Council Bushcare Representative Group
Meeting Date: Tuesday, 04 December, 2018
Location: Jervis Bay Rooms, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra
Time: 10.00am
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 - 21 February 2018.................................... 1
3. Declarations of Interest
4. Reports
BR18.7........ Bushcare Program Update - November 2018................................................ 6
BR18.8........ Bushcare Group Action Plan Schedule........................................................ 11
BR18.9........ Bushcare Procedures................................................................................... 15
5. General Business
|
Council Bushcare Representative Group – Tuesday 04 December 2018 Page |
Membership
Clr Levett – Chairperson
Clr White – Alternate Chairperson
All Councillors
Ms Frances Bray
Dr Mike Clear
Mr Tony Jennings
Mr Bryan Lenne
Mr Bill Pigott
Ms Kelly Cowlishaw
Mr Len White
Mr Jason Carson – Local Land Services
Representative – Office of Environment & Heritage
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: Wednesday, 21 February 2018
Location: Jervis Bay Rooms, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra
Time: 4.03pm
The following members were present:
Mr Bill Pigott – Acting Chairperson
Clr John Levett
Mr Bryan Lenne
Mr Jason Carson
Mr Tony Jennings
Mr Mike Clear
Ms Frances Bray
Others Present:
Phil Costello – Director Planning, Environment and Development
Kelie Clarke – Environmental Services Manager
Alasdair Stratton – Natural Resource and Floodplain Manager
Peter Swanson – Bushcare Coordinator
Len White - Community
Election of Chairperson |
RESOLVED (By consent) That Bill Pigott be appointed as the Acting Chairperson for the Council Bushcare Representative Group meeting for Wednesday 21 February 2018. CARRIED
|
Acknowledgement and Respect for the Traditional owners and Elders past and present.
Apologies / Leave of Absence |
An apology was received from Clr White, Clr Cheyne, Clr Findley, Clr Gartner.
Confirmation of the Minutes |
RESOLVED (Mike Clear / Frances Bray)
That the Minutes of the Council Bushcare Representative Group held on Monday 04 September 2017 be confirmed.
CARRIED
|
Declarations of Interest |
Bill Pigott – Four (4) Bushcare Action Plans - Review – less than significant non pecuniary interest declaration – he has been an active participant in the work plans for Broughton – will remain in the room and will take part in discussion or vote.
BR18.4 Business Arising from Previous Minutes |
Note: Frances Bray requested an update on the following matters that were mentioned from the Previous Minutes:
· BR16.3 – Point 8 o Response – Council have consulted with Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) and added this process to the Policy. Council has also been invited to regular meetings of the LALC’s. · Crown Land Zoning Management (Strategic Land Review) o Response – Staff will advise if it has been placed on public exhibition
|
Reports
BR18.1 Applications for Membership - Len White and Kelly Cowlishaw |
HPERM Ref: D18/1819 |
Note: Len White left the meeting to allow consideration on this item. |
|
Action: 1. Note the areas of representation when considering future applications. 2. Council consider succession planning and invite other Bushcare Group Members to attend meetings as observers. 3. Send an invitation to Ulladulla (Southern areas) to attend a future meeting. 4. Consider the possibility of holding a future meeting in Ulladulla to attract more members from that region 5. Council invite local groups to provide a presentation on their site 6. When Action Plans are up for review/adoption, the Council invite the Bushcare Group to provide a presentation to that meeting.
|
|
Recommendation That Len White and Kelly Cowlishaw be appointed as community members on the Council Bushcare Representative Group.
|
|
RECOMMENDATION (By consent) That Len White and Kelly Cowlishaw be appointed as community members on the Council Bushcare Representative Group. CARRIED
|
BR18.2 Four (4) Bushcare Action Plans - Review |
HPERM Ref: D18/34937 |
Alasdair Stratton – Natural Resource and Floodplain Manager provided a PowerPoint Presentation in relation to Broughton Vale, Tallyan Point, Mia Way and Callala Boat Ramp Bushcare Action Plans.
|
|
Note: Provide provision for recognition for Indigenous and Cultural Heritage and the need for guidance for Aboriginal material on significant sites. Can also seek advice from LALC’s Alasdair Stratton – Natural Resource and Floodplain Manager advised that this does form part of the procedure and due diligence. All Bushcare groups need to be informed of this process / training or awareness in relation to Cultural Heritage items on the sites. Alasdair Stratton – Natural Resource and Floodplain Manager advised that it is part of the procedure when reviewing the Plans. This information could be sent to groups and included in newsletter to raise awareness.
Groups to work with Council to ensure that events/anniversaries are recognised.
|
|
RESOLVED (Clr Levett / Frances Bray) That: 1. Council investigate alternatives to plastic tree guards (for example renewable metal) to address the issue of survival and protection of the trees and shrubs. 2. This will form part of part “Best practice procedure for planting” for Bushcare sites CARRIED
|
|
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
|
|
RECOMMENDATION (Clr Levett / Frances Bray) 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 CARRIED
|
BR18.3 Review Shoalhaven Bushcare/Parkcare Policy |
HPERM Ref: D18/37628 |
The Committee discussed the Policy and the need to review the Policy document. Members present were requested to offer comments of ways forward with the Policy. It was agreed that the Committee will workshop the Policy document in two weeks, after the members have submitted their comments to Peter Swanson. Some of the comments made during the meeting are as follows: · The Policy needs to be short and the Procedures more detailed · An additional paragraph in Part 5 that all Bushcare Groups work to be carried out in accordance with the plans · The Policy is a Statement of what is wanted to be achieved and needs to have a Why? – Rationale and needs a Vision · Objectives and Provisions (purpose/aim) could be shortened and a link between procedures · The language needs to be changed from doing (verb) language to outcome/statement/vision language · Evaluation and achievements – performance indicators need to be imbedded into the policy · Realise communities involvement in protecting the environment/bushland · Encourage communication between Groups and sharing of information and resources · Recognition and Reward · Triggers for celebration and recognition, this could be an objective · Maintain and liaise with the wider Landcare/Bushacre community and endorse the work of the coordinator · Another aim of the program which could be included, is to reduce adverse behaviours eg. Illegal dumping weeds and rubbish etc
The Council Representative Bushcare Group to provide feedback to Peter Swanson and staff and will bring these comments to a working group which will meet in up to 2 weeks time. Peter Swanson – Bushacre Coordinator to email a copy of Council’s template.
|
|
Recommendation That Council adopt the Shoalhaven Bushcare/Parkcare Policy with the amendments outlined in this report.
|
|
RESOLVED (By consent) That: 1. The Council Bushcare Representative Group agreed to have the Policy and the Procedures documents split into separate documents. 2. This matter be deferred pending further review of the Policy document. CARRIED
|
GENERAL BUSINESS
BR18.5 Additional Item - Exhibition - Jervis Bay Maritime Museum - Flyways |
The Jervis Bay Maritime Museum is holding an exhibition from 4 March to June 2018 in relation to “Flyways” and the celebration of Australasian migratory shore birds.
|
BR18.6 Additional Item - National Fire Sticks - Bunadanon Trust |
The National Fire Sticks Conference is coming to the Shoalhaven in July and will be held at Bundanon Trust.
|
There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 6.13pm.
Clr Bill Pigott
Acting CHAIRPERSON
|
Council Bushcare Representative Group – Tuesday 04 December 2018 Page 0 |
BR18.7 Bushcare Program Update - November 2018
HPERM Ref: D18/398396
Group: Planning Environment & Development Group
Section: Environmental Services
Purpose / Summary
Provide the Group with an update on the Shoalhaven Bushcare Program.
That the Shoalhaven Bushcare program update report be received for information
|
Options
1. Receive the report for information.
Implications: There are no implications in this regard,
2. Provide an alternative recommendation
Implications: This will depend on the nature of the recommendation.
Update
Bushcare Groups
There continues to be over 60 Bushcare Groups across the Shoalhaven Local Government Area (LGA) and 700 volunteers are registered with Council’s Bushcare Program. Over 50 of these groups are regularly active and these volunteers continue to do an amazing job of maintain and restoring Council’s Natural Areas reserves.
Each group works at their own pace: some groups work infrequently, when there is a need or an event. However, most Bushcare Groups meet regularly, with monthly through to weekly working bees.
To date Bushcare volunteers have contributed 4,600 hours of in-kind volunteer effort since the start of 2018. However, this is likely to be an underestimate of the contribution, given that some Bushcare Group record sheets have yet to be submitted for the period. Even so, this volunteer labour contribution has been valued at $138,000 year to date. This amount also excludes effort that is contributed off-site.
As an example, the Group Coordinator for the Bangalee Bushcare Group estimated that over 500 hours was spent by Bangalee Bushcare Group volunteers during the 2017-18 financial year doing things like setting up a website, general administration, and plant propagation and care.
Council continues to support the work of the Bushcare Groups through the employment of three Bushcare Field Officers, with a total of 34 Bushcare Groups across the Shoalhaven supported by these officers.
Indigenous Bush Regenerators
During the 2018/19 financial year Council approved additional budget funds to employ two permanent part-time (2 days a week) Indigenous bush regenerators. These positions will continue to actively support the work of the Bushcare Groups and assist with the management of Council natural area reserves.
Interviews were held in November to fill the two permanent part-time positions created for Bush Regenerators. These designated Aboriginal positions were created following a Mayoral Minute (MIN17.1067) and replace two fixed-term positions that have been employed since 2008 and funded through external grant funding.
Bushcare/Parkcare Policy and Procedures
In 2018 the Bushcare/Parkcare Policy was reviewed by Council; the revised Bushcare/ Parkcare Policy was adopted by Council on 28 June 2018 (MIN18.518), following significant input by the Bushcare Reference Group.
The policy is available on Council’s website at:
http://doc.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/displaydoc.aspx?record=POL18/43.
The new policy includes a vision statement, re-worked aims, objectives, roles and responsibilities. The procedures have been separated from the new policy but remain unchanged. It is intended to review these in the current financial year.
Bushcare Group Action Plans
The following four reviewed Bushcare Group Action Plans were adopted by Council on 27 March 2018 (MIN18.222):
1. Broughton Vale Bushcare Group Action Plan – Berry
2. Callala Boat Ramp Reserve Bushcare Action Plan – Callala Bay
3. Mia Way Bushcare Group Action Plan – Culburra Beach
4. Tallyan Point Bushcare Group Action Plan – Basin View
All the reviewed Bushcare Group Action Pans are available on Council’s website at:
https://shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/My-Council/Policies-plans-strategies/Bushcare-Action-Plans.
The following four Bushcare Group Action Plans are currently being reviewed and are in the consultation phase. It is anticipated that they will be reported to Council for adoption in January 2019:
1. Warden Head Bushcare Group Action Plan - Ulladulla
2. Bomaderry Creek Bushcare Group Action Plan – Bomaderry
3. Bangalee Reserve Bushcare Group Action Plan - Bangalee
4. Grotto Reserve Bushcare Group Action Plans – North Nowra
Shoalhaven Bushcare Program 2018 Events and Highlights
The following is an overview of the relevant events and program highlights:
· Opening of the Callala Wetland Boardwalk – February 2018
· Links to Learning program at Vincentia High School - rehabilitation planting as part of the Heritage Estate Erosion Project – May and October 2018
· National Tree Day plantings were completed at Shoalhaven Heads, over two days involving two schools (Kiama High and Shoalhaven Heads Public Schools). National Tree Day plantings were also completed by Wrights Beach Bushcare Group and at the Milton Rainforest Reserve – August 2018
· Other plantings completed at Bushcare sites this year include: Hyams Beach, Mia Way Culburra, Bangalee Reserve, Basin Walking Track, Wirricoo Walk (near Jervis Bay Maritime Museum), Huskisson Bushcare Group, Narrawallee Foreshore, Bomaderry Creek, Camp Quality (Bundewallah Creek, Berry), Twyford St Vincentia around new shared pathway, Millards Creek (Ulladulla) and Lower Mulgen Creek, Bomaderry
· The Dyball Reserve Bushcare Group held an open day in September 2018.
Shoalhaven Bushcare Program Projects
The following projects have been completed to date in 2018:
· Completion of the weed control contract at Moeyan Hill, under the ‘Escarpment to Sea’ grant funded by the South East Local Land Services.
· Involvement of volunteers in the release of Korean strain of the calicivirus for rabbit control.
· Monitoring of Bomaderry Zieria population at Bomaderry Creek as part of the NSW Environmental Trust funded, Bomaderry Zieria Recovery Project, in collaboration with the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH) and Bomaderry Creek Bushcare Group, following the recent fire in August 2018.
· Support for an ‘Intrepid Landcare’ event held at Bundewallah (targeting young men and women for involvement in Bushcare/Landcare).
Shoalhaven Bushcare Program Communications
Along with routine communications with groups and volunteers, the following specific targeted communications were undertaken:
· Winter and spring editions of Bushcare Links newsletter were produced, and distributed to all Bushcare volunteers, Councillors, Government agencies and Council staff.
· Maintained membership and attendance at meetings of Shoalhaven Landcare Association. Also support and communications around NatureMapr – Atlas of Budawang Coast.
· Attendance at Berry Small Farm Field Day in September 2018.
Bomaderry Creek Bushfire Recovery
A large area of the Bomaderry Creek Regional Park was affected by the bushfire in August 2018. Areas of the revegetated and naturally occurring populations of Bomaderry Zieria, which is listed as critically endangered in NSW and nationally, were unfortunately burned.
A meeting has been held with Bomaderry Bushcare Group and NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) to determine the next steps to be undertaken to address the damage caused by the fire. Several of the Bomaderry Zieria plants have re-sprouted since the fire and further actions will be discussed with OEH.
Shoalhaven Bushcare Program Photos
The following photographs relate to some of the activities and events discussed above.
Dyball Reserve Open Day |
Enhancement planting at Millards Creek |
National Tree planting day – Shoalhaven Heads |
Bushcare Group plantings burnt at Bomaderry Creek |
Bomaderry Zieria post-fire assessment |
Vincentia Bushcare Group planting along the pathway |
Hyams Bushcare group busily planting |
The Grotto Bushcare group having a break |
Grotto resident |
Christmas Bells – One Track for All, Ulladulla |
|
Council Bushcare Representative Group – Tuesday 04 December 2018 Page 0 |
BR18.8 Bushcare Group Action Plan Schedule
HPERM Ref: D18/398859
Group: Planning Environment & Development Group
Section: Environmental Services
Purpose / Summary
Present the proposed process and schedule for reviewing the Bushcare Group Action Plans.
That the Bushcare Representative Group support changing the review period of the Bushcare Group Action Plans from three (3) years to six (6) years.
|
Options
1. Accept the proposed schedule for reviewing Bushcare Group Actions Plan.
Implications: The Action Plans will then be delivered as per the proposed schedule.
2. Provide advice on the proposed schedule that could lead to it being revised.
Implications: Dependent on the advice provided, the Action Plans may then be delivered as per the amended proposed schedule.
Background
Currently fifty-five (55) Bushcare Group Action Plans, out of a total of sixty-eight (68), are overdue for review.
The Shoalhaven Bushcare/Parkcare Procedures require that these Action Plans be reviewed every three (3) years from their date of adoption. Most of the Action Plans continue to be implemented beyond the three-year review period.
It is a time-consuming process reviewing each Bushcare/Parkcare Action Plan as they require extensive internal and external consultation. Therefore, to reduce the number of Action Plans being delayed and overdue for review, it is proposed to increase the review from three (3) years to six (6) years.
Given there are sixty-eight (68) plans, the revised timeframe will require approximately one plan to be reviewed per month over the proposed six (6) year period.
The current priorities for reviewing the Action Plans are as follows:
1. Existing plans for which the review process has started;
2. Those plans which include outdated actions; and
3. The oldest plans that are due for review.
The following tables outline the Actions Plans and their status, in relation to being reviewed.
The following table details the new Action Plans or Action Plan Reviews that are underway.
Plan |
Status |
Target for adoption |
The Grotto (2011) |
Revision drafted |
January 2019 |
Warden Head (2011) |
Revision drafted |
January 2019 |
Bangalee Reserve (2016) |
Revision drafted |
January 2019 |
Bomaderry Creek (2010) |
Revision underway |
February 2019 |
Camp Quality – Bundewallah Creek (new) |
New plan, initial draft only |
March 2019 |
Basin Bushcare |
Revision underway |
March 2019 |
Millards Creek |
New plan – initial draft |
May 2019 |
Table
1: New Bushcare Group Action Plans and
Action Plans for which the review process has started
Table 2 below details the Action Plans that are currently being implemented by Bushcare Groups but are overdue for review. The aim will be to complete the reviews of these as follows:
· Action Plans adopted in 2008 (6 plans) - by December 2019
· Actions Plans adopted in 2010 and 2011 (12 plans) - in 2020
· Action Plans adopted in 2012 (13 plans) - reviewed in 2021
· Action Plans adopted in 2013-17 (19 plans) - reviewed by July 2023.
Plan |
Year |
Bawley Point Bushcare Group Action Plan - 2008 |
2008 |
Culburra Beach Bushcare Action Plan & Revegetation Plan - 2008 |
2008 |
Mollymook - Bannister Point Nth Bushcare Action Plan - 2008 |
2008 |
Narrawallee Bushcare Action Plan - 2008 |
2008 |
Nowra Veteran Golfers Bushcare Action Plan (Greys Beach) - 2008 |
2008 |
Vincentia - Collingwood Beach Reserve Bushcare Action Plan - 2008 |
2008 |
Basin View - Smiths Bay Bushcare Action Plan - 2010 |
2010 |
Basin Walking Track Bushcare Action Plan - 2010 |
2010 |
Breams Beach Bushcare Group Action Plan - 2010 |
2010 |
Kangaroo Valley - Friends of Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Bushcare Action Plan - 2010 |
2010 |
Mt Coolangatta Bushcare Action Plan - 2010 |
2010 |
Orient Point Bushcare Action Plan - 2010 |
2010 |
Red Head Villages Bushcare Action Plan (Manyana-Cunjurong Point) - 2010 |
2010 |
River Rd Shoalhaven Heads Bushcare Action Plan (Jerry Bailey Reserve) - 2010 |
2010 |
Shoalhaven Heads Bushcare Action Plan (Shoalhaven Heads Beach) - 2010 |
2010 |
Wrights Beach Bushcare Action Plan - 2010 |
2010 |
Broughton Vale Bushcare Action Plan - 2011 |
2011 |
Currarong Village Bushcare Action Plan - 2011 |
2011 |
Bundewallah Bushcare Action Plan (2012) |
2012 |
Culburra - Farrant Ave - Bushcare Action Plan - June 2012 |
2012 |
Culburra Penguin Head Bushcare Action Plan - June 2012 |
2012 |
Depot Beach - Bushcare Action Plan - June 2012 |
2012 |
Dolphin Point Action Plan (2012) |
2012 |
Huskisson - Wirrecoo Walk - Bushcare Action Plan -June 2012 |
2012 |
Huskisson Fegen St Wetland Bushcare Action Plan - Boof's Bushcare - June 2012 |
2012 |
Illowra Wetland - Bushcare Action Plan - June 2012 |
2012 |
North Nowra Mahogany Creek Bushcare Action Plan - June 2012 |
2012 |
Tapitallee Reserve -Bushcare Action Plan - July 2012 |
2012 |
Ulladulla North Head Bushcare Action Plan |
2012 |
Ulladulla Reserves Bushcare Action Plan - June 2012 |
2012 |
Upper Kangaroo River - Bushcare Action Plan - June 2012 |
2012 |
Lower Mulgen Creek Bushcare Group Action Plan (2013) |
2013 |
Vincentia - Violet Clark & Orion Beach Reserves - Bushcare Action Plan - March 2013 |
2013 |
Bamarang Bushcare Action Plan (River Foreshore Reserve) - July 2014 |
2014 |
Curleys Bay Reserve (Culburra Beach) Bushcare Action Plan - The Marina Bushcare Group - July 2014 |
2014 |
Dot Butler Conservation Reserve Bushcare Action Plan - Sydney Bushwalkers Club Bushcare Group - July 2014 |
2014 |
Huskisson Beach Bushcare Action Plan (2014) |
2014 |
Kings Point Bushcare Action Plan - November 2014 |
2014 |
The Marina (Culburra Beach) Bushcare Group Action Plan - July 2014 |
2014 |
Callala Bushcare Group Action Plan - Review 2015 |
2015 |
Currambene Creek Foreshore Bushcare Action Plan - Woollamia & Huskisson Bushcare Group |
2015 |
Currarong Dunecare Bushcare Action Plan - Review 2015 |
2015 |
Hyams Beach Bushcare Action Plan - 2015 |
2015 |
Lake Tabourie Bushcare Action Plan - 2015 |
2015 |
Lake Wollumboola Bushcare Action Plan - Review 2015 |
2015 |
Moeyan Hill Bushcare Action Plan - 2015 |
2015 |
Mollymook Beach Dunecare Bushcare Action Plan - Review 2015 |
2015 |
Rennies Beach Bushcare Action Plan - Review 2015 |
2015 |
Ulladulla - Conjola St Reserve Bushcare Action Plan - Nth Head Bushcare Group 2015 |
2015 |
Wowley Creek (Callala Bay) Bushcare Group Action Plan - July 2014 |
2017 |
Table 2. Remaining Plans to be reviewed based on age
The following table details those Plans that have already been reviewed and when.
Basin View Tallyan Point Bushcare Action Plan – 2018 |
Callala Boat Ramp Reserve Bushcare Group Action Plan – 2018 |
Conjola Bushcare Action Plan - Review 2016 |
Cudmirrah - Berrara Bushcare Group Action Plan - Review 2017 |
Culburra Mia Way Bushcare Action Plan (2018) |
Dyball Reserve Bushcare Action Plan 2017 |
Kioloa Bushcare Group Action Plan - Review 2016 |
Milton Rainforest Regeneration Bushcare Action Plan - Review 2016 |
Nowra – Bens Walk Bushcare Action Plan – Review 2016 |
Tallyan Point Basin View Bushcare Action Plan - 2018 |
Vincentia – Barfleur Beach, Plantation Pt, Stuart King Reserve & Blenheim Beach Bushcare Action Plan 2016 |
William Mulligan Reserve - Sussex Inlet - Bushcare Action Plan 2017 |
Table 3. Bushcare Group Action Plans that have been reviewed
Community Engagement
Community engagement is an essential element in the review of each plan and no change is proposed in this regard. All Bushcare Group Action Plans require both internal and external consultation, based on the actions in each plan.
Financial Implications
The revision of Bushcare Group Action Plans is largely done by existing Council staff through the Shoalhaven Bushcare Coordinator. In delivering these essential Bushcare Group Action Plans, a considerable proportion of the Coordinator’s time will be required. Council’s Bushcare Field Officers also assist with the first draft review of plans and this will have implications as to how the existing Bushcare budget is utilised.
Each Bushcare Group Action Plan review, including administration, consultation and adoption costs approximately $2,105 per plan.
|
Council Bushcare Representative Group – Tuesday 04 December 2018 Page 0 |
BR18.9 Bushcare Procedures
HPERM Ref: D18/397010
Group:
Section: Environmental Services
Attachments: 1. Procedure - Bushcare/Parkcare - Procedures only ⇩
Purpose / Summary
Provide information to the Group on a proposed workshop to review the Shoalhaven Bushcare/Parkcare Procedures.
That the report on the proposed review of the Shoalhaven Bushcare/Parkcare procedures be received for information.
|
Options
1. Help review the current procedures and provide input into revised procedures.
Implications: This is the preferred option as it will ensure that the Group provides advice and direction to the review of the Procedures and operation of the program.
2. Do not provide input into the review.
Implications: The Group will not contribute to the review of the Bushcare/Parkcare Procedures and therefore the operation of the program.
Background
The Bushcare/Parkcare Policy underwent a substantial review which was completed in June 2018. The Bushcare/Parkcare Procedures were not reviewed as part of this process but were separated from the policy document.
The purpose of the Procedures document is to describe how the Bushcare/Parkcare Policy is delivered as it provides the guidelines for the delivery of the Bushcare/Parkcare Program.
The Sections of the Procedures document that specifically need to be revised/update include:
· Setting up a new Bushcare Group
· Registration of volunteers (e.g. The need for a ‘permit’ for volunteers to work)
· Record-keeping (including the intended use of smart devices by Council’s Field Officers)
· Updates resulting from recent changes in external processes (e.g. revised NSW Rural Fire Service Guidelines for Pile Burning)
· Revised template for Bushcare Action plans
At the December meeting, Council staff will lead a workshop to gain feedback from the Group on the aspects of the program that are working well and those areas where improvements can be made. The objective of this exercise is to provide the direction that Council staff will use to develop procedures that meet the requirements of the Bushcare/Parkcare Policy, to provide efficient delivery of the program. The needs and preferences of volunteers will be taken into account and what can be achieved within the constraints of the available resources will be considered.
The Procedure is open to review and is provided as an attachment for familiarisation prior to the meeting.
Community Engagement
Community engagement and collaboration is key to the success of the Bushcare/Parkcare Program. The Procedures must facilitate community engagement as per statements in the Policy.
Policy Implications
The review of the Procedures will help implement the recently-revised Bushcare/Parkcare policy
Financial Implications
The financial implications of amending the Procedures will be considered in undertaking the review as they need to be able to be delivered within the available budget.
Risk Implications
The implementation of standard procedures, that are revised with the input from a variety of stakeholders with various perspectives, will reduce risk to Council and to the volunteers participating in the Bushcare/Parkcare programs.