would be beneficial to have feedback prior to creating it rather than staff sending a document for comment.

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.

 

Recommendation (Francis Bray / Mike Clear)

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

1.    Hold a workshop in early 2017 and that the Council Bushcare Group be consulted in regards to the date. The Workshop is to obtain feedback from the Committee on the methods on how to consult with the communtiy how to evaluate submissions as well as review and consider the potential implications and costs of updating the Shoalhaven Bushcare/Parkcare Policy and Procedures section six (6) 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.      Alastair Stratton arrange a meeting with Margaret Simoes to establish contact with the Aboriginal Land Councils with the aim of going to Aboriginal Land Council to ask them the best ways to consult with them.

5.      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.

6.      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.

7.      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.

8.      Council communicate with the Bushcare Group Coordinators and invite indivuals with skills in communicating with indigenous communities to participate in the Workshop.

 

     

 

GENERAL BUSINESS

 

BR16.4       Draft Coastal Management State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP)

 

There was discussion about the Draft Coastal Management State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP) that the State Government has released for public comment until 24 December 2016.  Council staff are making a submission that will be presented to Council in January.  Staff advised that Council has requested an extension to the submission period so as to be able to report the matter to Council.  This is part of the Governments Coast Reforms and sits under the Coastal Management Act.  The result is a whole change in the definition of a coastal zone.  It measures 1km from the coast, the new Coastal Act divides the four areas coastal zones.  Francis Bray raised her concerns regarding the coastal environment areas.  It measures 100m which should include the beach and dunes, however it doesn’t match the typography and some sections of dune are left out because the 100m is measured from the Local Government boundary, which could be in the water.  The maps have large areas that are not included and therefore not subject to the development conditions that are being proposed in the SEPP.  The SEPP applies to private and public land.  The other concern is there are no definitions and looking at the map, the maps are wrong and if they are wrong the area cannot be included.  Concerns were raised that the rainforest mapping is not accurate and it is worth the Bushcare Groups reviewing the draft SEPP on the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website.

 

 

 

 

Clr White wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year and there being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 11:30am.

 

 

 

 

Clr White

CHAIRPERSON

 

 

 

 


 

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BR17.1       Resignation - Annie Boutland - Council Bushcare Representative Group

 

HPERM Ref:       D17/279211

 

Group:                Finance Corporate & Community Services Group 

Section:              Human Resources, Governance & Customer Service

 

    

 

Purpose / Summary

To advise the Council Bushcare Representative Group that Ms Annie Boutland has resigned from the Committee.

 

Recommendation

That

1.    The Council accept the resignation of Ms Annie Boutland

2.    Council call for nominations from Local Bushcare Groups

 

 

Options

1.    As recommended

Implications: Nil

 

2.    An alternate recommendation

Implications: unknown

 

Background

Council received an email from Ms Annie Boutland, Thursday 25 May 2017 advising of her resignation from the Council Bushcare Representative Group.  Council has acknowledged Ms Annie Boutland’s resignation and expressed appreciation of her contributions through the Bushcare Representative Committee.

Ms Annie Boutland has been a member of the Council Bushcare Representative Group since its establishment in 2011.

 

Community Engagement

Council will write to the Local Bushcare Groups and ask for a nominee to fill the vacancy.  A report will be submitted back to the Council Bushcare Representative Group to advise them of the new member.  


 

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BR17.2       Three Bushcare Group Action Plans - Cudmirrah-Berrara , William Mulligan Reserve, Sussex Inlet & Dyball Reserve, Swan Haven - New and Review

 

HPERM Ref:       D17/264124

 

Group:                Planning Environment & Development Group 

Section:              Environmental Services

 

Attachments:     1. William Mulligan Reserve Bushcare Action Plan 

2. Dyball Reserve Bushcare Action Plan 

3. Cudmirrah - Berrara Bushcare Group Action Plan - Review 

 

    

 

Purpose / Summary

The purpose of the report is to present two (2) new Bushcare Group Action Plans and one (1) reviewed Bushcare Group Action Plan for adoption, and the outcome of the community consultation.

 

Recommendation

That Council adopt the following two (2) new Bushcare Group Action Plans and the one (1) reviewed Bushcare Action Group Plan:

1.    Dyball Reserve Bushcare Group Action Plan  – Swan Haven

2.    William Mulligan Reserve Group Action Plan  – Sussex Inlet

3.    Berrara – Cudmirrah Bushcare Group Action Plan 

 

Options

1.    Adopt the reviewed and new Bushcare group Action Plans as per the recommendations.

Implications: All three Bushcare Group Action Plans have been reviewed by Council officers and State Government agency staff. All the plans have been sent to the local Council Consultative Bodies’ (CCBs) and all residents within 200 meters of the reserve. This is as per the consultation requirements of the Council’s Bushcare/Parkcare Policy & Procedures 2009.

 

2.    Adopt one or two of the Bushcare Group Action Plans and seek a review or make changes to the other Bushcare Group Action Plan.

Implications: The positive or negatives implications of choosing this would depend on the proposed changes

 

3.    Not adopt any of the new or reviewed Bushcare Group Action Plans

Implications: This option would significantly affect the moral of Bushcare volunteers, leading to a loss of volunteer participation in the Council Bushcare program.

 

Background

The Cudmirrah – Berrara Bushcare Group Action Plan was due for review in July 2013 and two new Bushcare Groups have started at Swan Haven, Dyball Reserve and William Mulligan Reserve, Sussex Inlet, both of which have created new Bushcare Plans.

Part C of MIN08.117 Ordinary Council meeting dated 29 January 2008 states that:

Council affirms its direction that planting and other associated pursuits should only be done by abovementioned groups in accordance with Bushcare and Parkcare action plans as approved by Council”.

This part of the Council resolution requires that all Bushcare and Parkcare Groups that operate on Council owned or managed land prepare plans for adoption by Council.

Part D of MIN08.1552 Ordinary Council meeting dated 25 November 2008 states that:

“An all-embracing Consultation Policy be developed that will include nearby residents, the wider community, Tourism Shoalhaven, CCBs, Chambers of Commerce, community groups, church groups and local schools.”

The level of consultation required is dependent on the actions outlined within the plan and is specified in chapter 6, Community Consultation, of the Bushcare/Parkcare Policy, 2009. Council has recently resolved to update this Policy. A workshop with Councillors will be held to inform this review process.

Under the Council’s Community Engagement Policy matrix, all Bushcare Action Plans are classed as local, low impact projects. Therefore, combined with the requirements of the Bushcare Policy both Bushcare Action Plans used direct communication via a mail out to all residents/ratepayers and CCBs. Both the new and reviewed plans were made available on Council’s website.

Copies of the three Bushcare Group Action Plans and a summarised presentation of each Bushcare Plan was placed on Council “Get Involved” website for the public to comment on.

Notification of the review and new plans and opportunity and instructions on how to provide feedback for the three (3) Bushcare Group Action Plans were mailed and/or emailed out to 562 adjoining residents/ratepayers near the affected public reserves, as well as the Cudmirrah – Berrara Progress Association and the Sussex Inlet Community Forum.

During the consultation phase, Council received twelve submissions; the following is a breakdown of the submissions:

 

Cudmirrah – Berrara Bushcare Plan Review – Total submissions 4

Summary of issues raised

Changes made or actions taken as a result of the submission

Number of submissions that raised this issue

Bushfire risks not addressed

Bushcare program is not responsible for bushfire mitigation and staff in charge of bushfire mitigation have been consulted to ensure plan does not adversely impact on Council’s bushfire mitigation program.

1

Support for the plan

NA

2

Concern about overgrown vegetation at Berrara Cove and Kirby’s Beach

Action in plan to notify if viewing platforms require vegetation control

1

 

Dyball Reserve Bushcare Plan – Swan Haven – Total submissions 3

Summary of issues raised

Changes made or actions taken as a result of the submission

Number of submissions that raised this issue

Support for the plan

NA

1

Reduction in bushfire risk

Bushcare program is not responsible for bushfire mitigation and staff in charge of bushfire mitigation have been consulted to ensure plan does not adversely impact on Council’s bushfire mitigation program.

1

How will on-going information about Bushcare Group activities be communicated to the community

Communication via progress association

1


William Mulligan Reserve – Sussex Inlet – Total submissions received 4

Summary of issues raised

Changes made or actions taken as a result of the submission

Number of submissions that raised this issue

Concerned about vehicle access across reserve for emergency

An on-site meeting, with Council, DPI Fisheries and affected property owners was held. It was agreed that mowing could be reduced and salt marsh protected whilst also still allowing some mowing to continue to maintain access to jetties and the reserve. Council has applied to NSW Fisheries for a Permit to Harm under the Fisheries Act for this mowing.

3

Opposed to restricting vehicle access

3

Concerned about restrictions on mowing saltmarsh vegetation on foreshore reserve

2

Council is targeting individual property owners

1

 

Community Engagement

Two CCB’s and 562 residents/ratepayers were given the opportunity to provide feedback on the three (3) Bushcare Group Action Plans.

 

Policy Implications

NA

 

Financial Implications

The cost of implementing the actions within the new and reviewed plans over three years, including voluntary labour, will be a total cost of $26,588.  These costs will be funded through Council’s existing Bushcare program budget and voluntary labour, as follows:

·    $15,300  (accommodated through existing budgets) materials/equipment and direct support from casual Bushcare Field Officer Staff;

·    $11,288 in existing salaried staff time; and

·    In-kind volunteer contribution $45,360

 

Risk Implications

This report demonstrates the value of Bushcare volunteers to manage natural areas under the care and control of Council. The community is largely supportive of the three (3) Bushcare Action Plans. The report outlines the consultation process and how the submissions received have been considered and addressed. It is recommended that the new Dyball Reserve and William Mulligan Reserve and the reviewed Cudmirrah-Berrara Bushcare Group Action plans be adopted.


 

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