Sustainable Futures Committee

 

 

Meeting Date:     Tuesday, 01 May, 2018

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

Time:                   4:00pm

 

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

·      Sustainable Futures Committee - 1 February 2018..................................................... 1

3.    Declarations of Interest

4.    Presentations

SF18.10....... Marine Climate Change Effects in Our Region -
Assoc. Prof. Chris Fulton

SF18.11....... Representatives from Atlas of Life in the Coastal Wilderness, NatureMapr, and Milton Rural Landcare Nursery - Atlas of Coastal Wilderness/Nature Mapr - Implementation in the Shoalhaven

Libby Hepburn (Atlas of Life in the Coastal Wilderness), Dr Michael Mulvaney (NatureMapr), Paul Hams (Milton Rural Landcare Nursery) and Mike Jefferis (Milton Rural Landcare Nursery) have been invited to present to the Committee on the Atlas of Coastal Wilderness/ Nature Mapr, and its implementation in the Shoalhaven.

5.    Reports

SF18.12....... Outstanding Action Table - Update................................................................ 7

SF18.13....... Progress Report - Sustainable Futures Committee Resolutions - Nature Based solutions - SF17.30.  Tree Audit/Sutherland Shire Council Indigenous Tree Canopy Model/ SCC Internal Working Group............................................................ 19

SF18.14....... Progress Report - Cities Power Partnership - group pledges..................... 29

SF18.15....... SolarHaven - Shoalhaven Solar Farm......................................................... 34

SF18.16....... Quarterly Update from Energy Management Coordinator -
Darren O'Connell.......................................................................................... 39

SF18.17....... Climate Leadership Conference - 17-19 March 2018.................................. 41                         

6.    General Business


 

 Sustainable Futures Committee – Tuesday 01 May 2018

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Membership

 

Clr Gartner – Chairperson

Clr White – Alternate Chairperson

Mayor

All Councillors

General Manager (or nominee) – non-voting

David Brawn

Oisin Sweeney

Robert Hayward

Peter McVay

Larraine Larri

 

Quorum – Six (6) voting members

 

Purpose

The Sustainable Futures Committee will make recommendations to Council with respect to the

following:

·           Setting emission targets for the Shoalhaven.

·           Focusing on energy, including energy efficiency, energy security and renewable energy generation as well as other climate change issues

·           Creating and building community capacity for environmentally sustainable living and business.

·           Addressing, adapting and building resilience to climate change.

·           Appropriate ways to protect, connect and integrate ecological values within our urban and regional context.

·           Supporting and promote Waste reduction and resource recovery.

·           Building organisational and community capacity to meet the challenges of climate change.

·           Engage with and learn from our community business and industry leaders on innovative solutions.

·           Establish and/or support renewable energy generation projects in the community.

·           Ensure the currency of related strategy, policy and other key Council documents  related to the purpose of the Committee.

 

Delegation

To expend funds allocated to the Sustainable Futures Committee by Council within the approved budget.


 

 

 

 

Minutes of the Sustainable Futures Committee

 

 

Meeting Date:     Thursday, 1 February 2018

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

Time:                   4:03pm

 

 

The following members were present:

 

Clr Kaye Gartner - Chairperson

Clr Patricia White

Clr Joanna Gash – left the meeting 5.22pm

Clr John Levett

Clr Nina Cheyne

Clr Mark Kitchener

Clr Findley – arrived 4.09pm and left the meeting 5.37pm.

Mr Russ Pigg - General Manager – left the meeting 6.11pm

Mr David Brawn

Mr Oisin Sweeney

Mr Robert Hayward

Mr Peter McVay

Ms Larraine Larri

 

 

Others present

Paul Keech – left the meeting 5.41pm

Phil Costello

Carmel Krogh – left the meeting 5.01pm

Michael Smith

Shane Pickering

Jessica Rippon – left the meeting 5.18pm

Gordon Clark

Darren O’Connell

 

 

Note: Carmel Krogh introduced Darren O’Connell – Energy Management Coordinator to the Sustainable Futures Committee.

 

 

Apologies / Leave of Absence

 

Nil

 

Note: The Committee introduced themselves.

 

Note: Clr Findley arrived – 4.09pm.

 

 

 

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (Peter McVay / Larraine Larri)

 

That the Minutes of the Sustainable Futures Committee held on Monday 22 January 2018 be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

 

Declarations of Interest

 

Nil

 

 

Reports

 

SF18.3       Outstanding Action Table - Update

HPERM Ref: D18/9735

Note: The Committee discussed the Action Table (attached) and verbal updates were provided and noted where required.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Outstanding Action Table be received for information.

 

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Outstanding Action Table be received for information.

CARRIED

 

 

Procedural Motion - Bring Item Forward

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the matter of item SF18.6 - Anthropogenic Climate Disruption Update Discussion of 2017 Climate Data - Clr Gartner be brought forward for consideration.

CARRIED

 

 

SF18.6       Anthropogenic Climate Disruption Update Discussion of 2017 Climate Data - Clr Gartner

HPERM Ref: D18/9717

Clr Gartner requested the following link be displayed and provided a verbal update on the website information:

https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/2017-heat-report.

Clr Gartner advised that a briefing will be provided to the next meeting on this topic.

The following suggestions were made:

·    Invite Will Steffen along to a Sustainable Futures Committee

·    Focus on strategic planning

·    Emergency Services Groups to be included in discussions for the need for respite areas in the future.

·    Arrange for the Coastal Councils to agree to a strategy

·    The ACCA Monthly newsletter to be linked out to the group

·    Russ Pigg and Jessica Rippon attend the Local Emergency Management Committee and could request that they reassure the community in relation to preparedness for Climate Change.

Note: Carmel Krogh left the meeting, the time being 5.01pm.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the ACCA Monthly Newsletter be circulated to the community members of the Sustainable Futures Committee.

CARRIED

 

 

SF18.4       Sourcing Construction Materials Made From Recycled Plastics

HPERM Ref: D18/19185

The Beyond Plastics Conference was discussed and how in Fiji they are putting recycled plastics within the roads when they are being built.

The Committee was assured that Shoalhaven City Council are already using this technology where possible.  The Committee suggested to provide this information to the community.

The Committee was advised that seats, exercise equipment and tiling are possibilities of where Sourcing Construction Materials Made From Recycled Plastics could be implemented.

It was suggested that the Sustainable Futures Committee could request a status report from waste unit in relation to strategies for waste reduction and resource recovery.

Note: Jessica Rippon left the meeting, the time being 5.18pm.

Recommendation

That a report be provided with regard to the proposal for Council to use fully recycled plastics in their outdoor infrastructure for such things as stairs, walkways, lookout platforms, benches, tables and bollards etc.

 

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the following reports be provided:

1.    The proposal for Councils current usage for fully recycled plastics in their outdoor infrastructure for such things as stairs, walkways, lookout platforms, benches, tables and bollards etc.

2.    A status report from the Waste Unit in relation to strategies for waste reduction and resource recovery

CARRIED

 

 

SF18.5       Education for Locals & Tourists

HPERM Ref: D18/24371

It was discussed that this could be partially a sub-committee action.

Note: Clr Gash left the meeting, the time being 5.22pm.

It was also noted that 2019 might be too soon as this will take a lot of planning.

It was suggested to get in touch with those groups who are already running events.

Recommendation

That

1.    This Committee consider a delegation to the Sustainable Living Festival (http://slf.org.au/events/) being held in Melbourne from 1-28 February

2.    This Committee engage with Economic Development committee, Tourism Committee, Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Berry Small Farms, Shoalhaven Slow Food, Shoalhaven Transition, Zero Carbon Shoalhaven, Shoalhaven Business Chamber, local farmers, schools and community gardens and community groups to hold a similar event in the Shoalhaven in 2019.

3.    The role of the Sustainability Project Officer include planning for  greater synergies between and support for  schools, TAFE, local organisations and SCC i.e. including towards a Shoalhaven Sustainable Living Festival and integration of Sustainability Education initiatives (e.g. Sustainable Schools Program, Eco-Schools, Kreative Koalas, The Archibull Prize).

 

RESOLVED (By consent)

That

1.    The report Education for Locals & Tourists be recevied for information.

2.    Community members and Councillors convene a working party to discuss further direction in relation to:

a.    Engaging with Business Economic Development Committee, Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group, Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Shoalhaven Natural Resources and Floodplain Management Committee, Berry Small Farms, Shoalhaven Slow Food, Shoalhaven Transition, Zero Carbon Shoalhaven, Shoalhaven Business Chamber, local farmers, schools and community gardens and community groups to hold a similar event in the Shoalhaven in 2019.

b.    The role of the Sustainability Project Officer include planning for  greater synergies between and support for  schools, TAFE, local organisations and SCC i.e. including towards a Shoalhaven Sustainable Living Festival and integration of Sustainability Education initiatives (e.g. Sustainable Schools Program, Eco-Schools, Kreative Koalas, The Archibull Prize).

c.    That a representative from the Business and Employment Development Committee, Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group, Aboriginal Advisory Committee and Shoalhaven Natural Resources and Floodplain Management Committee be invited to join the working party.

CARRIED

 

 

 

General Business

 

SF18.6       Anthropogenic Climate Disruption Update Discussion of 2017 Climate Data - Clr Gartner

HPERM Ref: D18/9717

 

Note: This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

Addendum Reports

 

SF18.7       EcoVillage Initiative Red Head Villages Association (RHVA)

HPERM Ref: D18/26110

The purpose of the report was to begin looking at village atmosphere and how it is about to change.

An overview of the report was provided.

It was advised that this has gained community support, and the working party are investigating the appropriateness and there is hope to lead into more strategic planning.

Note: Clr Findley left the meeting, the time being 5.37pm.

Larraine Larri advised that she reports back to the Red Head Villages Association (RHVA) after each meeting.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Committee receive the report for information.

 

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Committee receive the report - EcoVillage Initiative Red Head Villages Association (RHVA) for information

CARRIED

 

 

SF18.8       Shoalhaven Biodiversity Strategy 2020-2030

HPERM Ref: D18/26115

Note: Paul Keech left the meeting, the time being 5.41pm.

Shoalhaven City Councils existing strategy is covered under the Illawarra Strategic Plan and the South Coast Regional Conservation plan.  Council has not previously been requested to have a specific Biodiversity Strategy.

It was advised that the State Government had changed the Crown Lands Act which will involve Crown Land & Council negotiating what Crown Land is transferred over to the Local Government Authority.  Shoalhaven City Council has been advised that the negotiations will take place in 2019/2020.

The following suggestions were made in respect to the Biodiversity Strategy:

·    This requires further work and will need to go to Council

·    Invest in resourcing in a holistic plan across Shoalhaven

·    Audit potential weaknesses gaps in layers instead of comprehensive long term strategy that could be addressed within resources

·      The Committee to engage with staff for way forward in relation to a time frame, resources and budget required.

·      Unless this ties in with LEP or other requirements can be difficult for staff to undertake

·      Look for funding through 2018/19 budget for resourcing to address this

·      A mapping exercise be undertaken by a working party and report back to the Committee and the mapping exercise to be added to action plan, this would include where the Committee want to be and ways forward, complete with timeframes initially to assist in prioritising.

 

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That Shoalhaven City Council, via the Sustainable Futures Committee, discuss the need for the development of a biodiversity strategy for the Shoalhaven LGA to be completed by 2020 and to cover the period 2020-2030, and investigate the possibility of funding for a strategy through the NSW Environment Trust.

 

RESOLVED (By consent)

That a Working Committee of Councillors and Community Members be formed to map the Committees priorities and seek preliminary information in relation to the above report including speaking to other Councils who have undertaken similar projects to find advantages.

CARRIED

 

 

SF18.9       Review and extension of NSW Regional Forest Agreements

HPERM Ref: D18/26125

The NSW Regional Forest Agreements have been in place for 20 years and therefore it was suggested there is room for improvement.

It was decided that the proposed recommendation would need to be resolved by the Ordinary Meeting of Council and it would not be able to be resolved prior to 23 February 2018.

Note: Russ left the meeting, the time being 6.11pm.

 

Recommendation

That Shoalhaven City Council;

1.    via the Sustainable Futures Committee, make a submission to the NSW Government on the RFA review;

2.    request an extension to the consultation period due to the size of the report and the tight timeframe (February 23rd) given the absence of staff over the holiday season

 

RESOLVED (By consent)

That.

1.    Council staff request an extension to the consultation period due to the size of the report and the tight timeframe (February 23rd) given the absence of staff over the holiday season

2.    Provided the extension is granted, the Committee draft a submission

3.    Oisin Sweeney report to the Sustainable Futures Committee prior to submitting this submission to Council to be resolved.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 6.15pm.

 

 

Clr Kaye Gartner

CHAIRPERSON

  

 

 


 

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SF18.12     Outstanding Action Table - Update

 

HPERM Ref:       D18/115322

 

Group:                Finance Corporate & Community Services Group 

Section:              HR, Governance & Customer Services 

Attachments:     1.  Sustainable Futures Committee - Outstanding Actions Table - 1 May 2018   

Purpose / Summary

To advise the Sustainable Futures Committee of all resolutions/actions and provide an update.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Outstanding Action Table be received for information.

 

 

Options

1.    As recommended

Implications: Nil

 

2.    An alternative recommendation relevant to the content of the Table.

Implications: unknown

 

Background

It was requested by the Chair that a table be created and reported to each meeting on the outstanding actions/resolutions and updates be provided.

 

 

 


 

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SF18.13     Progress Report - Sustainable Futures Committee Resolutions - Nature Based solutions - SF17.30.  Tree Audit/Sutherland Shire Council Indigenous Tree Canopy Model/ SCC Internal Working Group

 

HPERM Ref:       D18/113114

 

Group:                Planning Environment & Development Group 

Section:              Environmental Services 

Attachments:     1.  Tree audit proposal - University of Technology Sydney - Nature Based Solutions (1)- resolution SF17.30 - Sustainable Futures Committee

2.  Tree Audit - Nowra CBD area - Surface Temp differences Shade vs Full Sun 37degree day - 14 Feb 2018 - Sustainable Futures Committee

3.  Sutherland Shire Council award winning Green Streets presentation (under separate cover)   

Purpose / Summary

Update the Committee on the progress of the “Nature-based solutions – urban ecology – options for Implementation” resolutions of 29 November 2017;

 

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Committee accept the progress report for information.

 

 

Options

1.   As recommended.

Implications: Nil

 

2.   The Committee could adopt an alternative recommendation.

Implications: Unknown

 

Background

On 29 November 2017, the Sustainable Futures Committee resolved to:

1.    Invite Sutherland Shire Council to present their award-winning model for bringing back an indigenous tree canopy with a view to implementing such a model in the Shoalhaven; and

2.    Undertake a selected audit of the urban tree canopy to help Council understand the economic and other values trees provide to the communities of the Shoalhaven; and

3.    Establish an internal working group with representatives from Environmental Services, Recreation Community & Culture, City Design Unit and Strategic Planning to investigate options for amendments to the DCP to incorporate the practical retention of remnant vegetation generally and specifically in urban release areas and report and liaise with the Committee.

 

Progress on actions

1.   Sutherland Shire Council’s model for bringing back an indigenous tree canopy

Sutherland Shire Council invited staff from Shoalhaven, Wollongong and Kiama Council areas to their offices on Thursday 8 February 2018 for a presentation of their model for Bringing Back our Indigenous Tree Canopy followed by a tour of their community nursery and some planting projects. Four staff from Council attended and came away inspired by what they have achieved and believing a similar model could be implemented in the Shoalhaven. It was very noticable on the tour of their planting projects the number of young trees throughout Sutherland compared to the Shoalhaven on footpaths and other areas of public land which will allow for a less disrupted tree canopy as older trees require replacement at the end of their useful life.

The Sutherland model involves providing the right tools (DCP provisions and controls, funding, and a native plant selector) for the community to select and help maintain trees planted on public land such as road reserves in front of their homes. The trees are grown from locally sourced seed in a council funded community nursery run by volunteers with the trees (local indigenous species) being protected after planting to achieve high survival rates. The community is supported by a team of council staff who have engaged the local volunteers. The funding for the model comes from environmental fines, landscape inspection fees, tree removal application fees, and offset planting deeds of agreement. Funding for the model has increased from $70K in 2012 to $500K in 2017. Seventy seven projects planting 7,420 trees have been completed since 2012.

The PowerPoint presentation slides of the Sutherland presentation are contained in attachment 3 and contain further information including some projects completed in industrial areas and along major roads.

As requested by Councillor White, below is an example of the signage Sutherland Shire Council uses to identify sites of illegal tree removal and poisoning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.   Selected urban tree canopy audit

On 22 January 2018 the Committee resolved to allocate $6000 from its budget to undertake a selected audit of the urban tree canopy (TRIM reference D17/425034).

Council approached the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and University of Wollongong to quote on undertaking the audit for a predetermined area in St Georges Basin using the i-Tree software https://www.itreetools.org/

The University of Wollongong declined to provide a quote after initially being interested in the project.

The UTS provided a proposal (refer to attachment 1) for an audit using i-Tree software based on air-photo interpretation of vegetation within the predetermined area (identified in the quote). UTS has undertaken a similar project measuring air pollution removal, carbon storage and sequestration and economic potential of tree canopy covers in Sydney: https://www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-design-architecture-and-building/what-we-do/research/research-projects/measuring

Due the budget available, UTS can only do a desk-based audit that does not distinguish between native and exotic vegetation or provide a more extensive audit of the values and benefits trees provide. In terms of providing a simple measure of the cooling benefits trees provide in an urban environment (Graham St Nowra, Harry Sawkins Park, and outside Nowra Library), Council’s Environmental Assessment Officer undertook some temperature measurements on a 370C day to quantify the benefit to people a tree canopy can provide in terms of relief from high temperatures (see attachment 2).

Council is expecting the Audit report by end of May / mid June 2018.

      

 

3. Working group

An Internal Working Group made up of eight officers from Assets & Works, Finance Corporate & Community, and Planning Environment & Development groups met in March with three of the group having attended the Sutherland Shire Council’s tour and presentation day. The presentation material from the Sutherland tour was presented to the rest of the group and ways of potentially implementing a similar model to the Shoalhaven were discussed. Discussion focussed on what resources Council does and does not currently have (such as funding). Council does have a small community nursery and volunteers to grow indigenous trees though it would need to be expanded if the Sutherland model was to be implemented in the Shoalhaven. The group recognises an increase in staff resources would also be required to implement the model and be subject to the extent of funding model.

The working group also discussed the UTS tree audit proposal and feedback from the group was included in the final brief to UTS.

Attendees at the working group agreed to meet regularly to work more collaboratively in relation to tree issues and to review the results, when available, of the UTS Tree Audit.

 

Community Engagement

Shoalhaven City Council receives a small number of enquires (three so far for 2018) by way of correspondence and representations from NSW government members and/or from residents concerned at the removal of trees within the Shoalhaven and the impacts this has on our environment. Community members have specifically asked what Council is doing to ensure a tree canopy is maintained. These are saved in Council’s record management system TRIM (reference # 7378E – Health & Environment – Tree preservation – Council requirements).

 

Financial Implications

The above actions have been implemented within existing Council budgets and the Committee’s budget (as per the resolution of 22 January 2018 – TRIM D17/425034).

The financial implications should Shoalhaven City Council decide to implement the Sutherland model for bringing back an indigenous tree canopy would have to be investigated.

 

Risk Implications

Continuing to lose canopy trees from the urban areas of the Shoalhaven City risks the city’s ability to successfully adapt to or mitigate the impacts of Climate Change, specifically urban heat island effects and loss of urban wildlife and usable passive recreation areas.

 


 

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SF18.14     Progress Report - Cities Power Partnership - group pledges

 

HPERM Ref:       D18/113136

 

Group:                Planning Environment & Development Group 

Section:              Environmental Services 

Attachments:     1.  City Powers Partnership pledges implementation action table   

Purpose / Summary

To document the action plan for the implementation of the Shoalhaven City Council’s Cities Power Partnership group pledges.

 

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Sustainable Futures Committee receives the action plan for information.

 

 

Options

1.    As recommended

Implications: Nil

 

2.    The Committee could adopt an alternative action plan

Implications: Unknown

 

Background

On 22 August 2017 at the Ordinary Meeting of Council it was resolved to adopt 5 City Powers Partnership pledges, one for each group within Council.

General Managers Group Pledge: Work Together and Influence - Implement an education and behaviour change program to influence and build resilience and adaptive capacity of council officers, local residents and businesses within the municipality to drive the shift to renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable transport

Corporate and Community Group Pledge: Work Together and Influence – Set city-level renewable energy targets, emissions reduction targets and sustainable energy policies to provide a common goal and shared expectation for residents and businesses

Assets and Works Group Pledge: Transport – Encourage sustainable transport use (e.g. ride share / electric vehicles, public transport, walking and cycling) through Council transport planning and design – in the form of a PAMP review.

Planning, Environment and Development Services: Energy Efficiency Pledge -: Investigate/recommend minimum energy efficiency benchmarks for all planning applications in consultation with the local developer’s forum

Shoalhaven Water Group Pledge: Renewable Energy – Install renewable energy pilot plant on water/sewer assets where viable.

 

 

 

 

Implementation Action Plan

The attached action plan documents implementation of the pledges and how they are to be implemented.

Each group’s pledge, determined by Group Directors, has been discussed with the designated officer or officers for each Group and formed the attached action plan for implementation.

 

Financial Implications

All actions are to be implemented through existing group budgets or with funds allocated from the Sustainable Futures budget (as per the resolution of 22 January 2018 – TRIM D17/425034), except for the Shoalhaven Water Group’s proposed Solar Farm which will require the approval of Council to proceed.

 

Risk Implications

NA


 

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SF18.15     SolarHaven - Shoalhaven Solar Farm

 

HPERM Ref:       D18/122045

 

Group:                Shoalhaven Water Group 

Section:              Water Asset Planning & Development 

Attachments:     1.  100% Renewables Preliminary Business Case (Confidetial - under separate cover)    

Purpose / Summary

Shoalhaven Water has been developing a business case for a mid-scale solar farm project on un-utilised land owned by Council within the grounds of Callala Wastewater Treatment Plant. This report provides an update on the work to date.

 

Recommendation

That the Committee determine that:

1.    The report be received for information

2.    Further analysis and discussion be undertaken on other possible sites and the Callala site be further considered in the preparation for the new electricity contracts.

 

 

Options

1.    Adopt the recommendation.

Implications: The previous Committee direction will continue with further analyses.

 

2.    Council could determine not to proceed with the project or parts of the project.

Implications: Council propose an alternative resolution.

 

Background

The October 2017 meeting of the Sustainable Futures Committee resolved to support the preparation of documents for Expressions of Interest for land-based and floating solar projects with different funding models.

In order to more clearly understand the issues involved in delivering such a project, some available land within the Callala Sewage Treatment (designated as Area A in this report) has been considered in some detail as it has some very positive characteristics that would make it suitable for a solar farm, i.e.:

1.         Up to 10ha of identified land

2.         North facing slope with no shading

3.         Proximity to 33kV network substation

4.         Council own the land

5.         Mostly cleared available area

6.         Existing Roads and Infrastructure

7.         Enclosed Secure Site

8.         Long plant operational life

Independent external renewable energy consultants were engaged to generate a business case and financial model for a proposal for a solar farm on this site.

Shoalhaven City Council’s electricity prices are due to rise sharply over the next few years. The current rates are very favourable from contracts negotiated in 2014 when wholesale prices were much lower. These contracts are due for renewal in 2020 and the likely scenario is that the prices offered will be at least 25% higher than in 2016/2017. This could result in an additional $1M in electricity costs annually. The diagrams below summarise the current contract and possible future contract prices.

 

 

Callala Site

The figures below show the area that would be available at the Callala site and a preliminary layout for a 6ha solar farm. The preliminary design consists of a 3.94MW plant, and would include14,000 x 350W panels that could generate approximately 7.6GWh of electricity per year. Council’s total electricity usage is approximately 36GWh per year. The estimated cost of such a plant is expected to be between $7.6M and $8.6M. There is also scope to increase the size of the preliminary design up to 5MW by removing the western fringe of trees to allow the panels to come right to the boundary.

 

Callala Wastewater Treatment Plant

 

 

Area A – Drone Image

 

 

Commercial Contracting Models

There are two main options for setting up a solar farm:

 

 

It is expected that a commercial company offering a PPA will incorporate retail finance costs, credit risks and profit margins in to the PPA price, which ultimately means under a PPA Council will generally end up paying more than owning and operating the asset. Council can also look over a longer term than commercial investors who typically demand swift payback. The project could also consider the option for future battery storage when the technology becomes more cost effective.

 

Planning Considerations

Shoalhaven Water requested a Development Advisory Unit meeting and identified a pathway to successful development consent. The application comes under Infrastructure SEPP (>$5M Capital Investment Value) and the consent authority is the Joint Regional Planning Authority. Council should remain DA applicant (more control, reduce risk of variation costs, internal assistance etc.).

Two separate environmental visits to site revealed no threatened species found, however further follow up assessments are required. A preliminary connection advice letter already received from Endeavour Energy stating the connection is possible and preferred at 33kV.

 

Policy Implications

The direction that Council ultimately takes should be consistent with the Integrated Strategic Plan and its “Renewable Energy Installations on Council Assets Policy”. Some of the directions in these documents include:

·    “Develop solar, wind and other renewable energy sources for Council”

·    “Embrace renewable energy to protect Council and its community against future increases in the cost of energy provision”.

·    “Promote solar, wind and other renewable energy sources as options for energy provision”.

·    “Prioritise its capital investment in renewable energy solutions, giving high priority to its high energy-use and more publicly visible assets”.

Shoalhaven Water Group also have a Cities Power Partnership Pledge to “Install renewable energy pilot plant on water/sewer assets where viable

 

Financial Implications

The business case for two key EPCM options has been developed, including:

·    EPCM and sell fixed priced off-take including Large Scale Renewable Energy Certificates

·    EPCM and receive Spot market revenue

There are a number of scenarios and assumptions that affect the analysis of the financial implications. The report by 100% renewables is attached for the committee’s information.

 

 


 

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SF18.16     Quarterly Update from Energy Management Coordinator - Darren O'Connell

 

HPERM Ref:       D18/127754

 

Group:                Shoalhaven Water Group 

Section:              Water Asset Planning & Development  

Purpose / Summary

To receive the Energy Management Coordinator’s quarterly update.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the update be received for information.

 

 

Options

1.    That the update be received for information.

 

Background

The position of energy management coordinator is currently being filled on a part-time basis (3 days per week). The information below provides a summary of the major work activities for the coordinator over the last 3 months.

 

Solar panels (photovoltaics or PV) on Council Assets

A screening tool was used to prioritise all Council assets for solar PV suitability. The screening criteria included daytime electricity load profiling, roof space, roof orientation, pricing tariffs, etc. Discussions were also held with Asset Managers to gauge any future expected changes to asset roofs and site conditions. This exercise identified around 30 assets that were very suitable for potentially a total of 500 kW of solar PV installations.

Financing this large scale 500 kW of rooftop solar PV would cost in the order of $500,000 and is not considered feasible in the next 18 months from Council’s existing budget. However, an alternative financing option has just become available through a Local Government Procurement contract for Solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Under a solar PPA, a solar provider installs and maintains a solar system on Council’s asset roof and Council commits to purchase the power produced by the system for an agreed price (typically 20% less than standard price) and period (10, 15 or 20 years). The purchased power can then be used on site which avoids the more expensive grid supplied electricity. A solar PPA allows Council to gain the benefits of solar power without the capital outlay of purchasing the system. After the contract period expires the system is typically ‘gifted’ to Council to reap further energy savings for the life of the panels (~25+ years). Repower Shoalhaven offers similar solar PPAs that are community financed, as opposed to the LGP option which is through private companies.

Further work is being undertaken to investigate specific sites for the PPAs with possible financial support from OEH/LGP.

 

Staff Training in Energy Efficiency Opportunities

A 1-hour training program has been developed for Shoalhaven Council staff to educate them on energy literacy and energy efficiency opportunities in their workplace. The face-to-face training session is being delivered from May 2018 to a range of SCC work teams including water/wastewater operators, Property & Assets, Environmental, etc. It aims to empower staff to identify energy savings in their own work area and implement sustainable work practices.

 

Cities Power Partnership

Shoalhaven Council coordinated the first meeting of the ‘CPP South East NSW Buddies Group’ in Batemans Bay on 7 February 2018. Energy-related staff from Shoalhaven, Kiama, Wingecarribee, Eurobodalla and Bega Councils attended and shared work experiences on a range of energy matters, including electric vehicle charging stations (the ‘south-east electric highway proposal’), solar farms, energy contracts, etc.

Shoalhaven Council submitted an abstract on the Callala Solar Farm proposal for the CPP Summit being held in Kiama in October 2018.

The five CPP pledges are being monitored for progress. There have been some discussions with relevant staff about the preparation of an energy policy with emission/renewable energy targets. This should help to drive investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency across Council and the community.

Shoalhaven Council staff are also attending the ISJO Energy Working Group to identify regional projects in energy efficiency, emissions reduction and renewable energy.

 

Sustainability Advantage Program

Shoalhaven Council is now a full financial member of the NSW Government’s Sustainability Advantage Program. The program will commence with a high level Strategic Review by a consultant to identify Council’s current commitments to sustainability programs and targets. This will be followed by a Management Diagnostic workshop with Directors, Section Managers etc. to scope out what areas Council would like to address under the program and what modules should be commenced.

 

Plant Footprint

Several meetings have taken place over recent months with staff from Planet Footprint to improve the energy monitoring and reporting services for Council. This includes the inclusion of natural gas and street lighting to the tracked utilities, as well as improved Business Intelligence data reporting. A quarterly Performance Review is scheduled in the near future with Council’s Asset Managers.  


 

 Sustainable Futures Committee – Tuesday 01 May 2018

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SF18.17     Climate Leadership Conference - 17-19 March 2018

 

HPERM Ref:       D18/132180

 

Submitted by:    Clr Kaye Gartner 

Attachments:     1.  Climate Leadership Conference - Helen Cleugh Presentation

2.  Climate Leadership Conference - Andy Pitman Presentation

3.  Terence Jeyaretnam Presentation   

Purpose / Summary

To provide a report from Clr Kaye Gartner on the Climate Leadership Conference held in Sydney, 17-19 March 2018, in accordance with Clause 3.3(e) of the Council Members – Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities Policy.

 

Recommendation

That Council

1.    Receive the report from Clr Kaye Gartner on the Climate Leadership Conference for information.

2.    Review its Sustainability Action Plan 2011-2016

3.    Review its Climate Change Action Plan

 

 

Options

1.    Receive the report for information

2.    Request further information on the conference

 

The Climate Leadership Conference, Sydney, 17-19 March 2018

This conference brought together 36 leaders in business, science, and all levels of government to discuss the state of knowledge of our rapidly changing climate and the clear opportunities and risks this rapidly changing climate presents to business, government and society.

Business leaders had a lot to say about risks and opportunities. Increasingly, at international and local levels, governance bodies are calling for corporations to disclose their exposure to climate change.

Increasingly, business is looking for the opportunities in transitioning towards a zero carbon future.

Terence Jeyaretnam, from EY (Ernst and Young) presented the international drivers for increased transparency around disclosing the financial risks posed by climate change (p 9). He outlined key disclosure questions for management:

1.    In what ways will climate change risk impact the organisation?

2.    What are the risks and opportunities for the organisation resulting from the transition and physical risks?

3.    What could the financial impacts of climate risks be under a business-as-usual and a two degree scenario?

4.    What are your governance and risk management processes for monitoring and managing the transition and physical risks?

5.    How does the organisation ensure consistency of the disclosures made across the corporate communication mediums?

Innes Willox, CEO, Australian Industry Group was clear in his call for consistent climate policy at federal level to allow business to make long term investments in the transition to a low carbon economy. Ian Lieblich, Sustainability Co-ordinator with Investa Property Group outlined his fund’s responses to climate change. Investa experiences both high demand for and high returns on its 6 star Green investment products.

Leading scientists had the challenging task of telling us how serious our current situation is.

Dr Helen Cleugh, Chief climate scientist, CSIRO, Climate Science Centre stated:

·    Human influence on climate is clear

·    Global warming is unequivocal

·    Many observed changes in climate are unprecedented on timescales of decades or millennia i.e. they are unprecedented in human history

·    Climate will continue to change in future

·    Climate Change is an environmental and financial risk

·    Australia’s already variable climate is changing – with significant impact to our ecosystems, health, infrastructure and economy

Key points: See slides pp 12 -18

 

Dr Andy Pitman, ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, backed up Dr Cleugh’s position, and focussed on the impacts of extreme and compound climate risks:

·    Our planet is warming due to CO2 emissions by human activity

·    Rate of increase of emissions is slowing, but CO2 concentrations continue to rise.

·    No hope of staying within 1.5 degrees C increase

·    Low probability of avoiding 2 degree C, the Paris Treaty target

·    Australia is already experiencing approximately 1 degree of warming above early 20th century temperatures.

·    Observed measurements are exceeding modelled projections

·    Compound climate events are new and create widespread extreme events

Key Points: slides pp 7-12

 

Globally, sub-national governments are leading the response to climate change and the transition to the low carbon economy.

·    OEH has produced multiple guides and multiple projects to support communities to adapt to our changing climate.

·    NPWS has plans in place which detail which species to attempt to rescue from extinction and how to do it.

·    City of Adelaide is driving towards being the world’s first carbon neutral city.

 

Implications for Leadership in the Shoalhaven

OEH documents based on the science available in 2010 show the Illawarra and Shoalhaven already experience less spring and autumn rain, with implications for our agricultural and marine industries.

Our community is currently exposed to:

·    major health risks due to heatwaves

·    health risks for very young and elderly

·    increasing extreme weather events

·    increasing severe fire risk

·    increasing severe flood risk

·    worsening reduction in biodiversity

·    Increasing risk due to rapid sea level rises

·    opportunity risk

·    economic risk of reliance on carbon heavy industry

·    economic opportunity of developing clean, green economy

·    due to rapid sea level rises

 

 

 


 

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