11.2 Sustainable Development · d) Rain Garden maintenance ($15,000) e) Sediment control ($15,000) f) Local provenance seed collection ($5,000) g) Reserve management implementation

SHIRE OF AUGUSTA MARGARET RIVER ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING 11 OCTOBER 2017

11.2 Sustainable Development 11.2.1 SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES

Attachment 1 – Sustainability Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – 21 September 2017 Attachment 2 – Assessment of Environmental Management Fund Projects Attachment 3 – Draft Sustainability Policy Attachment 4 – Sustainability Policy Reference Paper

Sustainability Advisory Committee Meeting

MINUTES

FOR THE MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 2017

IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS / MAINBREAK, WALLCLIFFE ROAD, MARGARET RIVER

COMMENCING AT 5.30PM

SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES: 21 SEPTEMBER 2017

DISCLAIMER

The Council of the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River hereby advises that before taking any action on an application or a decision of the Council, any applicant or member of the public should wait for written advice from the Council.

GARY EVERSHED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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ROLE OF THE COMMITTEE To promote sustainable environmental practices within the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and across the community and to provide a forum for community representatives, Councillors and Council officers to focus on sustainability issues.

OBJECTIVES OF THE COMMITTEE a) To recommend to the Council policy, advice and appropriate courses of action which promote

sustainability that is:

1) Environmentally responsible; 2) Socially and culturally sound; and 3) Economically viable.

b) To advise the Shire of Augusta Margaret River officers and Council on sustainable environmental

issues including:

• Climate change • Transport and Air quality • Biodiversity • The built environment • Community information and engagement to increase sustainable practice • Land and waterway degradation • Water quality and conservation • Waste management • Power generation and energy conservation.

c) To advise Council officers and Council how to increase community engagement with sustainable

environmental practice.

d) To identify strategies which increase real and sustainable behaviour change in residents, businesses and other members of the community (including tourists) to improve sustainability outcomes.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS AGENDA SUBJECT PAGE NO. LISTING

Disclaimer 2

Explanation of Abbreviations 3

Order of Business (Table of Contents) 4

1.0 DECLARATION OF OPENING 5

2.0 APPOINTMENTS 5

3.0 ATTENDANCE 5 3.1 Apologies 5

4.0 PUBLIC QUESTIONS 5

5.0 DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST 5

6.0 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 5 6.1 Sustainability Advisory Committee Meeting 15 June 2017 5

7.1 REPORTS 5 7.2 Energy 5 7.2.1 Update on AMR Clean Energy project 5 7.3 Biodiversity 5 7.4 Water 5 7.5 Waste 5 7.5.1 Tidy Towns and Container Deposit Scheme 5

7.6 Transport 5 7.7 Planning/Development 5 7.7.1 Environmental Management Fund - proposed projects 5 7.7.2 Sustainability Policy and Reference Paper 6 7.7.3 Environmental Sustainability Strategy (community consultation) 7 7.7.4 SAC Terms of Reference 7 7.7.5 Update on the Shire’s Community Strategic Plan 8 7.7.6 Genuine Progress Indicator - social factors 8

8.0 MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES 9

9.0 GENERAL BUSINESS 9 9.1.1 GPI Social Progress Indicator 9

10.0 NEXT MEETING 9

11.0 CLOSURE 9

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Sustainability Advisory Committee Meeting

1.0 Declaration of Opening

The Chair welcomed all in attendance and declared the meeting open at 5.30pm

2.0 Appointments

3.0

Attendance

Committee Members Ms Karen Majer, Presiding Member Mr Julian Kruger Dr Don Bradshaw Mr Ken Collins Ms Lyn Serventy Ms Laura Bailey

Councillor Representatives Cr Peter Lane :

North Ward

Cr Felicity Haynes : Town Ward Shire Staff

Sustainable Planning Officer / Minutes :

Mr Jared Drummond Director Sustainable Development :

Waste Education Officer : Senior Landcare Officer : Strategic Project Officer :

Mr Dale Putland Ms Jackie Dixon Mr John McKinney Mr Matt Cuthbert

3.1 Apologies Cr Pam Townshend : Mr Nick Dornan Mr John Lawson Mr Tom Dowling Ms Naomi Godden

Town Ward

Members of the Public Nil

4.0 Public Questions Nil

5.0 Disclosures of Interest

5.1 Item 7.6.1 – Impartiality Interest - Ms Laura Bailey

Ms Laura Bailey verbally disclosed an impartiality interest in Item 7.6.1 in that she is a member of Transition Margaret River.

5.2 Item 7.6.1 – Impartiality Interest - Ms Karen Majer

Ms Karen Majer, Presiding Member, verbally disclosed an impartiality interest in Item 7.6.1 in that she is a member of Transition Margaret River of whom submitted a grant application.


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5.3 Item 7.6.1 – Impartiality Interest – Dr Don Bradshaw

Dr Don Bradshaw verbally disclosed an impartiality interest Item 7.6.1 in that he is a member of the Environmental Research Group Augusta of whom submitted a grant application.

6.1 Confirmation of Minutes

6.2 Sustainability Advisory Committee Meeting 15 June 2017

MOTION / SAC DECISION

MOVED: D. BRADSHAW SECONDED: J. KRUGER SAC2017/5 That the minutes of the Sustainability Advisory Committee meeting held 15 June 2017 be confirmed as a true and accurate representation of the meeting.

CARRIED 8/0

7.1 REPORTS

7.2 Energy

7.2.1 Update on the AMR Clean Community Energy project – (Lyn Serventy)

7.3 Biodiversity

7.4 Water

7.5 Waste

7.5.1 Tidy Towns and Container Deposit Scheme – (Jackie Dixon)

Tidy Towns Augusta was named a finalist in the General Appearance category, while Margaret River was shortlisted in the Litter prevention and waste management, Environmental sustainability and Environmental education sections.

Container Deposit Scheme Attachment 1 Submissions open on the Western Australia Container Deposit Scheme Discussion Paper

7.6 Transport

7.7 Planning/Development

7.7.1 Environmental Management Fund – assessment of projects (Jared Drummond

and John McKinney) Attachment 2

The EMF is a funding stream endorsed by Council and is intended to fund projects which achieve local environmental and sustainability outcomes. In the 2017-18 Financial Year approximately $100,000 is available via an external grant program. A further $130,000 is available for Shire related projects, which includes $30,000 carry over from 2016/17 for a vegetation condition assessment.

Projects that meet the EMF themes are available for funding. The themes are: a) biodiversity protection – includes projects such as revegetation, strategic weed

control; b) waterway health – includes projects such as river or creek foreshore revegetation,

projects to improve water quality;


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c) coastal management and protection - includes projects such as strategic erosion and access control, revegetation, and weed control; and

d) environmental education and capacity building of the community, development of information materials and training.

The Shire received 12 grant applications seeking funding through the EMF. A further seven Shire projects are also proposed to be funded through the EMF. The SAC discussed each of these projects and supported the following motion.


MOVED: F. HAYNES SECONDED: J. KRUGER SAC2017/6 1. Recommend that Council fund the following Shire initiated projects through the

Environmental Management Fund in 2017/18: a) Vegetation Condition Assessment ($30,000) b) Landscape Scale Rehabilitation ($25,000) c) Woody weeds removal and workshops ($14,000) d) Rain Garden maintenance ($15,000) e) Sediment control ($15,000) f) Local provenance seed collection ($5,000) g) Reserve management implementation ($30,000)

2. Recommend that Council fund the following grant applications through the Environmental Management Fund in 2017/18:

a) Surfers Point environmental projects ($3,680) b) Cowaramup Creek rehabilitation ($2,575) c) Melaleuca Beach rehabilitation ($1,200) d) Southpoint rehabilitation ($4,200) e) Community renewable energy and energy efficiency education ($5,100) f) Black cockatoo conservation project ($5,000) g) Friends of Reserves ($17,648) h) Our Patch ($10,000) i) Western Ringtail Possum Protection ($21,348) j) Turner Brook creekline rehabilitation ($10,000) k) Donovan Street environmental research book ($14,150)

CARRIED 8/0

Ms Karen Majer and Ms Laura Bailey both left the room prior to item 2 e) above being discussed.

Dr Don Bradshaw left the room prior to item 2 k) above being discussed.

The SAC discussed the need to establish a Friends of Wadandi Track group to assist with on-going Shire revegetation and weed control efforts. The following motion was passed by SAC.


MOVED: L. SERVENTY SECONDED: K. COLLINS SAC2017/7 Recommend that Council forms a Friends of Wadandi Track group.

CARRIED 8/0

7.7.2 Sustainability Policy and Sustainability Reference Paper Attachment 3

Minutes of the 15 December 2016 SAC meeting, recorded the following:

• Themes for SAC will be reviewed through the upcoming Community Strategic Plan development process.

• That SAC assists Council to develop and implement a ‘holistic policy framework’ for sustainability encompassing environmental, social, economic and cultural sustainability in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in the first instance through input to the Community Strategic Plan.

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Subsequently, Council’s Overarching Sustainability Strategy was referred to SAC for review. Actions taken to address these issues have been:

i. SAC was represented by the Chair Karen Majer at all six meetings of the

Community Reference Group providing input to the Shire on developing the Community Strategic Plan, now referred to as the Your Vision 2036 Community Strategic Directions.

ii. SAC received a briefing on 7 June from Dr Dale Putland on SAC’s role, especially in relation to how the Shire’s Policies and Strategies guide Shire initiatives.

iii. At the 7 June Workshop and a special SAC meeting on 13 July, SAC members: a) prioritised the current most important sustainability issues facing

the Augusta Margaret River Shire and current SAC priorities; b) developed detailed recommendations as input to reviewing the

Shire’s Overarching Sustainability Policy. iv. Shire staff revised the current Overarching Sustainability Policy on the basis of

the SAC meeting outcomes to develop a draft Sustainability Policy. The purpose of the Policy is to provide succinct Council commitment to sustainability (as per WALGA policy guidelines), while the Your Vision 2036 Community Strategic Directions will provide overarching guidance for Council Policies and Strategies.

v. The comprehensive outputs of the June and July SAC workshop and meetings were used to compile a Sustainability Policy Reference Paper (holistic sustainability policy framework) to provide a detailed Addendum to the Sustainability Policy and assist the SAC in future deliberations on projects and priorities.


MOVED: D. BRADSHAW SECONDED: K. COLLINS SAC2017/8 1. Recommend that Council adopt the Overarching Sustainability Policy. 2. Recommend that Council adopt the Overarching Sustainability Policy Reference Paper to

assist scheduled reviews of other Council Policies and strategies. CARRIED 8/0

7.7.3 Environment Sustainability Strategy (Matt Cuthbert) At its June meeting, the SAC noted results of the consultation process related to the Issues Paper (a precursor to the Environmental Elements of Sustainability Strategy) and a summary of the content of the draft strategy, prior to it being advertised. The draft Strategy was subject to a period of public consultation, which ended on 15 September 2017.

A total of 5 submissions were received offering support and suggested changes which would improve the document. The lack of submissions may be explained in part to the extensive pre consultation undertaken during the preparation of the document.

The Strategy will in due course be presented to council for final approval. It is open for the SAC to recommend to council that the strategy be adopted, noting that the changes necessitated by the submissions have not yet been made. Whether or not SAC resolve to support the strategy, it is nonetheless provided for noting.

MOTION / SAC DECISION MOVED: L. SERVENTY SECONDED: P. LANE SAC2017/9 Recommend that Council endorse the Environmental Sustainability Strategy

CARRIED 8/0

7.7.4 SAC Terms of Reference (Dale Putland/Jared Drummond) Attachment 4

7.7.5 Update on the Shire’s Community Strategic Plan (Stacey Hutt)

7.7.6 Genuine Progress Indicator –social factors (Don Bradshaw) Attachment 5

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The Shire’s approach to the problem of sustainability to date has not addressed social issues. To date, the focus has been on nuts-and-bolts issues such as energy, waste, water and biodiversity. I think we have made a good start but in the future, it would be beneficial if we could also look at the social impact of changes in population size, housing affordability etc., rather than simply looking at GDP per capita as a measure of wellbeing. A recent article from The Conversation promoting a stable, rather than an increasing population for Australia is attached and this provides statistics on what is called a Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) and it shows that, in Australia, this has declined since the 1970s, despite an increase in GDP/capita.


MOVED: D. BRADSHAW SECONDED: F. HAYNES SAC2017/10 Recommend that Council investigate the possibility of collecting relevant data towards the creation of a Genuine Progress Indicator for residents of the Shire.

CARRIED 8/0

8.0 Matters Arising from Previous Minutes Summary of Sustainability Advisory Committee minutes from 15 June 2017.

RECOMMENDATION – PART 1 / COUNCIL DECISION CR TOWNSHEND, CR HAYNES OM2017/200 1. Receives the minutes of the Sustainability Advisory Committee held on 15 June 2017; 2. Requests the CEO to write to the WA Government requesting it to protect all state native

forests from logging as well as consider financial investment by the WA Government towards development of the Forests for Life Plan;

CARRIED 6/0

AMENDED RECOMMENDATION – PART 2 / COUNCIL DECISION CR TOWNSHEND, CR HAYNES OM2017/201 3. Recommends that investigation of an arboretum is referred back to SAC for further

consideration. CARRIED 6/0

REASON To allow SAC further consideration of an investigation into an arboretum.

Follow on Council’s request to investigate development of an arboretum.

9.0 General Business

John Lawson: Requested by email for Shire endorsement of thinning previously logged forest as a means of achieving restoration, and the complete abandonment of the loss-making and damaging commercial logging of native forest, all this to be part of our new forest policies.

Action: The SAC agreed to further investigate setting up of an arboretum in the Shire.

FH – Foreshadow the need for Council to reduce use of glyphosate in the Shire.

10.0 Next Meeting The next meeting will be held on Thursday 21 December 2017 in the Main break meeting room, 41 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River. 11.0 Closure

The Chair thanked all in attendance and declared the meeting closed at 7.34pm.

Attachment 2: Assessment of Environmental Management Fund Projects 2017/18 Shire Projects

Project Title Project Costs ($) Project Description Project evaluation Vegetation condition assessment

$30,000.00

Project not delivered in 2016-17 due to seasonality requirements for flora surveys.

Carry-over of funds from 2016-17 (Support)

landscape scale rehabilitation $25,000.00 Continuation and expansion of revegetation projects in Shire reserves such as continuation of planting on Yalgardup Brook and along cleared sections of Wadandi Track.

This project has linkages to existing and proposed volunteer and school group projects. (Support)

Woody weeds removal and workshops.

$10,000.00

Continuation and expansion of weed control projects along roads and reserves not covered by reserve action plans. Delivery of 10 woody weed workshops with landholders to train landholders on identification and control of woody weeds.

This project can be leveraged against other weed control funds held by LCDC and NCMR. (Support)

Rain garden maintenance $15,000.00

Erosion control and additional planting. This project has linkages to existing and proposed volunteer and school group projects. (Support)

Sediment control $15,000.00 Multi faceted project. 1) Detailed investigation into possible legislative controls

including seasonal construction requirements; and 2) Drafting of technical standards regarding construction

techniques and control measures that are specific to the Margaret River Shire.

Existing guidelines are not appropriate for soil types and landscapes in the Shire and result in erosion and water quality issues. This project will include calculations and standards such as fence design and spacing for areas of disturbed ground based on slope and run-off coefficient. (Support)

Local provenance seed collection

$5,000.00 Contract seed collection and seed banking to allow local provenance seed to be used in Shire and partner revegetation projects.

Collecting local plant seed species will save money in the long term, and ensure there are suitable species available for revegetation projects. (Support)

Reserve management implementation

$25,000.00

Increased funding to better implement reserve management plan actions such as East Augusta Foreshore, Alexandra Bridge, Witchcliffe, Leeuwin coast, Ellis St jetty and precinct.

This project has linkages to existing and proposed volunteer and school group projects. (Support)

Total EMF Funding ($)

$125,000

EMF grant application projects Project Title Project Cost ($) Project Description Project evaluation Surfrider Foundation Surfers Point -environmental projects

$3,680.00

This project supports stewardship of the Margaret River Rivermouth through delivery of events that increase awareness of the values and threats to this area and encourage stewardship and enjoyment of the area in a way that both protects and enhances the natural environment. The proposal is to run a series of five events. Each event provides elements of on-ground work, education of environmental values and processes and promotion of behaviour - through fun activities - that supports protection and restoration of key values. The event themes are: 1. Beach Clean Up 2. Indigenous awareness 3. Marine environment and sustainable fishing 4. Dune Brushing 5. Revegetation planting.

The project demonstrates on ground outcomes and tangible results. Plants, brushing and community engagement. The group will engage local community to care for this area of the coast and establish stronger partnerships. (Support)

Gracetown Progress Association & Friends of Gracetown & Cowaramup Bay Cowaramup Creek -weeding and revegetation

$2,575.00

The project aims to implement action detailed in the Cowaramup Creek Action Plan, including weeding, planting and community engagement and knowledge. Cowaramup creek has increasing weed invasion and some areas of the understorey are devoid of vegetation. Nature Conservation Margaret River (NCMR) and SWCC will provide training on weed management. The group will also undertake weeding with these groups in a community weeding day. The group will then be able to complete weeding autonomously and map weed areas, density and removal to monitor success.

The proposed actions build on the Cowaramup Brook Action Plan, which recommends weed control and revegetation of this area. It also builds on work currently being undertaken by the Shire and previous work undertaken by the Gracetown Progress Association & Friends of Gracetown & Cowaramup Bay. The Cowaramup Brook is in good condition. Efforts to maintain its good health represent value for money. (Support)

Gracetown Progress Association & Friends of Gracetown & Cowaramup Bay Western Ringtail possum surveying

$4,130.00

The project aims to train and undertake possum and other fauna surveys in the bushland around the town. To monitor and verify fauna occurrences, whilst engaging the local community in the local fauna and conservation issues and participate in citizen science in their backyard. The objective of your possum surveys is to verify and monitor the population of western ringtail possum around Gracetown (see map attached from Nature base) and inform the wider community of the fun to be had seeing these animals in the wild, the role they have in our ecology and the threats they face.

NCMR have applied for a similar project, which is already linked to a broader Western Ringtail possum conservation campaign. This project may also be in conflict with survey sites linked to a potential development site in Gracetown. It is recommended that NCMR engage with Gracetown residents and community groups as part of the broader project. (Not support)

Gracetown Progress Association & Friends of Gracetown & Cowaramup Bay Melaleuca Beach -revegetation and weed control

$1,200.00

The project aims to manage this very popular beach area, remove weeds and plant some suitable vegetation to stabilise and increase amenity of the area. The beach and dune area has increasing weed invasion (sea spurge) and some areas of the fore dune are devoid of vegetation. The planting will stabilise the dunes, increase amenity, and engage community in coastal weed and plant issues.

This project will engage the Gracetown community to continue to be involved in coast care activities. Outstanding community participation from the Gracetown community was seen during community working bees earlier this year. Tangible results and good community engagement. (Support)

Gracetown Progress Association & Friends of Gracetown & Cowaramup Bay Southpoint - revegetation and weed control

$4,200.00

The project aims to address some erosion and unvegetated area of South Point and the Cowaramup Bay. South Point has a history of rehabilitation that has been very successful and further work could maintain and complete this. Some areas of the walk trails have been disturbed by makeshift access paths and general disturbance. The project aims to engage the community to be active in restoring the area and protecting it.

Although this is a very worthwhile project, a portion of this area is vested with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). DBCA have provided in-principle support to assist with this project. This project could be developed into a great partnership with SWCC, Shire, Friends and DBCA if progressed. (Support, subject to DBCA assistance)

Transition Margaret River Community renewable energy and energy efficiency education

$5,100.00

A community education and training program on renewable energy and energy conservation will be developed to reduce community energy use. The Program will include: • Situation analysis, including energy use data and

attitude/info need survey • Refinement of goals, objectives, desired outcomes • Identification of key messages, stakeholders and

audiences • Identification of further project supporters and

opportunities to ‘piggy back’ on existing events and communication channels, business partner, ‘personality’ to be an opinion leader (eg well known surfer)

• Detailed planning of strategies and staged action plan of activities including media, awareness, events, training, workshops, school activities, social media, website information and links (via AMRCCE website), (2018 and ongoing)

• Monitoring and evaluation

Additional EMF funding may be expanded to suit broader sustainability initiatives. This project demonstrates good partnerships with a large reach in the community through Transition Margaret River. (Support)

Nature Conservation Margaret River Black Cockatoo Conservation Project

$5,000.00

The project aims to increase the knowledge of how black cockatoos use the natural environment within the Margaret River region to assist decision-making about their conservation. The project will assist the Shire to contribute to biodiversity protection in the region. The project will provide support to increase local community participation in the Great Cocky Count 2018 by assisting Birdlife WA with identification of additional roost sites, matching of volunteers to sites and eliminating any non performing roost sites. It will also implement a program of volunteer surveying at other times of year to identify spring nesting sites.

Good project to help raise the profile of this endangered species with a sensible methodology and good community partnerships. Project would be strengthened with further information about how the survey results will be presented to council and translate into recommendations to assist with conservation of the species. (Support)

Nature Conservation Margaret River Friends of Reserves

$17,648.00

This project will continue to provide support to Friends of Reserves Groups caring for areas of bushland, foreshore or coast in priority Shire vested reserves. The project allows the Shire to make a major contribution to waterway, coastal and biodiversity protection in close partnership with the local community. The project will assist groups with strategic planning, environmental advice and organisation of on ground workdays.

The Shire’s Weed Strategy recommends that the Shire support community members interested in establishing Friends of Groups to help care for council reserves. This project continues to successfully supporting volunteers to undertake on ground works in a reserve. The aim is to help groups become independent and skilled in reserve management. (Support)

Nature Conservation Margaret River Our Patch education program

$10,000.00

‘Our Patch’ is a coordinated environmental education program for primary schools within the Shire of Augusta Margaret River. The program will be delivered to 7 local primary schools during 2017/18. ‘Our Patch’ aims to raise student’s awareness and understanding and inspire them to value, respect and care for the environment. Based on teaching ecological literacy, and scientific understanding the Program also aims to develop creativity, passion and ingenuity to understand and solve environmental problems.

Very well respected and established program in all of the Schools. The project demonstrates good value for money and broad reach of people across the community from School children, volunteer Groups, indigenous community, farmers. (Support)

Nature Conservation Margaret River Western Ringtail Possum conservation project

$21,348.00

During 2017/18 the project will coordinate a survey program assisted by a community citizen science team to determine possum presence and absence in priority Shire reserves. The citizen science team will undertake bi annual surveys in accordance with DBCA survey guidelines with survey locations determined in consultation with Shire environmental staff. In parallel the project will continue the WRP community raising activities initiated in 2016/17 including WRP night stalks, promotion of the spring WRP

Shire reserves are to be surveyed so provides a good service for council. The Shire would be a major sponsor of this project so they should be well recognised in all events and publications. Further details are required on the possibility to expand the program through sponsorship with local businesses. (Support)

Tally, encouraging community reporting of sightings, regular social media posts and distribution of WRP information at Shire and Nature Conservation Offices and community events. Delivery of the project will be guided by the established WRP Steering Group representing the Shire, Nature Conservation, DBCA, SWCC, and community members in accordance with the WRP Recovery Plan.

Nature Conservation Margaret River Turner Brook creekline rehabilitation

$10,000.00

To address the problems of the Turner Brook a River Action Plan will be developed in close collaboration with local landowners and managers. The following tasks will be undertaken by a suitably qualified contractor supported by environmental staff from Nature Conservation and the Lower Blackwood Land Conservation District Committee: 1. Prepare a River Action Plan for the Turner Brook

including: • engagement of all landowners including gaining support

for the project and engaging them in field suveys to increase their understanding of waterway issues and foster support for restoration actions;

• foreshore condition assessment using the Pen Scott method;

• mapping of condition including detailed mapping of weed presence;

• development of management recommendations to address key issues; and

• compilation of all information into a report for use by landowners and managers.

2. Print the Turner Brook River Action Plan and present to landowners and stakeholders at a launch. Include in the launch special presentations to build knowledge and skills of landowners.

3. Implement priority on ground activities in a cost sharing arrangement with landowners including:

• Fencing of riparian zone to exclude grazing in partnership with landowners and in accordance with priorities identified in the river action plan.

The project potentially provides good on ground outcomes and potential community involvement and engagement with rural landholders. The project relies on partnerships to be confirmed with local landholders. The project can only proceed if state NRM funding is approved. (Support, subject to NRM funding)

• Commercial priority weed control in partnership with landowners and in accordance with priorities identified in the river action plan.

Environmental Research Group Augusta Donovan Street environmental research book

$14,150.00

The book is intended to widen understanding of the unique values of the Donovan Street bushland at the entrance to the town, and promote its long-term protection by making available an attractive book for residents and visitors to Augusta. The proposal fits one of the themes in the EMF Guidelines under (d): environmental education and capacity building of the community, development of information materials and training. The extensively illustrated book will be written by a team of ERGA environmental experts and will cover the history, geology, diverse flora and fauna of the bushland and provide details of walk trails through the area.

Production of the book will lead to better management through: • Identification of additional species of flora

and fungi, including priority species. • Accurate mapping of the vegetation

complexes. • Collection of information that will be

valuable for the preparation of a draft Management Plan.

• The mapping of Agonis flexuosa woodlands.

• Identification of weeds and mapping. Although the land is UCL reserve, it is expected that the production of this book will significantly contribute to the long term protection of the reserve. The book is also expected to involve local Augusta residents and school groups. (Support)

Total ($)

$94,901 (supported projects)

SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

Shire of Augusta Margaret River 41 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River 6285 | T (08) 9780 5255 | F (08) 9757 2512 | amrshire.wa.gov.au

Sustainability Policy

October 2017

This policy was adopted by council to set governing principles in place that align the strategic direction of the organisation through all five key focus areas of the community strategic plan 2036.

Objectives The objectives of the Policy are:

a) An understanding that without a healthy and sustainable environment, continuous economic prosperity and community well-being is not achievable.

b) Demonstration by the Shire of its understanding of, commitment to, and leadership in sustainability.

c) Incorporation of relevant sustainability policy objectives in all of the Shire’s policies, strategies and plans.

d) Incorporation of the “Precautionary Principle” into decision-making processes to ensure long-term protection of the environment.

This Overarching Sustainability Policy (the Policy) recognises the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) adopted by world leaders including Australia in September 2015. Relevant SDG, the Community Strategic Plan 2036 and the Sustainability Policy Reference Paper (2017) will inform strategies and measures (Key Performance Indicators) by which this Policy is put into effect.

Policy The shire will at all times:

1. Demonstrate a commitment to the protection and enhancement of the unique natural environment and biodiversity of the region. Council recognises that all life has intrinsic value, is interconnected and that biodiversity and ecological integrity are part of irreplaceable life support systems and are the foundation for our region’s lifestyles and economy, and that the Shire occupies a key place in Australia’s only internationally accredited Biodiversity Hotspot.

2. Demonstrate a commitment to minimising the effects of climate change and to

sustainable resource use Council’s vision is to reduce its ecological footprint and that of the community as a whole. The Shire will minimise its ecological footprint through encouraging avoidance of waste, sustainable use of resources and uptake of socially responsible and sustainable planning and lifestyle practices. The community’s values will be taken into account in



balancing competing demands for growth and maintaining a distinctive country character in a healthy well-managed environment. Council will show leadership and actively engage with the community to reduce carbon emissions and increase the resilience of the environment, community, culture and economy in the face of changing climate.

3. Demonstrate a commitment to social and cultural sustainability

Council’s vision is to develop resilient, welcoming, safe, and inclusive communities that contribute towards social equality and justice and provide support to Aboriginal community, disadvantaged groups and the aging community. Council will work to ensure that the rights all people are respected, regardless of gender, age, religion or race. Council acknowledges that the culture of Aboriginal people and nature are inextricably linked, and will ensure that Aboriginal culture is acknowledged and respected in its decisions.

4. Demonstrate a commitment to sustainable economic development

Council’s vision is to develop a prosperous economy with a sustainable range of business and job opportunities to meet the needs of the Shire’s growing population. This will be achieved through the promotion and implementation of sustainable development based on the values of the local environment, products and creative capital, that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Application Responsibility for the implementation of this Policy rests with all Councillors, staff, volunteers and contractors of the Shire of Augusta Margaret River. Sustainability is to be measured and reported upon in the annual report. The policy is to be reviewed every three years.

Terms used “sustainability” means meeting the needs of current and future generations through an integration of environmental protection, social advancement, and economic prosperity. “sustainable development” development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. “precautionary principle” means the avoidance of the risk of serious or irreversible environmental damage will not be postponed because of a lack of full, scientific knowledge.



Document and version control table

Strategic outcome 1.2.1 Plan proactively and respond to climate change.

Responsible Directorate Sustainable Development

Authority of original issue Council

Date of original issue 11 October 2017

Contact officer Sustainability Planning Officer

Date of next review October 2020

Document No.

Version Date issued Brief description

1.0 Initial Issue

1.1

SUSTAINABILITY POLICY REFERENCE PAPER

DRAFT FOR SAC REVIEW 11 September 2017

SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE SHIRE OF AUGUSTA MARGARET RIVER 1. Overview The Augusta Margaret River Shire Council’s Sustainability Policy (the Policy) recognises that all life has intrinsic value, is interconnected and that biodiversity and ecological integrity are part of irreplaceable life support systems and are the foundation for our region’s lifestyles and economy, and that the Shire occupies a key place in Australia’s only internationally accredited Biodiversity Hotspot. The Policy demonstrates a commitment to

• protection and enhancement of the unique natural environment and biodiversity of the region;

• minimising the effects of climate change; • sustainable resource use; • social and cultural sustainability; • sustainable economic development.

The Policy recognises the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) adopted by world leaders including Australia in September 2015. Relevant SDG will inform strategies and measures (Key Performance Indicators) by which the Policy is put into effect. The Policy update in 2017 was informed by the Community Strategic Plan 2036, developed with wide community input, and by Council’s Sustainability Advisory Committee (SAC) review of sustainability issues for the Augusta Margaret River Region (this Paper). In reviewing sustainability issues, the SAC recognises that: (i) the rights of people and nature are inextricably linked; (ii) population growth and the impacts of climate change are significant challenges to

achieving a sustainable future in the Augusta Margaret River Region; (iii) climate change, social justice and innovation/technology are among key issues that

span many areas of Council operations; (iv) to achieve the Objectives of the Policy requires an integrated approach that is

economically viable, socially just, environmentally responsible and culturally responsive;

(v) the community looks to Council to show leadership and actively engage with them to reduce carbon emissions and increase the resilience of the environment, community, culture and economy in the face of changing climate.

2. Purpose of this Paper The objectives of this Paper are to:

(i) articulate the SAC’s understanding of the issues and the responses needed to move towards a sustainable future for the Shire;

(ii) show how these issues, especially the overarching issue of climate change, interlink across environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability (Appendix 1);

(iii) provide a reference for incorporating relevant sustainability measures in all of the Shire’s Policies, Strategies and Plans through a set of guiding principles (derived

from the Community Strategic Plan 2036) and specific policy measures to implement the principles;

(iv) provide a summary of significant issues at the regional level (Appendix 2) and main focus areas for the SAC (Appendix 3) in order to assist the SAC to establish priorities for its deliberation and advice to Council.

This Paper aligns to the Key Result Areas of the Community Strategic Plan 2036.

3. Guiding principles for sustainability PRINCIPLE 1:

The unique natural environment and biodiversity of the region will be valued, protected and enhanced.

PRINCIPLE 2:

Cultural heritage and landscapes will be conserved and support provided for strong communities that are welcoming, safe and enjoy quality lifestyles that celebrate their local identities, diversities, cultures and histories.

PRINCIPLE 3:

The community’s environmental, cultural and social values are integral to the future and will be considered when balancing the competing demands for growth and ensuring vibrant, sustainable townships which maintain their distinctive country character within a healthy, managed environment.

PRINCIPLE 4:

The community will be supported to be resilient and independent, based on self-sufficiency in food, water, energy and services, and ensuring that the economic development framework is built upon natural environment, tourism, viticulture, agriculture and rural and retail sectors that provide a sustainable range of business and job opportunities.

PRINCIPLE 5:

Council leadership will be visionary, effective, transparent and trustworthy, actively engaging and consulting the community to understand their aspirations for the future, driving positive change and diversity, and adding measurable value.

PRINCIPLE 6:

Council and community carbon emissions will be reduced and the precautionary principle will guide Council in showing leadership and engaging with the community to increase the resilience of the environment, community and economy in the face of changing climate.

4. Putting the principles into practice 4.1 VALUING, PROTECTING AND ENHANCING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Value, protect and enhance the unique natural environment and biodiversity of the region by:

• Maintaining and enhancing the Shire’s ecology and biodiversity through planning, zoning, reserve management, partnerships, community engagement and engaging Wadandi people and their knowledge in land and water management.

• Planning, forming partnerships and undertaking proactive responses to key environmental issues including fire, weeds, ferals and endangered species.

• Developing an overall strategy to ensure that habitats, corridors and climate change refugia are identified and protected in planning.

• • Protecting the Shire’s catchments, waterways, wetlands and foreshores, in

particular the Margaret and Blackwood Rivers, through Shire measures and partnerships to protect water quality and environmental flows, protect foreshores from development and increase protective vegetation in riparian zones.

• Maintaining ecosystems, healthy forests, natural landscapes and the coast through planning, incentives, collaboration, employing best-practice land use management for parks and reserves, managing access and development, and developing partnerships.

• Including biodiversity protection in bushfire management. • Supporting retention of native forest and remnant vegetation. • Advocating for locally-supported conservation outcomes that are subject to

State and Federal policy and planning decisions. • Planning to increase ecological resilience and respond to climate change

impacts on the coast, biodiversity and the ecology. • Monitoring updated climate predictions for the south west and encouraging

research on environmental impacts and environmental management responses.

• Encouraging land-owners and the community to protect the Shire’s biodiversity through community education, participation, partnerships and volunteering.

. 4.2 WELCOMING, INCLUSIVE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Conserve cultural heritage and landscapes and support strong communities that are welcoming, safe and enjoy quality lifestyles that celebrate their local identities, diversities, cultures and histories, by:

• Respecting and adopting evolving cultural values. • Fostering community resilience, connection and wellbeing through social

planning, recreation, safety, education, preventative health and social justice strategies.

• Celebrating diversity and supporting participation in cultural and community events, festivals and activities that encourage a sense of local identity, justice and universal belonging.

• Supporting reconciliation and community respect for Aboriginal peoples. • Supporting community groups, networks and volunteers. • Taking action for equal opportunities for all, addressing services for

disadvantaged sectors of the community (irrespective of age, race, religion, physical or mental abilities), gender mainstreaming across all policies and strategies, and ensuring Shire facilities and services are accessible by all.

• Fostering lifelong learning in the community. • Promoting active, healthy and safe lifestyles and providing facilities that

maximise participation in physical activity. • Promoting safer communities through initiatives to prevent crime, address

violence against women, reduce the impact of drugs, enhance emergency and disaster management, and protect public health.

• Fostering community resilience and protecting community health, safety and social justice in the face of changing climate.

• Acknowledging and promoting Aboriginal rights, land, wisdom, knowledge, participation and leadership.

• Providing youth services and promoting youth engagement in Shire governance processes and leadership.

• Fostering community groups who promote social inclusion, community care, education and cultural development.

• Welcoming and supporting refugees and asylum seekers as a Refugee Welcome Zone.

• Monitoring changing public health, mental health, infrastructure and vector control needs in response to changing climate/environment including increasing heatwaves, bushfires, southern movement of diseases such as Ross River Virus.

4.3 ENSURING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

(a) Lead by example and play our part in solving the global challenges of

sustainability by: • Proactively planning for potential population growth and demographic

change. • Clearly defining areas for growth, renewal and protection. • Encouraging sustainably-managed tourism operations, ecotourism and

low-impact tourism experiences based on the local environment and culture in the Shire and Region and following a Sustainable Visitor Capacity approach to coastal and tourism planning.

• Planning for liveable, sustainable and well-designed places that are inclusive for all culture and demographics.

• Participating in initiatives to limit and manage wider urban and regional growth.

• Revitalising Shire centres, neighbourhoods and hamlets on sustainable and social justice principles.

• Implementing best-practice sustainable design principles including Water Sensitive Urban Design, water conservation, water recycling and energy efficiency for new communities, Shire facilities and projects.

• Integrating land use with transport modes to provide pedestrian and bike friendly towns and a connected and safe transport network, including connected cycleway and pedestrian pathways throughout the Shire, and encouraging public transport to meet the needs of visitors and an aging population.

• Encouraging the sound management of freight and regional transport in the Shire.

• Encouraging innovation in sustainable design for housing and buildings, its application across Shire properties, and business and community education to improve sustainability in new and retrofitted buildings

• Planning to respond to climate change impacts including reduced water supplies, increasing bushfires and severe weather/marine events.

(b) Ensure the sustainable management and use of natural resources (water,

energy, food, soil) and encourage our community to reduce its ecological footprint and enhance its quality of life by:

• Promoting the wisdom and leadership of Aboriginal peoples in sustainable management of natural resources.

• Supporting the development and implementation of innovative environmental technology.

• Ensuring products and services used by the Shire to support sustainable and regenerative agriculture, viticulture, fisheries and aquaculture, forestry, plantations, local food producers and sustainable mining.

• Partnering with industry organisations to encourage agricultural innovation. • Encouraging local food production and industries, secure distribution

channels and community initiatives such as food hubs. • Achieving sustainable waste management through reducing environmental

impact of waste disposal, reducing waste to landfill and encouraging and supporting community initiatives and the wider community to reduce, reuse and recycle.

• Achieving sustainable water management through reducing water consumption, improving water quality and engaging the community in water conservation.

• Liaising with State Government organisations and developing partnerships and community education programs for water conservation and total water cycle management.

• Achieving sustainable energy management through energy conservation, increasing use of renewable energy sources and supporting community renewable energy projects.

• Setting an example in reducing greenhouse gas emissions (climate change mitigation), educating businesses and the community about energy conservation and renewable energy and supporting community-led renewable energy initiatives and uptake.

• Promoting a connected and safe transport network and raising awareness of the transition to low-carbon transport.

• Responding to changing climate impacts on resources through partnerships, community education and participation.

• Implementing Council strategies and supporting community groups and activities that increase community resilience and improve water, energy and food security for the future.

4.4 VIBRANT AND DIVERSE ECONOMY

Support the community to be resilient and independent, based on self-sufficiency in food, energy and services, and ensure that the economic development framework will be built upon natural environment, tourism, viticulture, agriculture and rural and retail sectors that provide a sustainable range of business and job opportunities, by:

• Encouraging diversity, innovation and value-adding in economic

development including renewable energy technologies, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, Aboriginal employment, creative industries and education, while also addressing income inequality and poverty, in line with the Economic Development Strategy 2017-27.

• Supporting strong, diverse and sustainable agriculture and viticulture sectors, small agricultural holdings, small-scale food production, regenerative agriculture and food processing enterprises.

• Working with the tourism sector and local industries to promote ecologically and socially sustainable tourism and other industries based on innovative, low-impact nature experiences and on local produce, culture, wine, food and creativity.

• Developing infrastructure, communication networks and technology to support sustainable economic growth.

• Fostering a competitive and sustainable business environment. • Working collaboratively to improve educational and learning infrastructure. • Facilitating networking activities for business sustainability. • Creating a sustainable, business-friendly Council and developing a policy

for sustainable economic development. • Fostering cleaner production in the Shire and Region. • Encouraging corporate social responsibility, industry sustainability,

economic equality and fair distribution of resources. • Encouraging inclusion of Aboriginal peoples in job creation and innovation

across all economic industries. • Encouraging sustainable entrepreneurship, especially young

entrepreneurs. • Acknowledging women’s disproportionate responsibilities in the unpaid

care economy and promoting opportunities for shared care, workplace flexibility, and equal wages for people of all genders.

• Encouraging affordable housing options in planning and provision of low-cost accommodation by private providers.

• Fostering innovation and creative capital through facilities, support for locally-organised events, community participation and partnerships.

• Ensuring economic costs to the Shire arising from changing climate are minimised and opportunities identified including regularly reviewing risk assessment as climate predictions and measured changes are updated.

• Developing partnerships and community programs to mitigate the economic impacts of climate events on the community especially low-income and vulnerable community members.

4.5 EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

Ensure that the way Council governs is driving the transition to a sustainable future by:

• Providing stable, ethical, transparent and sound government for the Shire’s residents and ratepayers.

• Taking responsible ownership of outcomes including providing training for Councillors and staff on good governance, ethical decision-making processes and community involvement and raising awareness and building capacity in Councillors, staff and the community in achieving sustainable outcomes.

• Implementing effective and integrated strategy and planning and asset management.

• Using sustainability assessment to inform decision making. • Planning for sustainable long-term outcomes for the community. • Forming partnerships and strategic alliances to foster sustainability. • Leading by example in implementing sustainable design principles and

practices in Shire buildings and operations. • Managing financial resources in a prudent manner to safeguard a

sustainable future. • Fostering a culture of community and customer focus, innovation, quality

and continuous improvement. • Measuring and reporting on success and sustainability. • Developing an approach to holistic sustainability assessment that includes

measuring and reporting on sustainability using relevant measures from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and other indicators that link the Shire’s performance assessment to implementation of this Policy.

• Fostering community participation through deliberative democracy and participatory governance, including ensuring participation of Aboriginal peoples and disadvantaged/underrepresented groups, and open forums to enable diverse representation.

• Fostering community members in all their diversities to have leadership positions in Council, its advisory bodies and Shire staff, including equitable representation of women.

• Ensuring Shire contracting and procurement preferentially support local businesses and employment and adhere to sustainable procurement guidelines.

• Showing leadership in climate change mitigation and adaptation. • Ensuring inclusive disaster response planning and procedures are in place

to effectively respond to increasing threats of bushfires and severe weather and marine events.

4.6 MITIGATING AND RESPONDING TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Show leadership and take action to mitigate and respond to climate change across all goal (focus) areas of the Community Strategic Plan 2036 by:

• Reducing greenhouse gas (especially carbon) Shire (corporate) to meet adopted targets, and assisting businesses and the community to adopt renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions through Council’s Local Energy Action Plan (LEAP).

• Regularly updating the Shire’s Climate Change Response Plan in consultation with the community to respond to changing climate and associated environmental conditions and implementing across all Shire work areas.

APPENDIX 1: SIGNIFICANT REGIONAL ISSUES FOR SUSTAINABILITY Issue Key elements

1. Biodiversity

• Fire and biodiversity • Consultation, community education, participation

and partnerships including Wadandi • Ecology and biodiversity protection and

enhancement • Ecosystem conservation (bushland, forest, coastal,

marine, rivers, streams, riparian environment, caves)

• Nature conservation • Weeds, feral animals • Proactive response to impacts of climate change on

biodiversity and promoting ecological resilience

2. Land and waterway conservation

• Proactively responding to impacts of climate change • Healthy waterways and foreshores • Unique and iconic coastal landscapes • Consultation, community education, participation

and partnerships, Wadandi • Healthy forests and natural landscapes • Forest management for highest uses

3. Renewable energy and energy conservation

• Support for community renewable energy projects • Climate change mitigation - Reducing Greenhouse

gas emissions to agreed targets, renewable energy • Social justice (energy costs) • Energy conservation • Renewable energy and energy conservation in Shire

buildings and facilities • Individual uptake of renewable energy • Energy security • Consultation, community education, participation

and partnerships • Business education and training • Innovation

4. Sustainable

planning, subdivision and development – built environment

• Sustainable design principles in Shire buildings, infrastructure, projects

• Proactively planning for population increase and change

• Sustainable planning and building practices • Consultation, community education, participation

and partnerships • Water Sensitive Urban Design and Stormwater

management • Social justice • Planning and approvals for sustainable urban

expansion, subdivision and development, sustainable buildings

• Towns, hamlets, neighbourhoods, ecovillages • Responding to impacts of climate change

5. Sustainable

resource use: food, soil and sustainable agriculture

• Regenerative agriculture • Eco-agriculture • Food Hubs • Sustainable agriculture • Food security • Soil health • Responding to impacts of climate change – growing

conditions, industry and producer impacts, economic impacts, food prices,

• Social justice

6. Social sustainability

• Aboriginal • Youth • Equality and social justice • Affordable housing • Connected communities • Welcoming and inclusive communities • Disadvantaged groups • Aging community • Responding to impacts of climate change –

community health and resilience, impacts on disadvantaged groups, impacts on recreation, safety, mental health, emergency and disaster response

7. Sustainable

Economic Development

• Innovation, new sustainable industries • Responding to economic impacts of climate change • Economic equality, social justice • Innovative events, festivals, business and

industries, based on local products, culture • Tourism development based on local values –

environment, wine and food, products and creativity • Education • Local employment • Shire procurement support local businesses • Affordable housing • Consultation, community education, participation

and partnerships

8. Waste management

• Litter and illegal dumping • Community projects eg Boomerang Bags, Cape to

Cape Plastic Free, Responsible Cafes • Agriculture and viticulture waste • Reducing waste to landfill • Plastic • Recycling, ‘reduce, re-use, recycle’ • Green waste and organics processing • Composting and worm farms • Business education and training

9. Governance for sustainability

• Consultation • Measuring and reporting on sustainability (reflected

in KPIs) • Good governance, ethical decision making

processes, open and transparent • Ethical investment and procurement • Deliberative democracy • Sustainability assessment to aid decision-making

10. Cultural sustainability

• Aboriginal participation • History, heritage protection and management • Protection and management of sacred, heritage and

historic sites • Arts and creativity, Creative capital • Refugees, Diversity and multi-culturalism • Responding to impacts of climate change – impacts

on cultural landscapes, heritage buildings and structures

• Social justice

11. Sustainable tourism

• Protecting biodiversity, landscapes and natural environments in accordance with community values

• Innovative tourist experiences based on local environment, culture, heritage, creative capital, food, wine, produce

• Sustainable Visitor Capacity • Responding to impacts of climate change including

facilities, health, safety, increasing visitor numbers • Social justice • Pedestrian and bike friendly town

12. Sustainable

water management

• Water conservation • Responding to impacts of climate change – water

availability • Water sensitive urban design • Consultation, community education, participation

and partnerships • Downstream flows • Stormwater management • Recycling • Private water supplies • Business, landowner education and training • Social justice

13. Sustainable transport

• Pedestrian and bike friendly town • Sustainable transport – roads, tracks and trails • Public transport • Electric vehicles, low-carbon transport

APPENDIX 2: CURRENT SAC PRIORITIES (i) Sustainability issues linked to Community Strategic Plan

(Vision 2036) Key Result Areas/Goals: 1. Biodiversity 2. Sustainable planning, subdivision and development – built

environment 3. Renewable energy and energy conservation 4. Land and waterway conservation 5. Waste management 6. Governance for sustainability (Sustainability Policy, strategies, policies

and measures) 7. Food, soil and sustainable agriculture 8. Social sustainability (particularly climate change impacts and response) 9. Sustainable water management

(ii) Across-goal (overarching) issues:

1. Climate change 2. Community education, participation and partnerships

APPENDIX 3: HOLISTIC APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY

MATRIX OF ISSUES SHOWING INTER-RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ELEMENTS Community Strategic Plan 2036 Goals

Sustainability issues

Shire

Environmental sustainability

Social and cultural sustainability

Economic sustainability

Climate change

Major documents/activities

Community involvement

VALUING, PROTECTING AND ENHANCING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Biodiversity and habitat protection and enhancement

Landscape protection and enhancement

Ecosystem conservation (bushland, forest, coastal, marine, rivers, streams, riparian environment, caves)

Healthy waterways and foreshores

Unique and iconic coastal landscapes

Healthy forests and natural landscapes

Endangered species

Weeds, feral animals

Fire and biodiversity

Protecting biodiversity, habitats and landscapes, ecosystems and connecting corridors as part of urban, regional and infrastructure planning Conservation of endangered species – e.g. Ringtails, Cockatoos Weed control Reducing Round Up/ pesticide/weedicide use Feral animal control Fire and biodiversity

Protecting biodiversity, and landscapes, and natural environments for community values Forest management for highest use

Conserving environment, biodiversity and landscapes as underpinning tourism and economy Developing environmentally-based and compatible attractions, businesses, tourism ventures

Proactive response to impacts of climate change on biodiversity and promoting ecological resilience Climate Change Response Managing ecosystems for resilience Corridors and refugia Fire and biodiversity Research and evaluation

Government Policies

Community Strategic Plan 2036


Environmental Elements of Sustainability Strategy

Environmental Management Fund

Climate Change Response Plan

Economic Devel. Strategy

Shire policies, planning and strategies

Reserve management Parks and gardens Coastal development and management Weed control Feral animal control Fire mgt Waterways and foreshores

Consultation and Participation in Shire policies and planning

Partnerships Aboriginal Nature Conservation Margaret River Region MOU Curtin Uni MOU Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association

Shire-Community partnerships & projects Curtin Uni, NCMRR, consultants Ringtail possum project

Support for Rivercare Groups, environment groups

Community awareness and education, Behaviour change Fire and biodiversity Weeds, Ferals (eg cats)

Research, evaluation KPIs Nature Conservation Margaret River Region Curtin Uni, Consultants State of the Environment Report Sustainability assessment to aid decision-making

Community Strategic Plan 2036 Goals


Shire




Climate change



ENSURING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Sustainable development Sustainable tourism Sustainable transport Sustainable resource use:

• water • energy • waste • soil • food

Managing population and urban growth to protect environmental values

Managing tourism and visitor growth to protect environmental values

Low carbon transport (incl. electric vehicles) to reduce emissions

Water sensitive design (total water cycle management, stormwater management)

Renewable energy

Energy conservation

Reducing waste to landfill

Litter and illegal dumping

Recycling and reducing plastic

Sustainable design principles in Shire buildings, projects infrastructure Soil health

Pedestrian and bike friendly town

Tracks and trails

Public transport

Pedestrian and bike friendly town

Managing population and urban growth to protect social, cultural, Indigenous values

Managing tourism and visitor growth to protect social, cultural, Indigenous values (sustainable visitor capacity planning, Aboriginal involvement)

Social justice e.g. energy costs, affordable housing

Sustainable urban expansion- community values Food hubs, markets, support for local producers

Tourism based on local values – environment, produce, products and creativity

Innovative business and industries, based on local products, creative capital, sustainable practices

Buy local

Innovation, technology

Sustainable Visitor Capacity

Climate change mitigation – reducing greenhouse gas emissions (LEAP)

Water security

Energy security

Food security

Climate Response

Community safety – settlements, bushfires, infrastructure, services

Responding to impacts of climate change on agriculture and viticulture – growing conditions, industry and producer impacts, economic impacts, food prices

Responding to impacts of climate change on tourism including facilities, health, safety, increasing visitor numbers

Research and evaluation

Government Policies


Sustainability Policy Shire Policies

Environmental Sustainability Strategy (Environmental Management Fund)

LEAP


Economic Dev Strategy

Other Shire policies, planning and strategies and activities. • Shire buildings and

facilities mgt • planning and

development • asset management • infrastructure

management • waste management • water conservation

and quality • transport, roads,

paths and trails • carbon pollution

and reduction • agriculture

Community Participation in policies, planning Your Say, Consultation

Shire-Community projects and partnerships: MOU Curtin University Support for community groups eg AMR Clean Community Energy TMR, MRREC, Boomerang Bags, Cape to Cape Plastic Free

Working with MRBTA, MR Chamber of Commerce

Behaviour change: Community awareness, education, training for sustainable living, renewable energy, waste, recycling (eg Living Smart, Sustainability Pavilion)

Sustainable subdivision and building practices (eg by-laws)

Business education and training – water, energy, waste

Reducing ag., viticulture, food waste, green waste, plastic

Promoting regenerative and eco-agriculture

Research and evaluation Measuring and reporting on sustainability (KPIs)



Shire




Climate change



WELCOMING, INCLUSIVE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITIES Connected communities Welcoming and inclusive communities Community facilities Equality and social justice Health and wellbeing Education History, heritage Aboriginal issues Arts and creativity International connections

Protecting biodiversity, landscapes, and natural environments for community values Sustainable Visitor Capacity

Community development

Cultural development

Community and sporting facilities

Community health

Community safety

Educational infrastructure

Protection and management of heritage, historic and sacred sites

Social justice and equity, Disadvantaged groups

Affordable housing

Youth

Aboriginal community

Aging community Refugees, Diversity and multi-culturalism Refugee Friendly Shire

Heritage, cultural, wine and food tourism

Creative capital

Education/Tertiary Campus

International relations

Climate Response

Community safety, health and wellbeing

Responding to social impacts of climate change – community health and resilience, impacts on disadvantaged groups, impacts on recreation, safety, mental health, emergency and disaster response

Responding to cultural impacts of climate change – impacts on cultural landscapes, heritage buildings and structures

Government Policies



Shire Policies Climate Change Response Plan

Economic Development Strategy

Shire policies, planning and strategies: • planning and

development • cultural

development • community

development • recreation • heritage

conservation • youth • Aboriginal • community health

and safety • social justice and

equity • affordable housing • accessibility Code of Conduct Customer Service Charter

Participation in policies and planning Your Say, Consultation Aboriginal participation

Partnerships Curtin University MOU

Shire-Community projects Just Housing MR Transition Margaret River Community groups and networks Arts MR

Community awareness and education

Behaviour change

Community involvement Women Youth Aboriginal Lifelong learning

Research, evaluation KPIs Social research



Shire




Climate change



VIBRANT AND DIVERSE ECONOMY • Wine and food • Tourism development • Economic infrastructure • Creative industries • Competitive

business • International plans Innovation Events and festivals Ethical investment and procurement Economic equality, Affordable housing

Environment underpinning economic and tourism development

Support for creative capital, arts and culture

Economic equality, Affordable housing, Social justice

Innovative events, festivals, business and industries, based on local products, produce, culture, creativity

Tourism development based on local values – environment, heritage, history, culture, wine and food, products and creativity

Local employment

Shire procurement support local businesses

Wine and food

Tourism development

Economic infrastructure

Creative industries

Competitive business

International plans

Innovation, technology, new sustainable industries

Education, Tertiary Campus

Opportunities eg renewable energy

Responding to economic impacts of climate change

Increasing economic costs of climate change to:

Shire tourism agriculture viticulture businesses services eg water supply community

Funding insurance, risk management, adaptation, disaster response

Government Policies



Shire Policies

Economic Development Strategy

Business Excellence and Innovation

Ethical investment and procurement


Shire policies, planning and strategies: • Economic

Development • Tourism Strategy • Events • Buy local • Procurement • Contracts

International

ESD principles

Participation in policies and planning Your Say, Consultation

Partnerships Curtin University MOU MRBTA MR Chamber of Commerce Wine industry Ag/food industry

Shire-Community projects MR Clean Community Energy

Community awareness and education

Behaviour change


Research, evaluation Measuring and reporting on sustainability (reflected in KPIs)

Sustainability assessment to aid decision-making

I



Shire




Climate change



CLIMATE CHANGE Climate change Mitigation Climate change Response • Biodiversity • Coastal zone • Water resources • Agriculture,

viticulture, , forestry, food security

• Settlements, infrastructure and assets

• Tourism • Health and

wellbeing • Natural disaster

response incl. bushfire

• Economic impacts Community education Research

Climate Change Response: • Biodiversity • Rivers and

streams • Forest health • Coastal zone • Water resources

Fire and biodiversity

Climate Change Response: • Agriculture,

viticulture, , forestry, food security

• Water security • Settlements,

infrastructure and assets

• Tourism • Health and

wellbeing • Community

safety: natural disaster response incl. bushfire

Climate Change Response

Increasing economic costs of climate change to Shire: • environmental

management • risk

management • infrastructure

and asset repair and replacement

• disaster response

• increased community services eg health

• community education and involvement

• research, monitoring and evaluation

• insurance

Increasing economic costs of climate change to tourism, agriculture, viticulture, businesses and community

Government Policies



LEAP

Climate change response plan

Participation in policies and planning Participation in LEAP, Developing and implementing Climate Change Response Plan

Partnerships Nature Conservation Margaret River Region Curtin University MOU

Shire-Community projects MR Clean Community Energy Transition Margaret River MRREC

Community awareness and education LEAP Impacts and adaptation to changing climate including community safety and health

Behaviour change Energy – LEAP water conservation, energy conservation, waste reduction, fire management, food production

Research, evaluation Nature Conservation MRR Curtin University MOU Universities

SHIRE OF AUGUSTA MARGARET RIVER ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING 11 OCTOBER 2017

11.2 Sustainable Development 11.2.2 AGRICULTURE INTENSIVE (VINEYARD AND ORCHARD)

WINERY, RURAL PRODUCE SALES (CELLAR DOOR), BREWERY, LICENSED RESTAURANT AND RETROSPECTIVE APPLICATION FOR WORKS TO A DAM AND BUNDS

Attachment 1 – Plans of the proposal Attachment 2 – Plans for the dam and bunds Attachment 3 – Specification for the equipment within the winery and brewery Attachment 4 – Schedule of Submissions Attachment 5 – Schedule of Submissions – dam and bunds

SCHEDULE OF SUBMISSIONS following Second Advertisement – P216511 Agricultural Intensive (Vineyard and Orchard) Winery, Rural Produce Sales (Cellar Door) Brewery and

Licensed Restaurant 413 (Lot 12) Burnside Road, Burnside

SUB-

MISSION NO.

SUBMITTER (Name & Address)

SUMMARY OF COMMENTS OFFICER COMMENT RECOMMENDATION

Private Submissions Objections 1. Burnside Resident

1. Revised proposal include brewery,

cidery and winery but no hops, barley, apples or grapes are grown on the property.

2. A cidery is not a permitted use on the zoning table.

3. The LPS1 states a ‘winery means

premises used for the production of viticultural produce and may include wholesale and appointment only sale of products onsite’. This definition would seem to extend to beer and cider products, but no produce is available from the property for all three categories.

4. The plans show production areas for beer and cider but none for wine,

1. The application includes the planting of the following: a) 5.30ha vines planted at a

rate of 10,000 vines per hectare and 5,000 vines per hectare in the eastern part of the Site.

b) 5ha Permaculture orchard (avocados, citrus, olives).

c) 1.35ha apples planted at a rate of 606 trees per hectare.

2. Cidery falls within the definition of ‘Brewery’. A brewery is a discretionary use that can be considered within land zoned priority agriculture.

3. The application has been amended to include a ‘winery’ for the production of wine. The winery includes all the processing machinery for the production of wine on Site.

4. (Refer to response for submission 1 no. 3 above).

No changes to the proposal.



SUB-

MISSION NO.



only a barrel store, which is not a productive area, simply storage.

5. The LPS1 states Licensed Restaurant in the Priority Agriculture and General Agricultural zone ‘may be permitted where the primary use of the land will remain for agricultural pursuits and the licensed restaurant or restaurant is incidental to the primary use’. The proponents land is currently for cattle for pasture there is no agricultural produce, the application cannot meet this requirement.

6. Opening hours area of greatest concern. Witnesses the Brewhouse commence opening hours till 6pm, then a subsequent application allowed opening hours till 10pm, with a second night allowing opening till 10pm with live music on Sunday, illegal parking on verges, side roads and the bush, with no action from the Shire. The Colonial Brewery stages similar opening hour

5. The proposal includes the planting of 11.65h of intensive agricultural, a winery and brewery for the production of wine, beer and cider on the Site. The development will be built in two stages. Stage one the planting of 5ha of the intensive agriculture and the construction of the winery and brewery. Stage two the construction of the licensed restaurant an cellar door. The staging ensures the agricultural activity is established prior to the licensed restaurant and cellar door.

6. Opening hours are to be restricted to:

Hours operation November – March Monday to Sunday 11am – 6pm & Saturday 11am – 10pm

April – October Monday to Sunday (including



SUB-

MISSION NO.



changes, until local residents revolted, resulting in an earth bund for noise abatement. The proponent will obviously try the same tactics.

7. Noise abatement. The proponent advises there will be no amplified music after 6pm, and that the earth bunds are there for noise abatement, which are located to the south. The problem is the restaurant facility faces north, where there are two residences reasonably close; there are no earth bunds to the north.

Saturday) 11am – 6pm Further more a condition will be imposed to not allow any amplified music or outdoor entertainment outside after 6pm. The proposal will also be required to adhere to the noise regulations by the Environmental Protections (Noise) Regulations 1997. The Brewhouse is located in the town site of Margaret River, presenting an urban development, which presents different planning considerations than the one under assessment.

7. The proponent indicates that the main hours of operation will be during the lunchtimes and afternoon, with only one evening during the months of November to March. The hours of operation will be conditioned. The nearest neighbours dwelling is located over 400 metres north of the restaurant. The development includes extensive landscaping buffers between the restaurant and the neighbours dwelling to the north. The bunds do not



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form part of this application and are being considered separately.

2. Burnside Resident

1. Winery definition provided. The proponent does not include a winery on the plans, and refers to a barrel store. The key term from the definition is the production. A dictionary definition of production ‘is the action of making or manufacturing from components or raw materials, or the process of being so manufactured’. The barrel store is a storage facility and has no winery production component.

2. The production of red wine requires fermentation tanks where the red grapes are left in contact with skins; this does not take place in barrels. It is possible to make white wine in barrels into storage tanks to facilitate cleaning of the barrels before wine is pumped back into the barrels.

3. There are no storage tanks on the plan, no wash down or cleaning areas and no winery wastewater disposal system.

4. The attempt of passing off a barrel store as a winery is deceptive and designed to circumvent the requirements of the LPS1 whilst obtaining the benefits associated


2. These comments on the production of wine are noted.


4. The proponent has responded to these concerns and has amended the application to include a winery for the processing of fruit through to




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MISSION NO.



with the establishment of a winery on site.

5. The extent of the disinterest in real winemaking considerations is illustrated by the supposed 90 barrel capacity on the floor plan. Wine barrels are stored on their side, not standing up. It would be impossible to store 90 barrels on their side in the configuration shown on the plan.

6. The proponent owns a vineyard in the Great Southern region of WA and is involved in winemaking with family. The proponent has advised neighbours that their plan is to establish a cellar door on the Burnside property to sell these wines. Under the LPS1 they are required to only sell wines grown or made on site.

7. The barrel hall as a winery is clearly an attempt to pay lip service to this requirement and facilitate a plan which does not conform to the LPS1.

8. Integrity and authenticity are key requirement of genuine tourism experiences. The provisions of the LPS1 that protect authenticity of the actual connection of tourism development to the land are vital to

the bottling.

5. Comments made in association with the scale of the barrel hall have been noted.

6. The LPS1 definition for ‘Rural Produce Sales’ includes a cellar door. The definition for a rural produce sales only permits the sale of products that are either grown, reared or produced on the Site. The definition does not allow for the sale of products that don’t fit this definition.


8. The objectives from the LPS1 for priority agricultural land are in place to ensure that when tourism development is considered there is continued agricultural or viticultural



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be upheld.

9. If a genuine winery were established on the site we would not, and under the provisions of the LPS1 could not object. Our objection is based upon the fact that the barrel hall is not a winery and should not be construed as such. The proponent relies on the winery component of the proposal to justify approval.

10. Rural produce sales (cellar door). The cellar door is linked to the problematic winery proposal. If the site were to be producing wine grapes then a cellar door would be appropriate. Until such time as grapes are being produced on site and are being make in wine (on or off site) it would be inappropriate for a cellar door to be established.

11. Given there is no genuine intention

to produce wine on the site the consideration of production from a winery is irrelevant. Our concern is the plan is to sell wines grown and made off site. Any approval for a cellar door should be conditioned to

operation or rural production. The application includes both intensive agricultural and rural production.

9. (Refer to responses for submission 1 no. 3 & 4 above).


11. (Refer to response for submission 1 no. 3, 4 & 6 above).



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ensure that only made from grapes grown on the site, or wine made on site in a genuine winery.

12. The proponent claims there is no actual requirement to produce cider or beer from produce grown on the site. This claim is false. The LPS1 under 4.2.1.1 states this form of development is permitted ‘where there is an established and continued agricultural, horticultural, viticultural or other similar rural production’.

13. The Local Planning Strategy (LPS)

definition of low impact tourism development clearly encompasses this proposal. The other two breweries in the Shire established on agricultural land are the Colonial and Cowaramup. Both were conditional upon the use of primary

12. The LPS1 definition for a Brewery includes: Means premises used for the production and consumption of beer, cider or spirits but does not include any other land use defined elsewhere in the Scheme. The proposal includes a brewery for the production of beer and cider. It is anticipated that 500 litres will be brewed a fortnight. Clause 4.2.1.1 refers to the broad and over arching objectives of the Priority Agricultural zone, not the specifications for the assessment for development proposals.

13. The Colonial and the

Cowaramup Brewery were approved in 2003, under Local Planning Scheme No.11. The definition under TPS11 was different to the definition in LPS1. The conditions of approval for the Colonial



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produce grown on the land in the production of beer. The Colonial operates in contravention of this and should be of concern to the Shire. It demonstrates proponent of breweries are content on ignoring conditions of approval one established, and that the agricultural link or breweries to the primary production in the region is tenuous. The Cowaramup Brewery grows hops as per the conditions of their approval, but whether this is realistic proportion of production, given that beer is primarily made from, barley is debatable.

included the following:

Condition 26 - The brewery when established shall at all times comply with the definition of “Rural Industry” by the use of hops and barley grown on the Site or in the locality in the brewing process and defined within Town Planning Scheme No. 11 as follows;

“…an industry handling, treating, processing, packing or carrying products which have been grown, reared or produced in the locality in which the industry is carried on or a blacksmith’s shop or a workshop servicing plant or equipment used in a rural pursuit in the locality.”(P)

Condition 39 - Beer sold on the site shall be limited to that produced on site using barley and hops cultivated on the subject site or in the locality. (P) It was later found that hops were unable to be successfully grown in the region, and the proponent applied to amend the original conditions of approval to allow for the use of other produce grown on the Site for the production or beer, i.e. avocados limes lemons, apples. The application was refused by Council, but was later



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14. An extract from the Augusta Margaret River Times has provided dated 2 December 2009. The article is in relation to the Council meeting of the 2/12/09 where Council discussed the proposal to expand the Colonial Brewery. A copy of the Colonial conditions has also been

approved at appeal in 2010. The condition was amended to the following:

2. Beer produced in the brewery and sold on the premises shall include a proportion of produce grown on the site.

The Cowaramup Brewery was granted approval for a Rural Industry, which included the Intensive Agricultural component for production of hops, Rural Industry (Brewery) Licensed Restaurant and Shop. The definition of a brewery within LPS1 states the following: Means premises used for eh production and consumption of beer, cider or spirits but does not include any other land use defined elsewhere in this Schedule.

14. As discussed above under response to 13, the assessment of this application is undertaken under the provisions of the currect Scheme, LPS1, and the Colonial was assessed under TPS11. Land use definitions



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provided, highlighting requirements for ‘beer that is produced by the Licensee with inputs which have been grown or produced in the locality. Wine is produced from grapes grown on the land owned by the Licensee or any entity related to the business with inputs which have been grown or produced in the locality’.

15. Cidery, the proponent is seeking to establish the facility in advance of establishing a crop required to create the product. It is not possible to grow apples in this locality without extensive bird netting. The only netting would be substantial framework, and no such proposal is shown on the application.

16. It is possible that this is an oversight

is based upon ignorance. As with the example of the Colonial it is likely that the undertaking to grow produce for the cidery would become meaningless to the proponent.

17. The orchards would form a scenic

component of the development with no actual produce.

have changed in this time.

15. A cidery falls into the definition

of a brewery and no produce is required to be grown on the Site, as long as the production is undertaken the proposal satisfies the definition.

16. (Refer to response for submissions 2 no.15 above).

17. Comments are noted.



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18. The LPS1 states licensed

restaurants ‘may only be permitted where the primary use of the land will remain for agricultural pursuits and the licensed restaurant or restaurant is incidental to that primary use’. The proponent wishes to produce beer from produce not grown on the site, cider from produce not grown from the site and sell wine grown and produced off site.

19. There is no justification for a

restaurant given there is no established agricultural activity.

20. Opening hours are of the greatest

concern. Noise is an issue with these types of development (reference is made to the article in the AMR Times 2/12/09 in relation to the Colonial). Noise from these types of development and the police were not in favour of night time opening hours in out of town areas.

18. (Refer to response for submission 1 no.3, 4 & 6 above).

19. (Refer to response for submissions 1 no.3, 4 & 6 above).

20. (Refer to response for submissions 2 no.6 & 7 above). The Colonial has planning approval for 264 seats in the restaurant. The scale of the Colonial is greater to the current proposal. The proposal is for a 100 seats in the restaurant, within a floor area of 150m². Only one evening is permitted till 10pm on a Saturday between the months of November to March and 15 events per year, also limited to 10pm. The hours of operation



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MISSION NO.



21. Burnside Road and Carters Road are notorious kangaroo traffic areas with the National Park abutting both. A late night venue in this circumstance is a public health and safety consideration.

22. Strongly object to night time trading, in line with the majority of cellar door and restaurant operations in rural areas. Noise limitation would be required for daytime use to maintain the amenity.

23. The proposal fails to address requirements of low impact tourism development of ‘proposals are only likely to be acceptable with surrounding land uses, landscape quality, lifestyle, infrastructure and the general social and community fabric of the locality’. The proposal fails to meet this test.

24. Breweries should be located in or adjacent to townsite or industrial areas as there is no connection to the land.

are to be controlled by planning conditions.

21. The main operating hours are during the day, with limited evening opening hours minimising late night traffic to the Site.

22. (Refer to responses for submissions 1 6,7 & submissions 2 no.20)

23. (Refer to responses submission 1 no.3, 4 & 6).

24. The provisions of the LPS1 determines where land uses are suitable. A Brewery is a land use that can be considered in the priority



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MISSION NO.



25. Wineries and cideries the

connection to the land must be established prior to the establishment of cellar door or restaurant facilities.

26. The LPS1 states ‘economic development should improve the Shires economic base with an emphasis on value-adding to the Shires agricultural production’. The proposal fails of adding value, relying in its current form on imports of apples, grapes, grain and hops from outside the Shire. The proponent has missed the whole point of the provisions of the LPS and LPS1.

27. LPS states ‘The Local Planning

Strategy states ‘all development and land uses that have no justification for location within the rural areas of the Shire should be sited within existing settlements. This is also to ensure that degradation to the landscape values, character and amenity of rural parts of the Shire is avoided’. The brewery portion of the application clearly

agricultural zone.

25. (Refer to responses to submissions 1 no.3, 4 & 6)

26. (Refer to response for submissions 1 no.5, 6 & 8 above).

27. (Refer to response for

submission 1 no.3, 4 & 6 above).



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applies here and the other portions are subject to proven production on the land. The LPS states ‘small scale and low impact tourism opportunities and other limited but compatible non- agricultural land uses may be considered in certain circumstances, subject to these uses being incidental and complementary to the predominant agricultural use of the land’.

28. The LPS supports restaurants in

agricultural areas where it is commensurate with a winery or other substantial tourism development. This provision in the LPS makes it clear that a restaurant must be related to established substantial development. The proposed winery is not "substantial" but a token or fake winery. The brewery component is un- related to the property and the cidery is unable to obtain product from the site in its current form or design.

29. Development of unlawful works consisting of works to a dam and earth bunds (currently being considered under planning application ref P217138) were undertaken by the proponent against advice of neighbouring


29. The assessment of the dam and bunds are a consideration of a separate planning application.



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landowners. The proponent demonstrates past contempt for the provisions of the LPS1 and LPS rules and regulations, therefore is likely to do so in the future. Without careful concise conditioning of any approval the proponent will in all likelihood subvert the intent of the LPS1 and LPS.

30. The proposal for a brewery should be rejected outright for the rural area. In the event of an approval, being given that the proposed winery and cidery should be conditional upon the establishment of grapes and apples grown on site, and the restaurant and cellar door should be conditional upon the establishment of the winery and cidery after the proven production on site. The restaurant should be limited to lunchtime operations only.

31. The provisions in the Scheme and

Strategy are well designed to ensure the authenticity of tourism product in the agricultural zones of the shire is protected. There is scope within these rules for excellent and successful tourism development to occur. The thoughtful development of genuine tourism experiences that





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bear real relationship to the land they are built on is essential to preserve the rural character of the agricultural zones. This proposal fails to meet planning criteria that establish a test for authenticity and should not be approved, unless conditioned and staged appropriately.

32. We note in previous

correspondence that the development was intended to be staged as a condition by the Shire to ensure the development of agricultural activity prior to the establishment of the cellar door or restaurant. We would like to ensure that this would still be the case should an approval be granted.

33. We would submit that a 100 seat restaurant is out of scale for the size of the property and its location in relation to neighbours. The capacity of the property to produce agricultural produce is limited, and will be further limited by the location of the restaurant, taking up possible agricultural land. The subdivision design means the portion of the property proposed for the location of the restaurant is in closer proximity


33. (Refer to response for

submission 1 no. 7 & 5 above). Please note that Xanado is located 350 meters from the nearest neighbour to the north and west of the Site. The scale of Leeuwin and Xanado is far greater than the proposal under assessment. Xanado has a restaurant and cellar door floor area of over 700m².



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to surrounding properties than is desirable. Restaurants of this size, with night-time operations in the rural area can only be found at properties like Leeuwin and Xanadu. These properties are very large and pose no risk of noise impacts on neighbours because of their size and topography. Leeuwin, for example, has their restaurant sited in a hollow on a very large property, surrounded by trees. Any off site impacts are mitigated by the location and relative size of the property.

34. The proponent in this case is

proposing a restaurant that is not ancillary or subordinate to any agricultural use, but will end up being the primary use of a much smaller site, particularly if the restaurant offers alcohol from other producers or engages in events such as live music etc. These activities would have no relation to the agricultural activity and should therefore be conditioned against were any approval to be granted.

35. It would reassure neighbours if

conditions were imposed by the Shire against live and loud music, rather than relying on noise

34. (Refer to responses submission 1 no.3, 5 & 7).




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legislation. In the event of future noise breaches it would avoid a lot of angst and friction for all parties if there were simple approval conditions that could be relied upon, rather than processes under legislation.

36. There is scientific evidence that loud music or noise can adversely affect the flavour and aroma perceptions of people in restaurants. If a restaurant is truly being established as ancillary to the agricultural production of the site then there is no justification for loud music and it is reasonable to condition against it, supported by the scientific evidence. There is also evidence that loud music causes faster consumption of alcohol and an impaired ability to judge alcohol content of drinks.

37. The present siting of the proposed

development will create the greatest possible amplification of sound from the restaurant. Vegetation is more noise abating the closer it is to the source of the noise. The proposal sites the restaurant in the middle of a cleared paddock, thus allowing amplification and distribution of the sound off the surrounding flat spaces. The large dam to the north


37. (Refer to response for submission 1 no. 5 above). The siting of the development also takes into account the soil characteristics and waste water disposal. The location of the development is acceptable, and this is supported by both a Land Assessment report, Wastewater Assessment, Fire Management Plan and that no



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will act to further amplify the noise.

38. Siting the proposal further to the

east, nestled in the trees, would serve to allow noise abatement through the existing vegetation, along with strategic planting of fire retardant species to the north to provide shade in summer (the peak season) and more noise abatement, as well as preserve agricultural land and visual amenity.

native vegetation is required to be removed.

38. The siting of the development is considered to be acceptable. Location of buildings within areas of native vegetation is unlikely to meet the Planning for Bushfire legislation, or would result in significant clearing works which would not be supported.

3. Ellenbrook resident 1. Last week in the newspapers there

was an article about the Councils concern about drive-through fast food outlets indirectly leading to bad health habits for youth in the community. Now you are faced with dealing with a brewery, cidery, winery and late night restaurant on a quite country road in a rural farming location.

2. Are there not enough alcohol outlets in this community already? If you are concerned about the welfare of the community, it should be a big no to this application.

1. (Refer to response for submission 1 no. 1, 2 & 6 above).

2. The proposal is to establish an

agricultural intensive use and rural production from produce either produced or grown on the Site. The proposal does not include a liquor store. The cellar door will only be permitted to sell products from produce either grown or produced from the Site.




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4. Kevill Road resident 1. The winery does not appear to

conform to the accepted view of a winery selling wines from the vineyard situated within.

2. The proponents seem to be hoping to sell wine produced elsewhere. This proposal does not meet the LPS that seeks to make the Margaret River region a place where the tourism experience is about buying and tasting wines in an authentic situation.

3. A cellar door is where wineries selling wines produced from the vineyard where the cellar door was located. Any approval for a cellar door should be conditional that only wine made from grapes grown on site, or wine made on site in a genuine winery is sold on site. This is accepted practice for this region. The implication here is that the grapes and wine will be produced elsewhere.

4. The brewery. We understand that low impact tourism development is the only type of tourism development allowed in the priority agricultural zone.


2. (Refer to response for submission 1 no. 5 & 6 above).

3. (Refer to response for submission 1 no. 5 & 6 above).





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5. We understood the other breweries

in this area were conditional on the use of primary produce grown on the land in the production of beer in their breweries. This appears not to be the case with this project.


4. Address unknown 1. It threatens to permanently disrupt

the tranquil character of a peaceful rural area, rich in tradition and amenity into its dire opposite. As a nearby resident I am well aware how sound carries and the activities of this place will affect me and everyone else in a number of neighbourhoods along Burnside, Garstone, Ellen Brook and Caves Roads.

2. We simply should not encourage the serving of alcoholic beverages in this precinct, especially during evening hours. The proximity of farms, children, with increased vehicular traffic "under the influence" would endanger humans, cows and roos.

3. The proponent intends to actually

produce products elsewhere and then sell them at this location.

4. The proposal would be marginally

more acceptable were the applicant

1. (Refer to responses for submission 1 no. 6,7 & 8 above).

2. (Refer to responses for

submission 1 no. 6 above).

3. (Refer to responses for submission 1 no. 1, 2 & 3 above).

4. (Refer to responses for submission 1 no. 1, 2 & 3




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working the land, thereby creating value here, and was simply looking for an onsite sales outlet.

5. This dangerous precedent has the

proponent manufacturing a huge range of alcoholic beverages elsewhere and setting up shop to sell them in. the proponent has the concept of having the right to do this because he owns property. Owning property does not convey such rights, instead it conveys the responsibility of relating to and being considerate of the neighbours and the entire region as a whole.

6. This entity would operate to the

detriment of the area and would contribute to the erosion of the Margaret River "brand, developed through sacrifice and the hard work of many. The Margaret River Brand denotes a sense of place. We should actively discourage the kind of practice whereby products made elsewhere are sold here as if they came from here.

7. This project would serve to enrich

one individual while utterly degrading the experience of all of the rest of us.

above).

5. (Refer to responses for submission 1 no. 1 , 2 & 3 above).


7. Concerns are noted.



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MISSION NO.



8. Exercise your vision and to stop this

one in its tracks. 8. Noted.

5. Margaret River resident 1. Winery — it appears that no grapes

or very few are being grown on site and therefore no wine processing is to take place.

2. Under the LPS it does not meet the requirements therefore for a winery, it is stated that there will be a "barrel store" so we assume the proponent will be using wine processed elsewhere and brought into the area to sell.

3. With no genuine agriculture being

undertaken there will be a loss for our community and our ideals for the Burnside area.

4. There are currently no apples being

grown on site for the purposes of producing cider. Surely there has to be some indication of this rural agricultural activity to indicate a genuine intention. If the proponent is to sell cider on site we assume again the components will be brought into the area not grown and produced here in Margaret River.

5. The proponent should be required to

produce apples on site prior to the





5. (Refer to responses for submission 1 no. 1, 2 & 3



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MISSION NO.



establishment of a cidery.

6. Brewery. There does not seem to be

any intention of growing barley or hops for this setup and whilst other breweries in the Shire seem to have overlooked this agricultural requirement, this condition should be adhered to.

7. The number of breweries already in

the Shire is excessive and this leads to the next objection we have that the proponent wants to have extended opening hours into the evening. This has considerable implications for local residents in Burnside Road as well as our general community. Concerns include traffic, noise, safety and ambiance which must be given consideration with any development.

8. Should this proposal be granted

then it would also be setting a precedent for opening hours. This has not been permitted previously with all breweries etc required to close by 6pm. Previously the local police have opposed late opening licenses for establishments outside the town.

above).

6. (Refer to responses for submission 2 no. 13 above).

7. There is no way of controlling the number of breweries, each proposal is based on a Site by Site assessment and has to meet the provision of the LPS1. The application does not include extended opening hours. The roads to the Site are considered by the Shire engineers to be acceptable for the scale of the proposal.

8. The hours of operation are for

only one night per week till 10pm during the months of November to March with the exception for up to 15 events per year also till 10pm. The hours of operation for this scale of proposed are considered to be acceptable.



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9. Cellar door. As there are currently no or few grapes being grown or wine to be produced or processed on site we object to the concept of a cellar door. With stored wine from elsewhere being bottled and sold on site we do not consider this to be an agricultural activity or the reason to grant a cellar door sales outlet.

10. Restaurant. Agricultural land should be maintained for agricultural purposes. We do not believe this proposal meets the LPS with regard to licensed restaurants in the priority agriculture and general agriculture zones. As there is no indication of a commitment to pursue growing and production of agricultural products in this proposal it should not be permitted.


submission 1 no. 1, 2 & 3 above).


7. Address unknown 1. Concerns about the proposed development. It is not a genuine agricultural use of the property and is therefore outside of the guidelines for land use on that section of Burnside road. The development will reduce the rural amenities of that area.



8. Address outside of the Shire

1. Noise. Loud amplified music during the day and noise from music, party-goers and brewery tours into the

1. (Refer to responses for submission 1 no. 6 & 7 above).




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evening will impact negatively on the quiet, rural amenity of the area.

2. Late opening hours and road traffic

safety. The chance of hitting wildlife in the evening and at night when leaving the Brewery via Burnside or Carters Road is high. An increase in the number of people driving under the influence of alcohol is also a concern.

3. The proponent is seeking to

establish a brewery and restaurant in advance of establishing the crop required to create the product.

4. The LPS1 licensed restaurants in

the Priority Agriculture and General Agriculture Zones "may only be permitted where the primary use of the land will remain for agricultural pursuits and the licensed restaurant or restaurant is incidental to that primary use".




9. Margaret River resident 1. The rural zoned property should only be pursuing these actives of brewery, cidery, restaurant and winery is ancillary to producing raw ingredients on the property. This is not the case.

2. Do not support the after hour






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activities at the winery / brewery from increased noise and traffic concerns.

3. Other breweries Colonial and

Cowaramup constantly break these rules.

4. Plans do not indicate or support

genuine winery, it is a building without the required infrastructure.

submission 5 no. 8 above).

3. The operation of other breweries is not consideration of this proposal.


Government Agencies 1. Department of Water 1. This revised proposal is similar to

the previous proposal (our ref: PA 10425), but with the incorporation of an apple orchard (replacing a vegetable garden and some vineyard), and a cidery/brewery. In addition, the apple waste will be composted on-site and re-used across the intensive agricultural areas.

2. As the risks are similar to the previous proposal, our previous comments remain.

Previous Comments 3. Identified Risks:

• Sufficient water supply for fit for purpose use.

• Disposal and irrigation of wastewater.

1. Noted.

2. Noted.

3. Water license has been issued to allow 17,000 kilolitres of water. The waste water management report has been supported by DoW.

No changes to the proposal necessary, include advice notes as recommend by DoW.



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4. Managing the quality of both surface

water and ground-water resources is vital for sustaining aquatic ecosystems and to protect water quality for current and future users. In this case the risk to water resources is considered as high.

5. Water availability – the proponent

should consider water supply.

6. Any groundwater abstraction is

subject to licensing by the DoW. 7. The existing dam is licensed to take

10, 900 Litres of water per year, any changes to the type of use of water (i.e. stock to intensive irrigation) requires approval from the DoW. Proponent is advised to contact the DoW to ensure that water is available.

8. Provisions of the set back conditions

to all waterways and wetlands (this includes area of ground water expression).

9. The Draft Country Sewerage Policy

(DoH 2012) states that the depth to

4. Noted, the waste water management report has been reviewed and supported by DoW.

5. Noted. On the 21/4/17 DoW issued a new license to increase the amount of water that can be extracted.

6. Noted.

7. (Refer to responses for comments no. 5 above).

8. Noted.




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highest known groundwater level from the underside of a septic tank effluent drainage receptacle shall be a minimum of 1.2m.

10. Recommendations – The Shire

AMR does not approval the proposal agricultural pursuit until fit for purpose until water is secured.

Additional Comments to revised proposal

11. The potential for groundwater contamination as leachate (carrying nutrients) from the composting operation percolates into groundwater.

12. The potential for waterway contamination during major storm events as stormwater carries leachate from the composting operations via sheet flow (or flooding) into the waterway.

13. Sufficient water to meet the needs of the proposal operations, as the operations are subject to the licensing outcome.


11. Noted.

12. The applicant has advised that the small area of composting that is proposed will be contained and managed on a hard standing within the brewery building.




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To mitigate against the above risks, DoW provides the following advice:

14. There should be a vertical separation distance of at least 2m from the base of the infrastructure to the maximum groundwater level.

15. An adequate separation distance should be maintained between the activity and waterways (including foreshore areas) to protect their values and water quality.

16. Facilities should not be established on land subject to seasonal flooding, in boggy areas, or in depressions where surface drainage collects.

14. Noted, and all advise notes will be conditions of the planning approval.

2 Department of Environment and Regulation

1. DER provided advised in connection with the clearing of native vegetation and the exemptions contained in the Environmental Protection (Clearing native Vegetation) Regulations 2004 (the Regulations).

1. Noted. The proposal does not incorporate the clearing of any native vegetation.

No changes to the proposal necessary.

SCHEDULE OF SUBMISSIONS - «ApplicationNo» «DESCRIPTION»

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MISSION NO.



Private Submission – Objection 1. Private Submission from

neighbouring landowner - Visual amenity has been compromised

by the bunds.

- The bunds are a cause of both annoyance and frustration on a daily occurrence.

- The location of the bunds is in direct contravention to the LPS1 20m side setback.

- Unauthorised construction has impacted the value of our property.

- The bunds are not for landscaping, but as an excuse to not remove them.

- The bunds are to be planted with

native species, however there are located in permanent shade from total tree canopy. The clay bunds are from the depth of the dam interior so no

- The bunds are 5 metres wide, and range in height from 2.1 metres up to 2.7 metres. The bunds are located 5 metres from the boundary adjacent to the neighbours access. The bunds are located 200 meters from Burnside Road and are not visible unless viewed from within the Site or from the neighbours access.

- The impacts the bunds have had on the neighbours are noted.

- The location of the bunds presents 15 metre variation to the 20 metre side setback of the development standards of Schedule 9 of the LPS1. Clause 5.5 of the LPS1 allows for the consideration of variations to the development standards.

- The value of property is not a

planning consideration.

- Noted.

- The proponent is willing to landscape the bunds intensively to assist with further landscaping of the Site. The neighbour’s concerns with the landscaping of

No changes to the proposal. No changes to the proposal. No changes to the proposal. No changes to the proposal. No changes to the proposal. If planning approval is granted a condition of approval will be for the landscaping of the bunds within a set time

SCHEDULE OF SUBMISSIONS - «ApplicationNo» «DESCRIPTION»

SUB-

MISSION NO.



endemic vegetation can grow in them anyway, no vegetation would grow or survive.

- Granting retrospective approval of a

flagrant breach of the planning law sends a message to the community that anyone can get away with anything in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.

the bunds is noted. It would be the responsibility of the proponent to ensure landscaping of the bunds was successful.

- The provisions of the LPS1 allow

for the consideration of retrospective development. The proponent is penalised by way of paying 3 x the planning fee when submitting a retrospective planning application.

frame, and to the satisfaction of the Shire. No changes to the proposal.

Government Agencies 1. Department of Water The Department of Water has issued a

license to take water. The license allows for the water catchment of the dam increased to 17,000 KL.

Noted. No changes to the proposal.

Documents

11.2 Sustainable Development · d) Rain Garden maintenance ($15,000) e) Sediment control ($15,000) f) Local provenance seed collection ($5,000) g) Reserve management implementation