Shoalhaven Natural Resource & Floodplain Management Committee
Meeting Date: Monday, 22 January, 2018
Location: E-Meeting
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
· Shoalhaven Natural Resource & Floodplain Management Committee - 23 November 2017........................................................................................................................ 1
3. Declarations of Interest
4. Reports
SN18.1........ Partnership with Griffith University ................................................................ 7
5. General Business
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Shoalhaven Natural Resource & Floodplain Management Committee – Monday 22 January 2018 Page iii |
Membership
Clr White – Chairperson
All Councillors
General Manager or nominee
Community representatives:-
David McCorkell
Duncan Marshall
Ian Stewart
Dr Michael Brungs
Dirk Treloar
Annie Boutland
Helen Moody
David Reynolds
Kaye Milsom
Brett Stevenson
Chris Grounds
Mike Clear
Paul Beckett
Robyn Flack
Peter Hanson
Government Agency representatives:-
Jerrinja LALC
Ulladulla LALC
NPWS
SRCMA
OEH
RMS
DPI Fisheries
Local Lands Service
Crown Lands
NSW Office of Water
Jervis Bay Marine Park Authority
SES
Quorum – Three (3) provided that a minimum of one Councillor and two community representatives are present.
Objective
To foster sustainable management of Shoalhaven’s natural resources including floodplains, coast and estuaries.
Role of Committee
1. Provide overall guidance for the management of natural resource management including floodplain management, estuary management and coastal zone management in accordance with Federal, State and Local Government Policy and Legislative instruments;
2. Advise Council on natural resource management including floodplain management, estuary management and coastal zone management matters;
3. Formulate agreed vision, goals, objectives, and targets sought from the Natural Resource Management Plans;
4. Facilitate the preparation of Natural Resources Management Plans;
5. Provides input into the identification of management options for Natural Resources Management Plans;
6. Facilitate broad community consultation;
7. Monitor State and Federal Government natural resource management direction and advises Council on appropriate response;
8. Monitor advances in knowledge and science of natural resource management issues (such as sea level rise and climate change) and integrate this knowledge in new Natural Resource Management Plans as well as in the review of existing Plans; and
9. Make recommendations for Council consideration.
Minutes of the Shoalhaven Natural Resource & Floodplain Management Committee
Meeting Date: Thursday, 23 November 2017
Location: Ulladulla Civic Centre
Time: 4.07pm
The following members were present:
Clr Patricia White – Chairperson
Clr John Levett
Annie Boutland
Chris Grounds
Bill McInnes
Frances Clements
Robyn Flack
Ian Stewart
Dirk Treloar
Kaye Milsom
John Murtagh
David McCorkell
Mike James
Paul Beckett
Duncan Marshall
Helen Moody
Michael Brungs
Others Present
Russ Pigg – General Manager
Kelie Clarke – Environmental Services
Alasdair Stratton – Natural Resources & Floodplain Unit Manager
Ray Massie – Coast and Estuaries Officer
Mir Abdus Subhan – Floodplain and Stormwater Quality Engineer
Ali Sevenler – Senior Floodplain Engineer
Election of Chairperson |
RESOLVED (By consent) That Clr White be appointed as the Chairperson for Shoalhaven Natural Resources and Floodplain Management Committee. CARRIED
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Apologies / Leave of Absence |
An apology was received from Brett Stevenson, Jillian Reynolds, Clr Findley, Clr Gartner and Peter Hanson.
Confirmation of the Minutes |
RESOLVED (Chris Grounds / Michael Brungs)
That the Minutes of the Shoalhaven Natural Resource & Floodplain Management Committee held on Thursday 07 September 2017 be confirmed. CARRIED
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Declarations of Interest |
Nil
PRESENTATIONS
Ali Sevenler provided a presentation on Update on the review of the Lower Shoalhaven River and St Georges Basin Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan.
Mir Abdus Subhan provided a presentation on Updates on the Shoalhaven River Levee Flood Damage Restoration 2017 Project.
Alasdair Stratton provided a presentation on Shoalhaven Riverbank Restoration - Bolong Road Project.
Reports
SN17.21 Updates on the Shoalhaven River and St Georges Basin Floodplain Risk Management Study & Plan and Shoalhaven River Levee Flood Damage Restoration 2017 project |
HPERM Ref: D17/348457 |
Bill McInnes from SES advised that he could email a copy of minor, moderate & major floods as defined by the SES for the committee members. |
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Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That Committee receive the report for information.
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RESOLVED (Mike Clear / Duncan Marshall) That the Shoalhaven Natural Resources and Floodplain Management Committee receive the report and presentations for information. CARRIED
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SN17.22 Flood Mitigation Projects – Flood Information Sign Project |
HPERM Ref: D17/352147 |
There was a minute resolved back in 2015 in relation to the installation of flood level indicators and historical flood signage. An in house project officer has been working on the project to identify potential locations and what information will be on the signs. Council is also working closely with the State Emergency Services. The signs will be prioritised around where they can be highly visable and a location that is in close prmoximity to evacuation plan announcements. The design of the signage is yet to be determined, the idea is to attract peoples attention and remain informative. The Committee discussed potential graffiti damage. It is thought that the sign could be mounted at the peak height of the flood, to show how serious flooding can be. A further report to the Committtee is expected after further community consultation. The Committee also commented that this would be an additional measure to ensure home buyers and renters are aware of the potential for flooding in areas. |
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Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That the Committee endorse the proposed locations of historical flood level signage.
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RESOLVED (David Reynolds / Ian Stewart) That the Shoalhaven Natural Resource and Floodplain Management Committee endorse the proposed locations of historical flood level signage. CARRIED
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SN17.23 Currarong
Coastal Erosion Remediation |
HPERM Ref: D17/361283 |
An aboriginal heritage study is to be undertaken as well as a review of environmental factors prior to obtaining licences necessary to carry out proposed coastal management works and beach access. Council officers continue to consult with the community as part of the planning process for the proposed works. The Committee were advised, Council sets aside $500,000 each year as an emergency response reserve for coastal management & infrastructure. It is protected and can accumulate over time. |
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Recommendation That Council: 1. Undertake detailed design, review of environmental factors (REF) and seek necessary permits and approvals for the Currarong Coastal Erosion Remediation project; and 2. Include community and government agency consultation during the detailed design and REF process; and 3. Place the final detailed design and REF on public exhibition and report back to Council the outcome of the exhibition; and 4. Once necessary permits and approvals are obtained and Council has resolved to commence construction, complete the erosion remediation project construction including design amendments for the western beach access mound. 5. Should the necessary permits and approvals be obtained, construct a temporary access (Warrain Crescent Beach Access Ramp Plan, Drawing #PA1506/MA/1021, Royal HaskoningDHV) at Warrain Crescent, as soon as possible whilst continuing with the detailed design process for the remediation project.
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Recommendation (David Reynolds / Annie Boutland) That Council: 1. Undertake detailed design, review of environmental factors (REF) and seek necessary permits and approvals for the Currarong Coastal Erosion Remediation project; and 2. Include community and government agency consultation during the detailed design and REF process; and 3. Place the final detailed design and REF on public exhibition and report back to Council the outcome of the exhibition; and 4. Once necessary permits and approvals are obtained and Council has resolved to commence construction, complete the erosion remediation project construction including design amendments for the western beach access mound. 5. Should the necessary permits and approvals be obtained, construct a temporary access (Warrain Crescent Beach Access Ramp Plan, Drawing #PA1506/MA/1021, Royal HaskoningDHV) at Warrain Crescent, as soon as possible whilst continuing with the detailed design process for the remediation project. CARRIED
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SN17.24 Shoalhaven Dredging Survey Report |
HPERM Ref: D17/382332 |
Back in June a resolution was passed by the Shoalhaven Natural Resources and Floodplain Management Committee that Council submit a further report outlining positive and negative feedback in relation to the dredging. Council utilised the ‘Get Involved’ webpage and conducted a survey, that targeted Sussex Inlet and Lake Conjola residents and their opinions on the dredging in their localities. The survey was sent to a wide variety of respondents including the ccbs for those areas. The survey asked:
The report outlines online survey visitation over the month and graphs for each estuary based on responses. The report was presented to the Committee with the results. The Committee members made the following comments:
It was clarified by Kelie Clarke that a financial assessment of the dredging project was undertaken, there was no funds remaining in the budget and Council had to contribute more as the cost was greater than initially estimated. Survey data is being collected over time to monitor the dredging however this survey was to gauge the communities opinion and feelings toward the issue. Further to these comments, Clr White clarified that these are issues that matter to the community. Clr White also said that community consultation submissions are valuable information to the Councillors, as Councillors are representing the entire community. When community members have taken the time to provide opinion and comments, Councillors read all information provided to them in order to make an informed decision. |
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Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That the SNRFM Committee receive the report on the community feedback survey on the dredging program at Sussex Inlet and Lake Conjola for information.
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RESOLVED (David Reynolds / Kaye Milsom) That the Shoalhaven Natural Resources Floodplain Management Committee receive the report on the community feedback survey on the dredging program at Sussex Inlet and Lake Conjola for information.. CARRIED
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GENERAL BUSINESS
SN17.25 Additional Item - Previous Meeting – Tourism Manager – Contact List – Request Follow Up |
Helen Moody advised that at the previous meeting, Tourism Section Manager, Coralie Bell provided a presentation, at the end of the presentation, Coralie Bell asked the Committee if they would like to be consulted further or would like further information etc. A number of community members wrote their names and contact information down (approximately 11), however did not hear from anyone. Kelie Clarke will follow up with Coralie Bell and also notify her of Mr Ian Stewarts intention to be included in the follow up consultation.
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SN17.26 Additional Item - Attachments SN17.24 - Lake Conjola |
There was an administration error in relation to the Lake Conjola report, two additional attachments were not included. Alasdair Stratton will send the additional attachments to Governance for sending out to the Committee.
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SN17.27 Additional Item - Lake Conjola – Dredging – Include in Entrance Management Plan |
Mike James made a comment that in relation to Lake Conjola and the positive effect the dredging has had. It was suggested that the Entrance Management Plan be revisited and that dredging be included as a tool in the plan as an option. The dredging towards the entrance assisted in mitigation of minor flooding events in the frequency, level and duration. Mr Dirk Treloar advised that a community dredging analysis by plotting the data prior to and after dredging with comparable data had been undertaken.
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RESOLVED (Mike Clear / Annie Boutland) That Council staff consider the Shoalhaven Natural Resources and Floodplain Management Committees request to undertake a scientific analysis of the dredging and report back to the Committee on how staff can undertake this and how the University of Wollongong can be incorporated into this.. CARRIED
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SN17.28 Additional Item - Proposal – Griffith University – Resilience Plan |
Kelie Clarke advised there has been a proposal from Griffith University to involve the Sustainable Futures Committee and the Shoalhaven Natural Resources and Floodplain Management Committee in developing an adaptation pathways plan as part of their research. Kelie Clarke will arrange for Governance to email the proposal to the Committee Members via an e-meeting seeking endorsement through committee. If the majority of Committee approve, Kelie will write a report with a recommendation to Council seeking endorsement through Council. Governance will also send a link to the presentation provided by Dr Rafael Carvalho – University of Wollongong, at the recent Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce meeting about his PHD investigation into Shoalhaven River estuary sediment.
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SN17.29 Additional Item - Scoping Study – Working Group – Feedback – Coastal Zone Management Plan |
At the previous meeting it was resolved that a working group of committee members would be established to assist staff in finalising the scoping study for the Shoalhaven Coastal Management Program. Kelie Clarke advised it has been undertaken and a working group was formed. Feedback has been gained. Thank you to Chris Grounds, Dirk Treloar and Brett Stevenson for making time to be on the working group and for their contributions to the scoping study. Progress on the scoping study and CMP will be reported to the next meeting.
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There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 6.11pm.
Clr Patricia White
CHAIRPERSON
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Shoalhaven Natural Resource & Floodplain Management Committee – Monday 22 January 2018 Page 7 |
SN18.1 Partnership with Griffith University
HPERM Ref: D18/13523
Group: Planning Environment & Development Group
Section: Environmental Services
Attachments: 1. Griffith University research proposal ⇩
Purpose / Summary
The purpose of this report is to seek support from the Committee to participate in a research project with Griffith University.
Options
1. As recommended.
Implications: Continue partnership with Griffith and Wollongong University’s. Council will receive practical policy approaches that could be used in planning for resilient communities and managing environmental and climate change.
2. Not participate in the research project.
Implications: Council, the Committee and the community will miss the opportunity to continue its partnership with Griffith University around community resilience planning.
Background
Professor Darryl Low Choy from Griffith University briefed Councillors on 18 August 2017 about the successful resilience planning project with the Sussex Inlet community. The project won two awards:
· 2017 Resilient Australia Awards – NSW - Highly Commended - Sussex Inlet & District Action Plan - Building Community Resilience
The Sussex Inlet and District Community Forum delivered a community-led strategic action plan designed to build resilience to future impacts of natural hazards, including engaging with the planning process of government and non-government agencies. Working in collaboration with Griffith University and Council, the project created a transferable model of community engagement for the emergency services for preparedness and planning.
· Local Government NSW, Excellence in the Environment - Climate Change Action Award. https://lgnsw.org.au/events-training/excellence-environment-awards
Climate change risks facing the community were addressed in the plan. A two year process led to the creation of a vision for the area's future and a strategic action plan. This allowed the community to consider long term strategic issues and opportunities to build resilience to future impacts from natural hazards, and to engage with the various planning processes of local, state and federal governments.
A copy of the Plan can be viewed on the Sussex Inlet & District Community Forum website at
http://www.sussexdistrictsforum.com.au/strategic-action-plan/
At the briefing of Councillors, Professor Darryl Low Choy said that the University would like to continue its partnership with Council and outlined a proposal for a future research project. Councillors were supportive of a continued partnership with the University and suggested that community members of the Sustainable Futures Committee and Natural Resources & Floodplain Committee would be ideal participants in the project as both of the committee’s purpose and terms of reference align with resilience planning.
Research partnership proposal
The research project titled “managing environmental change through planning for transformative pathways”, will involve teams from both Griffith University and the University of Wollongong. A copy of the project proposal is contained within attachment 1.
This research is addressing the following question: “Given the increasing pressures of urbanisation and environmental change on peri-urban areas, how can planning systems be improved to avoid reaching socio-ecological and political-economic tipping-points and promote transformative pathways that ensure their socio-ecological viability?”
A key outcome of the project includes the development of practical policy approaches that Council could consider utilising in the future. Griffith University will facilitate workshops with interested Committee members and use scenario based planning to develop an adaptation pathways plan.
Community Engagement
The proposal is to involve community members from both the Sustainable Futures Committee and Council’s Natural Resources & Floodplain Committee in workshops that are expected to be held on weekends. This report has also been submitted to the Natural Resources & Floodplain Committee seeking their support and participation in the project.
Policy Implications
This research project will build upon the work that the University and Council conducted with the Sussex Inlet community. Council also partnered in this project.
At the end of the process, the University will produce a report that includes an adaption pathways plan that Council can consider in future planning.
Financial Implications
There is no direct financial cost to Council. This research project is funded by the Australian Research Council. There will be an in-kind contribution from Council, as existing staff will assist the University in scheduling workshops and collating relevant Council data, as agreed by Council. This can be accommodated within existing resources.