Agenda of Council Bushcare Representative Group

Minutes of the Council Bushcare Representative Group

Meeting Date: Monday, 4 September 2017

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

Time: 4.06 pm

The following members were present:

Clr Patricia White - Chairperson

Clr Amanda Findley

Clr John Levett

Mr Bill Pigott

Ms Frances Bray

Mr Mike Clear

Mr Tony Jennings

Mr Jason Carson

Mr Bryan Lenne

Others Present:

Kelie Clarke – Environmental Services Manager

Alasdair Stratton – Acting Natural Resources and Floodplain Manager

Apologies / Leave of Absence

An apology was received from Clr Gartner. Phil Costello

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (Mike Clear / Frances Bray)

That the Minutes of the Council Bushcare Representative Group held on Friday 09 December 2016 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Business arising from previous minutes:

· Frances Bray – BR16.3 - point 8 – Would like an update as to where it is at?

o Alasdair Statton advised that – the first 4 parts of the recommendation have been completed. We held a workshop in February 2017 and passed around the summary of the workshop findings. Parts of items 5 and 6 haven’t been undertaken as training as there has been some staffing movements. Have met with Margaret Simoes – Aboriginal Community Development Officer in relation to consultation with Aboriginal organisations and Bushcare Plans.

Clr White – how many people attended the workshop?

Alasdair Statton advised – 12 attendees which included, 2 staff members and 3 Clrs.

Frances Bray – question relating to crown land zoning and management

Kelie Clarke advised that - deciding if it is a natural area or park land, it will be referring to the strategic planning section for identification of the classification of the land
Kelie will send out a copy of the plan to all members

Declarations of Interest

Mike Clear – BR17.2 - Three Bushcare Group Action Plans - Cudmirrah-Berrara , William Mulligan Reserve, Sussex Inlet & Dyball Reserve, Swan Haven - New and Review – less than significant non pecuniary interest declaration – he is a member of the Berrara – Cudmirrah Bushcare Group – will remain in the room and will take part in discussion and vote.

Reports

BR17.1 Resignation - Annie Boutland - Council Bushcare Representative Group	HPERM Ref: D17/279211
The Committee acknowledged the contribution from Annie to the Committee and the wider community.
Recommendation That 1. The Council accept the resignation of Ms Annie Boutland 2. Council acknowledges the great contribution that Annie has made to the CBRG and her local area 3. Council call for nominations from Local Bushcare Groups
Recommendation (By consent) That Council: 1. Accept the resignation of Ms Annie Boutland 2. Acknowledges the great contribution that Annie has made to the CBRG and her local area 3. Call for nominations from Local Bushcare Groups CARRIED

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

Mike Clear – BR17.2 – less than significant non pecuniary interest declaration – he is a member of the Berrara – Cudmirrah Bushcare Group – will remain in the room and will take part in discussion and vote.

Note: Alasdair Stratton provided 3 presentations in relation to each plan.

Action – Alasdair Stratton - Note: Frances suggested that the actions need to reflect the objectives in the plan, relating to public awareness raising and education.

Action – Alasdair Stratton – Note: Rebecca Rudd to be acknowledged as part of the plan as Sam Dunnett mentor

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

Recommendation (By consent)

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

CARRIED

GENERAL BUSINESS

BR17.3 Additional Item - Expiring Buschare Grant Funding

Recommendation (By consent)

That the Council Bushcare Representative Group:

1. Wishes to alert Council to the ending of the grant funding for the two positions of Bush Regenerator Ganger and skilled labourers will cease from 22 December 2017 and the group advocates for council to consider further funding.

2. Recognises the superior contribution that Ronald Carberry and Edward Farrell have brought to the Bushcare movement by imparting their indigenous cultural heritage their work ethic and their technical bush regeneration skills over an 8 year period

3. Calls for a further report back to council on the future resources for maintaining these two positions within Council.

CARRIED

BR17.4 Additional Item - Bushcare Awards

The Committee was advised that the NSW Landcare awards are open for nominations, and that many of the Shoalhaven Bushcare Groups would be worthy of a nomination for an award.

On hearing the excellence of the work of Sam Dunnett and the Cudmirrah-Berrara Bushcare Group, we are aware that groups can nominate for awards.

Recommendation (By consent)

That Council consider nominating Bushcare Group achievements for appropriate awards including Samuel Dunnett and the Cudmirrah-Berrara Bushcare Group for the 2017 NSW Landcare Awards.

CARRIED

BR17.5 Additional Item - Inclusion of Biodiversity Overlay in the LEP

In the Berry corridor there are three very active bushcare groups, there is a request to council from the project to have the corridor recognised in the LEP.

Recommendation (By consent)

That the Council Bushcare Representative Group support the inclusion in biodiversity overlay for work completed, as part of the Berry Corridor in the LEP.

CARRIED

BR17.6 Additional Item - Current Grants

Jason Carson – Local Land Services, Senior Lands Officer, advised that Mountain to the Sea grants are open for application, with the closing date being 5.00pm Friday 22 September 2017.

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 5.43pm.

Clr Patricia White

CHAIRPERSON

Council Bushcare Representative Group – Wednesday 21 February 2018

Page 5

BR18.1 Applications for Membership - Len White and Kelly Cowlishaw

HPERM Ref: D18/1819

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Human Resources, Governance & Customer Service

Attachments: 1. Membership Application - Len White ⇩

2. Membership Application - Kelly Cowlishaw ⇩

Purpose / Summary

The Committee to consider the applications for membership from Len White and Kelly Cowlishaw.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That Len White and Kelly Cowlishaw be appointed as community members on the Council Bushcare Representative Group.

Options

1. As recommended

2. Len White and Kelly Cowlishaw not be appointed as members

3. Adopt an alternate recommendation

Background

In November 2017, Council called for Expressions of Interest from the Community for membership on the Council Bushcare Representative Group. Council received two (2) applications from Len White and Kelly Cowlishaw.

Len White stated in his application (Attached) that he has a keen interest in Shoalhaven Bushcare and is aware of the many challenges facing Bushcare Groups as well as numerous opportunities for growth and development.

Mr White has a hands-on knowledge of weed management strategies and revegetation processes. Mr White stated that he is a lawyer and has an understanding of policies and legislation and can assist with reviews of Bushcare Policies and Action Plans.

Ms Cowlishaw stated in her application (Attached) that she is undertaking TAFE courses in Conservation and Land Management III and Horticulture Certificate III. She is a member of the Lower Mulgen Creek Bushcare Group and is also looking to join the Bens Walk Bushcare Group.

Council Bushcare Representative Group – Wednesday 21 February 2018

Page 8

BR18.2 Four (4) Bushcare Action Plans - Review

HPERM Ref: D18/34937

Group: Planning Environment & Development Group

Section: Environmental Services

Attachments: 1. Broughton Vale Bushcare Action Plan (under separate cover) ⇨

2. Tallyan Point Bushcare Action Plan (under separate cover) ⇨

3. Mia Way Bushcare Action Plan (under separate cover) ⇨

4. Callala Boat Ramp Reserve Bushcare Action Plan (under separate cover) ⇨

Purpose / Summary

The purpose of the report is to present four (4) reviewed Bushcare Group Action Plans: Broughton Vale; Tallyan Point; Mia Way; and Callala Boat Ramp for adoption.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Council Bushcare Representative Group recommend that Council adopt the following four (4) reviewed Bushcare Group Action Plans:

1. Broughton Vale Bushcare Action Plan

2. Tallyan Point Bushcare Action Plan

3. Mia Way Bushcare Action Plan

4. Callala Boat Ramp Reserve Bushcare Action Plan

Options

1. As recommended. Adopt the four (4) revised Bushcare Group Action Plans.

Implications: The four (4) Bushcare Group Action Plans have been reviewed by Council’s Environmental Services Section and State Government agencies. All plans have been sent to relevant Council Consultative Bodies (CCB’s) and all residents and ratepayers within 200 metres of the reserve affected. This is as per the requirements of the Bushcare/Parkcare Policy and Procedures 2012 and in line with Council’s Community Engagement Plan.

2. Adopt some of the reviewed Bushcare Group Action Plan and seek a review or make changes to the other.

Implications: The positive and negative implications of choosing this option would depend on what the proposed changes are.

3. Not adopt any of reviewed Bushcare Group Action Plans

Implications: This decision would significantly affect volunteer’s morale and result in a loss of volunteer participation in Council’s Bushcare program.

Background

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 & Procedures, 2012.

Under the Council’s Community Engagement Policy engagement matrix, all Bushcare Action Plans are classed as a local low impact project. Therefore, combined with the requirements of the Bushcare Policy & Procedure, all four (4) reviewed Bushcare Action Plans used direct communication via a mail-out to all residents/ratepayers and the CCB’s and made all four (4) reviewed plans available through the SCC website.

All four (4) Bushcare Action Plans were mailed and/or emailed out to 390 adjoining residents/ratepayers near the affected public reserves, Culburra Beach Progress Association, Jerrinja Local Aboriginal Land Council, Callala Bay Community Association Inc, Basin Villages Forum

Only the Tallyan Point and Mia Way plan reviews received any submission following the consultation phase. A summary of the submissions is contained in the table below.

· Mia Way Bushcare Action Plan Review (D17/115200) - Summary of Submissions – 1 Submission received from 2 individuals

Issues raised by submissions

Changes made or actions taken as a result of the submissions

Number of submissions that raised this issue

Comment was made regarding expansion of the Bushcare Group’s boundary, as this group has some internal conflict and individual volunteers work on specific areas

None, as Council received comment from some residents indicating that there was interest in continuing Bushcare activities throughout the site, so the original area has been retained.

Removal of Asparagus aethiopicus (Asparagus Fern): Suggestion made that the best way to control asparagus fern is through manual removal as spraying creates dead fronds which may become a fire hazard.

None. Draft plan states that control of Asparagus Fern to be done as per weed control guidelines. The DPI weed control handbook includes hand removal as well as chemical removal options, either of which should be applied as appropriate, with consideration to factors such as available resources and fire hazard.

· Tallyan point Bushcare Action Plan Review (D17/108548) - Summary of Submissions – 1 Submission received from 1 individual

Issues raised by submissions

Changes made or actions taken as a result of the submissions

Number of submissions that raised this issue

Thought the Bushcare Plan was laudable, however there is no recommended control of Sweet Pittosporum and requested this be added to actions of Zone 1

No change as Sweet Pittosporum is a native plant species, and within its natural range (see NSW Flora Online website for details). Its removal is not considered necessary and is not recommended.

Suggestion of capital expenditure for improved pathways, waste bins, benches and gas barbecues

No change made because this is not the aim or objectives of the Bushcare Policy. Suggestion referred to relevant Sections within Council.

Community Engagement

CCBs, residents and ratepayers were informed of the opportunity to comment on the four (4) Bushcare Action Plans via mail. A total of 390 letters were mailed to residents and ratepayers within 200 metres of the reserves affected by the reviews.

Residents/Ratepayers were able to view the draft Bushcare Action Plans via a “Documents on Exhibition” web link on Council website and were given 28 days to make a submission. People without internet access were able to contact Council and request a hard copy of the plan and make a submission via the mail. This community engagement is in line with Council Community Engagement Policy for low impact local projects.

Financial Implications

Over the three years of the four (4) Bushcare Actions Plans the cost of implementation will be a total cost of $108,900. These costs include volunteer in-kind labour, direct support staff, in-kind salaried staff and materials/equipment costs. It also includes an estimation of potential external grant funding for an action included in the Tallyan Point plan.

Council operational budget commitment over the 3 years would be $25,680, this includes materials/equipment and direct support from casual Bushcare Field Officer Staff. An additional $18,400 in existing salaried staff time would also be required. These commitments will be funded within the existing operational budget allocation. The in-kind volunteer contribution over the three years of the four (4) Bushcare Plans would be $65,000.

Council Bushcare Representative Group – Wednesday 21 February 2018

Page 11

BR18.3 Review Shoalhaven Bushcare/Parkcare Policy

HPERM Ref: D18/37628

Group: Planning Environment & Development Group

Section: Environmental Services

Attachments: 1. Reviewed Shoalhaven Bushcare/Parkcare Policy (under separate cover) ⇨

Purpose / Summary

Consider re-adoption of the reviewed existing Bushcare/Parkcare Policy following amendments detail in the report.

Recommendation

That Council adopt the Shoalhaven Bushcare/Parkcare Policy with the amendments outlined in this report.

Options

1. Adopt the recommendation

Implications: Council Bushcare/Parkcare Policy is updated to comply with current legislative requirements and input from Councillors as resolved by Council.

2. Not adopt the reviewed Bushcare/Parkcare Policy and seek further changes or consultation.

Implications: Further delays in adoption of the policy, resulting in the policy not meeting legislative requirement or being current.

Background

An efficient and effective volunteer Bushcare/Parkcare program requires that the guiding principles, aims, objectives and provisions of the program are clearly outlined and defined in order that volunteers, Council officers, Councillors, State Government agencies and other organisations can clearly understand the guiding principles, aims and objectives of the program.

The Bushcare and Parkcare procedures have been separated in the revised document so it is easy to read and understand the operational aspects of both programs.

On 18 July 2017 Council reported the reviewed Shoalhaven Bushcare/Parkcare Policy for adoption, with amendments to the Strategy and Assets Committee meeting, and the following was resolved:

That this matter be deferred to a Councillor Briefing Workshop to allow for further review and reported back to Council.

The Councillor briefing was held in on 21 September 2017 at which Councillor White requested that, rather than running the briefing, that staff should meet Councillors, to go over the details of the changes required to the policy.

This meeting was held on 02/11/2017 at which Councillor Patricia White, Kelie Clarke, Environmental Services Manager and Alasdair Stratton, Natural Resources and Floodplain Unit Manager attended. At this meeting it was agreed that the following broad changes should be made to the document:

1. Separate the procedures from the policy, so that it is a stand-alone policy and the procedures become an operational document.

2. Simplify the policy to include an easy to read table format which is divided into the following categories:

a. Purpose

b. Statement

c. Aim

d. Objective

e. Provisions

f. Implementation

3. Include a clear statement in the Policy that Bushcare/Parkcare Group Action Plans are a requirement to guide the work of each Group. Currently this statement is contained within the Procedures.

4. Make reference to the procedures in the policy.

These revised Policy is attached to this report.

Community Engagement

Previously the reviewed Bushcare/Parkcare Policy and Procedures had been circulated to all Bushcare and Parkcare Groups for feedback in early 2017. Council received six (6) submissions which resulted in minor changes to the procedures and not the policy.

Policy Implications

The reviewed Bushcare/Parkcare Policy will be current and comply with all legislative requirements.

Financial Implications

The Shoalhaven Bushcare/Parkcare Program provides a financial benefit to the residents/ratepayers of the Shoalhaven. This is achieved through the in-kind labour contribution that the volunteers provide for restoring and maintaining the ecological assets on public land in the Shoalhaven.

From 1st July 2005 to 5^th February 2018 Bushcare volunteers spent 103,840 hours restoring and maintaining natural areas in public ownership. This equates to financial contribution of $3,115,200, at current Volunteering Australia rates, towards the management of our cities public natural area reserves.