Attachment 6 - Consultation Activity Register for the

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Attachment 6: Community Consultation Activity Register for Lismore City Council’s proposed Special Rate Variation 2016/17

Date Target Audience Activity Description

Consultation on the BMS and proposed SRV - 26 November 2014 to 24 February 2015

24 Sept 2014 Key stakeholders Stakeholder Reference Group

A Stakeholder Reference Group was presented with funding options to implement the Biodiversity Management Strategy (BMS) and a possible Special Rate Variation (SRV). Their feedback was provided to Lismore City Council (LCC) Councillors for consideration and to inform drafting of the Draft BMS and SRV proposal. See List of representative participants at (Figure 1)

11 Nov 2014 Interested residents/ratepayers

Council meeting, business paper and public access

Published SRV proposal on LCC’s website in the Council Business Paper on 4 Nov 2014 (one week prior to the 11 Nov Council meeting; Council Business Paper, Item 2: http://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/infocouncil2/Open/2014/11/OC_11112014_AGN_AT_WEB.HTM); and Attachments to the Business Paper (Item 2. Draft Biodiversity Management Strategy and consultation on a $500,000 Special Rate Variation: http://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/infocouncil2/Open/2014/11/OC_11112014_ATT_EXCLUDED_WEB.HTM). The Council meeting was open to the public to attend and there was the opportunity for two community members to speak in public access time (one supporting the proposal and one objecting).

25 Nov 2014 All residents/ratepayers

Exhibited on Council webpage

Exhibited the SRV proposal on LCC’s ‘On Exhibition’ page (http://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-MOK-03-77-58). This included:

- The Draft Biodiversity Management Strategy with actions to be funded by the proposed SRV,

- Question and Answer document on the SRV (Figure 2), and - Factsheet on the SRV (Figure 3).

The ‘On Exhibition’ page can be accessed from the home page of Lismore City Council’s website: http://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/home.asp. This page also provides the community with access to ‘live support’ from LCC staff, as well as lodging online submissions.


Service Desk The SRV Factsheet and draft BMS (Figure 3) were placed at LCC’s front counter for the public to view throughout the public exhibition period. This hard copy availability was also advertised to the whole community through the ‘On Exhibition’ webpage and publications

http://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/infocouncil2/Open/2014/11/OC_11112014_AGN_AT_WEB.HTM


http://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/infocouncil2/Open/2014/11/OC_11112014_ATT_EXCLUDED_WEB.HTM


http://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-MOK-03-77-58

http://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/home.asp

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(see below). 25 Nov 2014 All

residents/ratepayers Social Media Post on LCC’s Facebook page seeking submissions on LCC’s proposed SRV:

https://www.facebook.com/LismoreCityCouncil (Figure 4) 25 Nov 2014 All

residents/ratepayers Media Release LCC provided a media release to all relevant media contacts in the region, including

newspapers regarding the exhibition of the Draft BMS and proposed SRV (Figure 5). Various media articles were published by local newspapers in hard copy and online.


LGA wide newsletter

LCC announced the commencement of the exhibition period for the BMS and consultation on the SRV in its fortnightly ‘local matters’ newsletter which is distributed to every mailbox in the Lismore LGA - approx. 23,000 households. (Issue 23 of Local Matters: http://issuu.com/lismorecitycouncil/docs/lcc_newsletter_23_online?e=7144101/10292798) (Figure 6).


Media - TV LCC interviewed by NBN TV regarding the proposed SRV. This was broadcast throughout the Northern Rivers Region in the 26 November 2014 News Broadcast: http://www.nbnnews.com.au/2014/11/26/how-much-will-lismore-locals-pay-to-protect-their-environment/


Media - Radio ABC radio interview. Features on the 27 November 2014 ABC Morning Show

Nov 2014 Key stakeholders Letter & BMS (hard copy)

Key stakeholders were sent a letter and hard copy of the Draft BMS notifying them that the Draft BMS and proposed SRV were out for exhibition and they are encouraged to provide comment.

Dec 2014 3 rating categories Letter & Factsheet

Letter (Figure 7) and Factsheet (Figure 3) was sent to all ratepayers in the 3 rating categories potentially impacted by the proposed SRV (approximately 17,000 ratepayers).

10 Dec 2014 All residents/ratepayers

LGA-wide Council newsletter

LCC put the BMS feature picture on the cover of its fortnightly ‘local matters’ newsletter which is distributed to every mailbox in the Lismore LGA, as well as a note on the back cover reminding the community to have their say on the Draft BMS and proposed SRV. (Issue 24 of Local Matters: http://issuu.com/lismorecitycouncil/docs/lcc_newsletter_24_online?e=7144101/10471960 ) (Figure 8)

Jan 2015 3 rating categories Survey by independent consultant

The Hunter Research Foundation undertook an independent phone survey of 200 successful ratepayers to determine the level of willingness and capacity for the proposed SRV.

21 Jan 2015 All residents/ratepayers


LCC reminded the community to provide comment on LCC’s Draft BMS and proposed SRV in its fortnightly ‘local matters’ newsletter which is distributed to every mailbox in the Lismore

https://www.facebook.com/LismoreCityCouncil

http://issuu.com/lismorecitycouncil/docs/lcc_newsletter_23_online?e=7144101/10292798

http://www.nbnnews.com.au/2014/11/26/how-much-will-lismore-locals-pay-to-protect-their-environment/

http://www.nbnnews.com.au/2014/11/26/how-much-will-lismore-locals-pay-to-protect-their-environment/

http://issuu.com/lismorecitycouncil/docs/lcc_newsletter_24_online?e=7144101/10471960

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LGA. (Issue 27 of Local Matters: http://issuu.com/lismorecitycouncil/docs/local_matters_issue_27_online?e=7144101/10927994 ) (Figure 9)

1 Feb 2015 All residents/ratepayers

Lismore Carboot Market

Market stall provided information and an opportunity for the community to get informed and provide a formal submission on the day.


Media – TV Interview with NBN TV. Included in the 3 February 2015 News broadcast: http://www.nbnnews.com.au/2015/02/03/lismores-own-robin-hood/


The Channon Markets



Organic Farmers Markets



Lismore City Markets



Lismore Carboot Market




LCC for the third time asked the community to provide comment on LCC’s Draft BMS and proposed SRV in its fortnightly ‘local matters’ newsletter which is distributed to every mailbox in the Lismore LGA. (Issue 29 of Local Matters: http://issuu.com/lismorecitycouncil/docs/local_matters_issue_29_online?e=7144101/11470488 ) (Figure 10)

7 Mar 2015 3 rating categories Community Forum

LCC conducted a Community Forum with randomly selected participants, where the community could provide LCC with their informed view of the SRV to implement the BMS.

14 April 2015 All residents/ratepayers

Council meeting, business paper and public access

Council Business Paper published on Council’s website on 7 April 2015 (one week prior to the 14 April Council meeting) for the public to review. This Business Paper was associated with a decision on whether to apply to IPART for the SRV based on community consultation results (Council Business Paper, Item 3: http://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/infocouncil2/Open/2014/11/OC_11112014_AGN_AT_WEB.HTM); and Attachments to the Business Paper, Item 1 : http://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/infocouncil2/Open/2015/04/OC_14042015_ATT_EXCLUDED_WEB.HTM) The Council meeting was open to the public to attend and there was the opportunity for two community members to speak in public access (one supporting the proposal and one against).

http://issuu.com/lismorecitycouncil/docs/local_matters_issue_27_online?e=7144101/10927994


http://www.nbnnews.com.au/2015/02/03/lismores-own-robin-hood/







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Consultation on proposed amendments to the 4 Year Plan and Long Term Financial Plan

8 Sept 2015 All residents/ratepayers

Council meeting – open to the public

The 8 Sept 2015 Council meeting resolved to exhibit proposed amendments to the 4 Yr Plan and LTFP. This was open to the public and proposed amendments where published on LCC’s website.

14 Oct 2015 All residents/ratepayers

LGA wide newsletter -Local Matters

Initial notification by LCC to the community in its fortnightly LGA-wide ‘local matters’ newsletter that LCC would be exhibiting proposed amendments to the 4 Yr. Plan and LTFP in the Northern Star and Echo for 28 days before the end of the year. (Issue 46 of Local Matters: http://issuu.com/lismorecitycouncil/docs/local_matters_issue_46_online_80b55036f0f4d0?e=7144101/30671545 ) (Figure 11)

23 Oct 2015 All impacted Lismore ratepayers residing outside 2480 (2055 ratepayers)

Letter and factsheet

A letter and factsheet was sent to all impacted ratepayers residing outside of the LGA, which advertised exhibition of proposed amendment to the 4 Year Plan and LTFP, as well as provided additional information on the SRV. (Figure 12 and 13)


Exhibition notice and article - Northern Star Classifieds and Article

LCC announced the commencement of the exhibition period for proposed amendment to the 4 Yr. Plan and LTFP, and provided additional information on the SRV. This was published in the Saturday Northern Star and commencement of the 28 day exhibition period.


Exhibition notice and article - Northern Rivers Echo

LCC again announced the exhibition of proposed amendments to the Imagine Lismore 4 Year Plan and LTFP, and provided additional information on the SRV through a publication in the Thursday Northern Rivers Echo.


LGA wide newsletter -Local Matters

LCC again announced the exhibition of proposed amendments to Strategic Plans and provided additional information on the SRV in its fortnightly ‘local matters’ newsletter which is distributed to every mailbox in the Lismore LGA. (Issue 48 of Local Matters: http://issuu.com/lismorecitycouncil/docs/local_matters_issue_48_online?e=7144101/31289972 ) (Figure 14)

http://issuu.com/lismorecitycouncil/docs/local_matters_issue_46_online_80b55036f0f4d0?e=7144101/30671545

http://issuu.com/lismorecitycouncil/docs/local_matters_issue_46_online_80b55036f0f4d0?e=7144101/30671545



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Figure 1: List of representative participants from the Stakeholder Reference Group for the Biodiversity Management

Strategy.

Member Representation

Mr Andrew Gordon Ratepayers Association of Lismore Inc.

Dr David Newell Southern Cross University (SCU)

Mrs Emma Stone Richmond Landcare Inc. and Whian Whian Landcare Inc.

Mr Jeffrey Zanette Richmond River Banana Growers

Mr Jolyon Burnett Australian Macadamia Society

Mrs Kath Robb NSW Farmers

Mr Kel Graham Coo-eeEE Property Rights Inc.

Ms Leigh Shearman Norco Co-operative Ltd

Mr Michael Delaney EnviTE Inc.

Mr Paul Cheeseman Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers Inc.

Ms Donna Graham then Dr Roslyn Irwin

Friends of the Koala (Fotk)

Ms Sharon McGrigor WIRES Northern Rivers

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Figure 2: Question and Answer document on the Special Rate Variation

I• I 1S1110re 0 ESTIONS ANO A SWERS

ounc,

Biodiverity Management Strategy and supporting Special Rate Variation

These 'Questions and Answers' provide responses to questions regarding e Dra Biodi ersity anagement Strategy (B ) and the proposed Special Rate Variation to impleme t the B S.

Q: How does the BMS chieve what the commun ity wants? A: In the Imagine Lismore co u ation process the community said i ted Co cil o provide env· o entaJ leadership. Counc responded by, I e many other councils, de oping a BMS. Council is no aski g the community if the B Sis at ey wanted, and if they are ·rnng o invest · t ey said they waned in Imagine Usmore. The BMS wi ochie e at the community ants if you (the community) gu· e Council by providing commen on the Dra B S and a proposed Special R e Variation.

Q: How can the community get invofved? A: At th. stage you ea provide comment and feedback on e Draft B Sin the p bl"c exh i ion period between 26 ovember 2014 and 24 February 2015. You can send su n issk>ns to the Ge eral nager at PO Box 23 Lismore SW 2480 or email co nci @lismore.ns .gov.au. You can also m e an o ine submission at the bottom of the page detai ing the B S pUblic exh-bition materi s.

Q: Is Council just trying to increase rates? A: o. Council is offering the community a B S, ·eh the comm nity asked for, and is as ing if the community

ants to pay or · . Counc, cann increase ra es if the community · not supporti e (see b ow).

Q: Can Council just decide to increase rates? A: o. Even if the Usmore comm ity ants a rate increase, d Co ncil applies or a rate increase, I is up to the NSW lndependen Pricing and Reg a ory Tribunal (IPART) tom e the fin decisio to · crease ra es.

Q: How much would the rate increase be? A: The rate increase would be an ongoing 500,000 per um, ·eh equates to a 1.9% increase in Council's curren n ual rates re'1ten e.

Q: Who wou ld have to pay? A: Three ra ·ng ea egories of ra epayers uld pay the ra e: Farmland, Residential/Rural and Residenti I Urban/Vil ages. Businesses wo d be excluded as they incurred the Speci Business Rate Va · tion l evy in 2013.

Q: How much would it cost landowners? A: The cost depends on ich rating ea egory you are in and the value of your la d. nd val e is based on e NSW V uer General's land va ue, and does not inclu as.sets (bu d. gs etc.) on yo land.

Table 1 belo shows the average cost or each ra g ea egory which has been calcu ed o the average land alue in each of e three ra ·ng categories. The average land values for each rating ea egory are: Fannland = 375,000; Residen ·ar Rural = $192,000; and Res·den · Urban/Vi la.ges = 113,000. Note that the average cost for

Farmland is hig r due to hig r average land values.

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farmland (1,920 ratepayers) 50.63 97c

Residential Rural (2,852 $31.68 61c ratepayers,

Residential UrbanMllages 25.43 49c (12,356 ratepayers)

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T,al)l'.e 2 below slhows ex:3rnples of land vak1es arnd the correspon mg costfN each rating caifegory ..

Rating Category s1 ,oo,ooo $250,,000 $500,000

Farmland $,13 . .S[ll $33.75 $67.50

Residenfi alJ'Rural $,16 . .S[ll $41.25 $.82.50

Residential $22 . .S[ll $56,.25

INof:e Ille aver.ige lmld values tor each ralirng category: Farmlarid = 375,000; Residerifi.MR.ural = 192,mJO; and Residen ial •= $,113,000 ..

Q: Wlilen woulf.d people s,tmrt to pay? A : The rate increase oould s. Tt ·n J uly 21116,, at the earl ies . Hmr.•ever ttlis v.•ouk:I only happen if Ille cornmun'itiy supports Ille rate in cre0se, Council lij)plies to IPARl in Feilmlary 2m6, arid IPART lij)proves the app 1caifion .

Q: Wlilat wi II the community ge,t for its money? A: Beslides ben efi · irig biodiversity, Ille comm unify will get cleaner roadsic:les.; con fidence that Counci l is. u rnderlt1k ing !best erivir;omnen!al management practice iri its activifies; reoogrn · ion for you r work and com munity acllievements; assistance fo Ian hol ers arid comm unify grou~ to marnage pests and weedis; opportunities. to gai ri !knowledge; assistance to man age bushlarnd and riversides. iri on rurnl limd; more opponun'ifies to get involved through conunurnily events, workshops arid lield days; well-marnaged urooiri bushlarid resel'1i'es; and more recrealicmal opportunmes irn Ille 1urbarn :l!>etting, su ch as. wal lurng tracks ..

Q:: Wlilat wi II the comm11111ity have to do now? A : Noth ing, if you ctorn't 1Narnt to - bu Coum:iil would erncourage you to mak e a, submissicm ,on he Draft: B S ~md propose d SRV. If Ille 13MS is adopted, Courici l wi I make sure you (the eommuriity') are i nfonmed on how you cam get involved in BMS programs. "fh · I !be done in Courioil's door 0t~door Local Matters pu1llica iorn, our web~te. arnd other med· _

Q: Wlily calilt t it be oovered in the existing Councrl budget? A: Courwil' s resoun:iing slra1egy, ·n Oounci]'s lm.agine Lismore 10 Year Plan, sihows whati: Coun cil has do:ne to tightern its belt to irncreas.e effic· ncies.; however rio budget has. !been availtible to im;plemernt Ille BMS. It has been decided that an Special ate Variation is. neees.sary to make sure e:l4Jisting Courncil seif'll'ices are not ·mpacted and the BMIS receives relia:ble and lorig-term fimd·ng_

Q: Wlilat wi II cililange? A : The BMIS provides an army of 63 actions. Mo" ,ofthese pr,ovide ,oppo: · unity for he eommunity to get involved iri the berneliils of managing rnodiversity in the rurban and rural landscapes. The oom;,u lbition period is the oommu ily's opportunity to h p gujde Council on 1Nhat you warnt lo see changed. P lease consider this when oom;pi 1mg your su'brnissfon on the Draft BMS acliorns.

Q: How cam we see if the BM S is workin@1? A : Ttle BMS w ill be revielli•ed e1;rery four years and the eommurnity 'lli1i'II Ille infom1ed of Courncir s progress in acllieving the objectives. of Ille BMS witti1rn Ill.at Iime. Key achievem,erits ,o Ille BMS v.1i I be regularly broooa,J£l lo the rommurnily to keep you iri armed.

Q: wm it m:ea111 n ore regulation? A : No .. "fhe 13 MS , ·11 aclually prni,tj e clearer dirediorn for dev opem arnd Ille community regarding Ooun c 's expectations ot sustainable developmen . Courncil will do f is by developing a 13iodi,rernitiy Developm ernt Assessrnern Framework tl'l0 tcmnar es what Cmmc;il already ·rnpiements when i assesses developments. In tem1s. of env.irornmernfal profeclion zones., see !below.

Q: How w il l tilili s affect IE-zones? A : The B S has loolred at E-zo rnes as. j Lmt o:ne o · a range o.ftools i can use to prote chnd enhance bioclivernroy in the lismme LGA. The 13 S po·nts out that in m any cases there may be mo:re !benefit ·n enoouraging arid as"·stirng rurnl landho lders to manage b"odiverS:ily on llleir lland lhrnugh a we:Jl-furnded · centive and education progirarn, tharn applying E-z,ornes , wtf ch i rn Ule past has crea• eel oomliot arnd d'iv!S:i on. Hov.•ever this rei· s o:n fhere beirig enoug'h furnd· ng to ,nake in centive programs mea11i rngrul lo landholders. Alfhough · e BMS considers E-21one-s as a potential tool, the Stafe Departme11t of Plarnrn · g and Environm.ernti is curren tly review ing the use of fhese ·n the no:rfuem NSJN, meanirng the use o E-21ones is unre.rmirn, i!lnd any use ,of E-zones is determined lllroug'h Oounci]'s Local Ern liiimnmernt Alannirig (LEP) processes. (not the BMS )1.

Q: !How muclil fundi111g would Coulil.cil Q,et and why? A : The 10-ye,ar BMS budget al ocates 11% ot ttle arnnual $500,000 to upgrade Oouncil's plann1rng, pro cess.es and operaoorna l [Procroures1 a:nd provide tra:iriing or best practice. However 5% of this would go towards. address·11g

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Figure 3: Factsheet

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As a matter of good practice, strategies should include a funded implementation program. Council's current Imagine Lrsmore 4 Year Plan proposed that the BMS could be funded and implemented via grant funding from the former Commonwealth Government's Biod1versrty Fund. However, this funding no longer eX1sts. Consequently, Council investigated alternative funding mechanisms including: Council's existing general purpose revenues, an SRV, rate rebates, Section 94 contributions, and grant funding. Most of these options were rejected based on their inability to deliver reliable, long-term funding.

It has been concluded that the only effective way to reltably fund implementation of the BMS in the long term, that does not substantially impact Council's existing services, 1s through an SRV.

Council IS now asking the community if it is willing and able to support this rate increase to enable implementation of the BMS.

Comparative to other NSW councils, Lismore City Council is a poor spender on the environment. The NSW Government Comparative Information on NSW Local Government Report compares the performance of local governments across NSW. In 2012/13 this report stated that Lismore City Council spends about 23% less on the environment (including waste) compared to the average NSW council.

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Whos• r•s would increase? 11,e-o= 8111!' ~- •11.~•v ~UI'- ... Je Ll:111 Utr LCA. cf M\dT only:tneWOIJd i:av l!eml!I: f llll"f'llnd. H1.~1!Jt.T1bal 1-{u~ uid M1:lllllA"01wl U•IJa-1o'Vdl¥"- · Tm tv.~.:n~~~ ·:niiif1 r.'11r.gqrir.::. MHlkl hr. ~,d:-:d f '0111 1h.• SRV.

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tfyouwou!dllke hathvr mlonrnrtiun an th~ Draft BMS. proposed SRV and ttw., eon !il1..lltanon pr~, pfe~,e phone 130087 83 87.

10

Figure 4: Facebook post

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Figure 5: Media release

MEDIA RELEASE I~ t:,, <:0111al

Consu tation begins on biod·vers·ty· strategy· and proposed rate increase

Lis more C ity Cou l'il ci I ? i 11 to m orro ■ · p I ace th e Draft Bio d iv er.s ity Man ag em el'ilt strategy f BMS) on P' bi i c exih i bit i on and beg in co mm n ity. co l'il.su'ltati on i l'ilto a p ro p o.s ed rate i l'il crease to ful'il d its imp I em entat i on .

O 1t er th e n e:d three months , Cou ncil ? ill as k th e co mm n it!{ for its op in ion on a pm p osed 5500, • p er an n L.llm Sp eoi al Rate Variat ion .

Th e f nd.s ■ O' Id be us ed exolus iv ely fo r th e imp lementation of th e BMS, wh ich inol d es builld ing partn er.s h ips . ■ ith th e oo mm u:n ity and measures to protect and enh ance biod iv ers ity. on pu bli c al'il d p riv ate I al'il d in both urbal'il al'il d mral I al'il d.s capes .

ID Liring th e Imagine Lis more con.sr ltat ion , th e co mm Lin ity said it ? anted Coun cil to p·rov id e env irnn ment:srl leader.s h ip and Co• noil h as res p cmd ed by dev elop ing a BMS. Th e Imag ine Lis more p ro cess .s hm.■ ea th aHh e env iron ment is a to p pr iority. fo r our co mmu nity.,"'' ex p lai n ed Co n ci I's 6 00 11 o QI i.st Tlh eres a Ad am.s .

Co• nc:il is noi■ as king th e co mm n ity. iffh e BMS ,, e hav e dev eloped is ,, h at they w anted, and if th ey are . ■ illli nQI to inv est i l'il it. Co nc:i l c al'ilnot raise rates u n less th e c omm nity i.s supp ortiv e of th e id ea, .s o the oo n.strltat i on p eriod is our ,oh an ce to exp Iain th e BMS and ,as k. our ,oo m mu n ity. if it hi as th e c ap aoity. al'il d th e de.s ire to fund th e.s e env iron mental in it iativ es .

aln essen ce th e B S ? illl deliv er c lean er ro aiJl .s iaes · ,ass ist la:l'iliJlho ld er:s aniJI co mm n inf nrnu p.s to I · · I LJI' ;:,

man aQ1 e pests and ? eed.s ; ass i.st man ag em el'ilt of bi.JS hi I and and riv ers ides on rural I al'il d ; prnv id e more opp o rt l'il it i es fo r ,oo mm n ity. i nv o Iv-em ent thrn' g hi ev·el'il ts , o rk.s hi o p.s al'il d fi e'I d d ay.s ; an a prov ide more r ecreation al opp o rt l'il it i e.s i l'il ■ elll- m an aQ1 ed urbal'il bi.JS hi I and r eserv es , such as ? alkinQI track s.•

Th e BMS .sets ourt v ari o·u.s k.ey aoti o n.s th at in cir de:

■· Imp rov i l'il QI Cou l'il c i I p ro c:es.s es , p ro ced1 res and ,ass o ciated staff trai l'il in QI to en.sure bestP raoti ce env iron mental man ag em ent.

■· Ach iev ing eco I o g i cal ly srustai l'il able d ev·el op m el'ilt by creat ing a Bio d iv er.s ity Dev·el op m el'ilt Assess ment Fram e-li' ork for th e ,assess m el'ilt of a ev e I op m ent ap p Ii cat i o l'ilS.

■· Imp I em el'ilti l'il g th e Rm a l Lal'il d hi 0 Id er I l'il it i at iv e ill'il p artl'il ers hi p ■ ith Sout hern Cross Un iv er.s ity al'ild Lis more':s agricu'lt ral ,co mm Lin ity. Th e program is based on creat ing il'ilcentiv es to ass ist amil el'ilcourag e landho ld ers to mal'il age biod iv ers ity Ol'il th eir p ro p erties .

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Implementing th e Urban Green Corr idors Plan to enhance Lismore's urban envi ronment by l in k ing existing bush land and riparian areas.

Ed ucation programs tailo red to the commun ity, schools and industry g roup s.

The proposed rate rise w o uld apply to th ree rating categories - Residential , Rural Residential and Farmland - and exclud e businesses as they incurred a rate increase i n 201 3.

The rate rise w oul d be based o n the NSW Valuer General's l and values, w ith the average urban resi d en t paying S25.43 per y ear; the av erage rural res ident payin g 531 .68 per y ear; and the average farmland res ident paying SS0.63 per y ear. The av erage cost fo r farmland is higher d ue to th e h igher average land value.

If th e co mmunity is suppo rtive of the rate rise, Counci l w ill decide Ylhether to apply to the Independent Pri cing and Regulatory T ribunal for the Special Rate Var iation. If approv ed , it would take effect from July 2016.

All ratepayers affected by th e proposed Special Rate Variation w ill receiv e a letter detailing the proposal and opportuniti es for comment. Council w ill also engage a consultantto undertake independent co mmun ity consultation ov er th e next th ree months.

The Ora.ft BMS is on exhibition fro m 26 Nov ember 201 4 until 24 February 2015.

It can be v i ewed at w·w·w.lismore.nsw.gov.au o r in hardcopy at Council's Corpo rate Centre, 43 O liver Av enue, Goonellabah, during normal business hours Monday to Frid ay from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Submissions on the Ora.ft BMS and proposed rate increase can be made o nl ine v ia o ur ,•1ebsite, emallea to councll(tt)llsmore.nsw.gov .au or pos tea to tne General Manager, u s more t;.1ty t;.ouncu, PO Box 23A, Lis more NSW 2480 . Submissions should s tate reasons fo r objection or support.

Terra Sword I Media Coordinat o r I Lismore City Counci l T 02 6625 0529 I M 0437 697 723 I www.li smore.nsw.gov.au Lismore City Counci'I acknowledges the people of the Bundjalung Nation, traditional custodians of the land on which we work.

13

Figure 6: Local Matters Newsletter

DRAFT BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AND PROPOSE[) RATE INCREASE On public exhibition 26 November 2014 to 24 February 2015 Council has placed the Draft Biodiversity Management Strategy (BMS) on exhibition for three months for community comment.

In conjunction with the exhibition period, Council will hold community consultation into a proposed $500,000 per annum Special Rate Variation to fund the implementation of the strategy.

The BMS provides a framework for Council to build partnerships with the community to protect and enhance biodiversity on public and private land in both urban and rural landscapes.

The BMS aims to deliver cleaner roadsides; assist landholders and community groups to manage pests and weeds; assist management of bushland and riversides on rural land; provide more opportunities for community involvement through events, workshops and field days; and provide more recreational opportunities in well-managed urban bushland reserves, such as walking tracks.

The proposed rate increase to implement the BMS would apply to three rating categories: Residential, Rural Residential and Farmland.

The rate rise would be based on the NSW Valuer General's land values, with the average urban resident paying $25.43 per year; the average rural resident paying $31.68 per year; and the average farmland resident paying $50.63 per year. Note the average farmland cost is higher due to higher average land values.

If the community is supportive of the rate rise, Council will decide whether to apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal for the Special Rate Variation in April 2015. If it is approved, the rate increase would take effect from July 2016.

All ratepayers affected by the proposed Special Rate Variation will receive a letter detailing the proposal and everyone in the community is encouraged to provide feedback.

The BMS can be viewed at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au or in hardcopy at Council's Corporate Centre.

Submissions can be made online, posted to the General Manager, Lismore City Council, PO Box 23A, Lismore NSW 2480 or emailed to [email protected]. Submissions should state reasons for objection or support.

14

Figure 7: Letter to ratepayers

Our Re ED 84,54

8 December 2014

Dear Lismore Property Owner

Proposed Draft Biodiversity Management Strategy and proposed Special Rate Variation

Lismore City Council has devefoped a Draft Biodjyersity Management Strategy (B S) aimed at enhancing Lismore's unique natural environment This includes improving the health of our creeks and waterways, increasing habitat for native wil dlife, and improving access and amenity in our parks and bushland reserves. The strategy also aims to build strong partnerships, in particular -.'Ith rural landholders.

It is proposed to largely fund the actions in the strategy with a Special Rate Variation (additional rates for the specific purpose of enhancing biodiversity). The reason I'm writing to you is to advise that we are now seeking community feedback on both the Draft BMS and the proposed Special Rate Variation.

The Dr ft BMS has been on the Council's work program for some time and the importance of the natural environment was a key priority coming out of the extensive consultation undertaken as part of the development of Council's Convnunity Strategic Plan (called 'Imagine Lismore').

Following a detailed investigation into a range of funding mechanisms to implement the Draft BMS, it was concluded that the only effective y to reliably fund implementation of the strategy without substan ·ally impacting upon Council's existing services is through a Special Rate Variation. Council is now consulting .rith the community on a proposed o~oing rate variation of $500,000 per annum to implement the BMS commencing 1 July 2016. This variation equates to an average 1.9% increase of Coundl's current annual rates revenue. The rate variation ould apply to three rating categories: Farmland, Residential Rural and Residential UrbanNillages.

Please find enclosed a fact sheet containing detailed information on the proposed rate variation, the Draft BMS, and details of the consultation process. Submissions regarding the Draft B S and the proposed Specia Rate Variation close on 24 February 2015.

After the consultation period is over, Council will make a decision in April 2015 whether to adopt the BMS and to make an application for the Special Rate Variation to lhe N&N Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribw1al (IPART), ·hich is the S Government agency that detem,ines if proposed rate variations proceed.

Coundl encourages your involvement in this public submission process.

Yours faithfully

_M,i'-= Brent McAlister Executive Director Sustainable Development Enclosed: Fact Sheet

\JU A'l'rl.Jo:' u on-I ! N::ih • PJdu~-""' - 110r ~i/V!. di • f . 1 di E C).JJttl I. t.'SOI0/1 CII c111nc1111,.rmr "' 5 U(PB1ltlB or !IIB8U 111 .N,1,an llllillllllHfCl51Ull!lr.SDf lt.el f.llOIWDICb Wlr'lfD#~

15


ir lismore

counal

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R 1dems hav unul 24 F bru ry to ma e a subm1ss1on < out 1h content of the drafl MS and \IOI their opinion on a pro s d rate increase to fund its 1mplementat1on

In s nc • 1h MS ms to d llv r cle n r ro ds1 s: ass, I I ndholders and community groups to manage pests and we ds;

ssI t m g m nt of ushland nd nvers1d s o rur 11 nd: provide more oppor tun ues lo get involv d through community v nts, workshops and field days: provide well -managed urban bushland r setv s: atld provide more r creatJonaJ oppor1un1ues In the urb8.f1 are such as wal mg tracks.

In conJunc11011 with th 8 S xh1b1uon p nod, Coun 11 1 I old1 g community consultauon into a proposed $500,000 per annum Spee, I R re Vanation 10 fund lhe 1mpl m ntauon of th strategy,

The proposed r te increase vould pply to three raung categori s -R s1den1Jal, Rural Res1d nllal and Farmland,

Th BMS and d lads on th reposed rat 1ncr can b view d L ww.lismore.nsw.gov.au or m hardcop at Counc1rs Corporate Centr • 3 Oliver Avenue, Goon llabah, during norm I busin ss hours Monday

lo Fnday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Submi sions c n e m de onlin po ted to the Gener I M nager, Lismore City Council, PO Box 23A, Lismore NSW 2 80 or em iled to council@li more.nsw.gov. u . Submi ion hould t t rea on for objection or support.

17

r ir ~ I counc,

REMEMBER TO COMMENT ON 81OD VERSITV STRATEGY AND PROPOSED RATE NCREASE People have less than a week left to comment on the draft Biodiversity Management Strategy (BMS) and proposed Special Rate Variation. Submissions are due by 4.30pm on Tuesday, 24 February.

Council is holding community consultation into a proposed $500,000 per annum Special Rate Variation to fund the implementation of the strategy.

Tile BMS 1is designed to protect and enhance local biodiversity through 63 separate actions. The strategy includes actions to deliver cleaner roadsides; assist landholders and community groups to manage pests and weeds; assist management of bushland and riversides 0 11 rural and mban land; provide more opportunities to get involved through community events, workshops and field days; provide well-managed urban bushland reserves: and provide more recreational opportunities i111 the mban area, such as walking1 tracks.

Tile proposed rate increase would apply to three rating categories -Residential , Rural Residential and Farmland . The rate increase would equate to $25.43 per year for your average mban ratepayer, $31.68 for your average rural residential! ratepayer and $50.63 for yam average farmland ratepayer.

We have lots of documentation on our website you can read as well as answers to frequently asked questions. You can view the information and make a submission at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au.

You can also send submissions to the General Manager, Lismore City Council, PO Box 23A, Lismore NSW 2480 or email them to [email protected].

18


fi lismore-

citYcouncil

• 19 Hewett Street, Lismore (F DP36026)

• 39 Casuarina Drive, Goonellabah (Lot 33 DP 841587)

For enquiries, please contact Council's Strategic Planning Coordinator Paula Newman on 1300 87 83 87.

Exhibition of additional Special Rate Variation information and amendments to Council's strategic plans

Save the date! The Hurford Hardwood Portrait Prize (formerly the Northern Rivers Portrait Prize) is coming up. Our cover is Jeremy in his Rolling Stones cap by Nigel Sense, a portrait of Jeremy Oxley. The prize is only held every two years so don't miss your chance to see who wins the $10,000 major prize and vote in the $1000 People's Choice Award. Entry to the Lismore Regional Gallery is free. More details inside.

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Figure 12: Letter to ratepayers outside 2480 postcode

23 October 2015

t<Add ress _Line_ 1 » t<Address_Line_2» «Address_Line_3» «PCode

Dear Lismore Property Owner

OUrref: T ·EFI OJ

Co et: Th esa dam:.

Proposed amendments to Council's 4 Year Plan and Long Term Financial Plan, as well as additional information on Council ' propo ed Special Rate Variation to implement the Biodiversity Management Strategy.

Llsmore City Council recenUy adopted a Biodtversrty Management Strategy for the Llsmore Local Government Area 2015-2035 (BMS) This S ategy was developed in response to he community's vis on for Council to 'provide environmental leadership', as identi ied 1n he Community Stra eg1c Plan

Successful implementation of the BMS requires reliable. long-term funding. Counal investigated a range o1 long- erm unding sources and came to the conclus on that the only way was through a Special Rate Variation (SRV) to increase rates. Consequently, Council decided to apply to the SW lndependen Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for an SRV to fund implementa ion of the BMS.

Council provided all affec ed ra epayers h m ormation and an opportunity to provide eedback on the proposed ra e increase from November 2014 to February 2015. The proposed increase remains unchanged, however in line with IPART requirements. Council is providing you with additional detail on he SRV proposal (enclosed). Th,s addi onal de atl constitutes proposed amendments to Council's Imagine Ltsmore Year Plan and the Long Term Fmancial Plan (L TFP).

The reason I'm writing to you is to advise that you have the opportunity to provide feedback on the enclosed information: • Proposed amendments to the Imagine Lismore 4 Year Plan and LTFP; and • Additional information on Council's proposed SRV (specifically consideration of rate-pegging

and its impact on ratepayers over time).

Submissions can be made online at www lismore,nsw gov,au on the 'On Public Exhibition' section, posted to the General Manager. Usmore City Council. PO Box 23A, Lismore, NSW 2480 or email [email protected]. Submissions should state reasons for objection or support.

Submissions are due by 4.30pm on Saturday, 21 November 2015.

Should you have any quenes. please do not hesitate to contact The esa Adams on 1300 87 83 87.

Yours aithfully

Annie McW,lliam Manager Integrated Planning Enctos.d I fo tron on Llsrno,. Council's ropes.et Spee! I Re v l'1 ion

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Figure 13: Factsheet with letter to ratepayers outside 2480 postcode

Background

INFORMA ION O LISMORE CITY COUNCILS PROPOSED SPEC AL RATE VA IATIO

To fund implementation of the Biodiversity Management Strategy

Council recently adop ed the Biod,versi y Management Strategy for the l.Jsmore Loco/ Government Area 2015-2035 (BMS) . This strategy was developed ,n response to the communi y's vision for Council to provide 'envi ronmental leadership', as identified in he Imagine Usmore 10 Year Plan.

Success ul implementation of the BMS requires reliable, lone~term fundine. Council investiea ed a ranee o long- erm funding sources and came to the conclusion that the only sus ainable way was through a Special Rate Varia ion (SRV) o increase rates. Conseq ently, on 5 May 2015, Council resolved to apply o the N5W lndependen Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART} for an SRV o fund lmplemen tlon of the BMS.

Counc I provided al I affected ratepayers with Information and an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed ra e i ncrease from ovember 2014 to February 2015. The proposed increase remains unchanged, however in line w th IPART requirements, Council s providing you w h add itional detail on the SRV proposal. Th is addit ional deta I constitu es proposed amendments to Council's fmagineLismore 4 Year Pion and the Long Term Financial Pion (LTFP) . These documents are on publ ic exhibit ion rom 24 October o 21 November2015.

What alternatives to a rate increase were investigated? Council ' s initial Imagine Usmore Year Plan proposed that the BMS would be Implemented via grant funding from the former Commonwealth Government's Biodiversity Fund. However, Council was unsucc.essfulin its appl ication and this funding program no longer exists. Counc1 I investigat ed several alternate funding mechanisms based on theirabi li y to deliver reti able, lone-term undi"i. The followin& fund in& options were investi&a ed and were subsequen ly rejected:

• General Purpose Revenue -Funding lmplemen ation of the BMS through an annual budget of $500,000 would substan ial ly impact upon the deliveryo the o her services delivered by Council. Had this not been he case, Council wou ld have allocated General Purpose Revenue to implemen the BMS.

• Rate reba es - Ra e rebates could be used as an incentive by Counci l for landholders w i ll ing o manage heir l and or biodiver51ty. However, any reba e proeram hat provided su ficien incenti e would need to be supported by Counci l budge , at the expense of other services delivered by Counci l.

• Section 9 contrlbutions-Developercontrlbutlons am be used as a method of fund ing publi c in rastructure t e.g. by undlng preserva 10n of a veget.a ed wate rcourse within a Council reserve), howeverthis type of i nvestment genera lly requires a large co -inves ment by Counci l.

• Gran fund ing- Gran s are not a reliable source of fundmg as all governmen and mos ph1lan hropic undlng bodies distri bute aran s throuah competitive applic.ation. There are no curren aran proerams ha could deliverfund ng or substant al componentsofthe BMS mplementation program.

Wh r h imp of th propo d te in re 1 The proposed SRV is for a single year ra e Increase n 2016/ 17 to be retained permanently In the rates base . The percentage increase is .3% of Counci l's Total Rating Income, which includes an assumed annual rate -peg i ncrease of 2.5% and 1.8% to und the BMS. In the firs year (2016/ 17), the BMS componen of the proposed S RV would raise $500,000 and in subsequen years his amount would increase by he annual rate -pei;: .

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Ratepaye rs In the Farmland, Re side ntial Rural and Reslde nt1al Urban/VIiiages rating cate gories would incur both the rate-peg and BMS compone nts of the SRV to be applied to rates from 2016/17. For ratepayers 1n the Business rat1 ng cat egones, only the annual rate-peg component of the SRV Is to be applied to rates from 2016/17. Council considers business rate s are a lre ady too high and business rate payers would not rece ive sufficie nt b e nefits from 1mplementat1on of t he BMS to warrant paying the Increase .

Only the annual rate-peg component of the SRV would be appiled to ratepayers in the Business rating categories. Farmland, Resident ial Rural and Re sidential Urban/VIiiage rating categories w ill pay slightly more to make up the 4.3% of the total SRV. This means t he impact on these three rating categories isa 4.7% overall increase in 2016/17.

The Impact of the proposed SRV on each ratepayer depends on their rating category and the NSW ValuerGeneral 's land value for their rated land. Table 1 lndacates how the average ratepaye rin the Farmland, Res1dent1al Rural and Residential Urban/VIiiage rating categories would be impacted by t he proposed SRV.

Table 1: Impact o f the Special Rate Variation appl ied to Farmland, Residential Rural and Residential Urban/VIiiage ratJ ng categories:

Averqe FARMLAND Lo1nd 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20

Valuation

Aveni.e Farmland rate under rate pe111zlng S375,000 $2,216 $2,271 $2,328 $2,386 $2,446

Annual'6 lnc:rease 24~ 2.S'lii 25~ 151\ 25~ Average Farmland rate under the SRV S375,000 $2,216 $2,319 $2,377 $2,436 $2,497

Annual ,it, Increase 2.4 '6 4.7" 2.5~ 2.s,r, 2.s ,-;

Impact of SRV above 2015/16 levels $103 BMS amount only $48

Average RESIDENTIAL RURAL Land 2015/16 2016/ 17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/ 20

V1lu1tlon

Aveni• Rt$ident1al Rura l rate under ro1te peii'"i $192,000 Sl,383 $1,418 Sl,453 Sl,489 Sl,526 All nu al% I ncruse 1.4~ 2.5~ 1.5~ z.s,r, 15~

Avw1ge Residential Rura l rat• under the SRV S192,000 S1,383 SlA48 Sl,484 Sl,521 S1,559

At,nual '6 Increa se 1.4 9' 4.71' 1.59' 2 .59' 25~

Impact of SRV above 201S/ 16 lt11els S65 BMS amount only $30

Avero1ge RESIDENTIAL URBAN/VILLAGE Land 2015/ 16 2016/ 17 2017/18 2018/ 19 2019/ 20

Valu1tlon

Avena• R1$identiai Urbo1n/Vill•i• rtteunder rate S113,000 S1,109 $1,137 $1,165 $1,194 $1,224

peggin&

Asmual'6 Increase 2.4~ 2.S '6 2.5- 2.59' 2.5-Avena• Residential Urban/Villaaerateunder the SRV $113,000 Sl,109 $1,161 Sl,190 Sl,220 Sl,251

Annuo1I '6 Increase 24'1(. 4.71' 15'6 2.S~ 15~ Impact of SRV above 2015/16 lt11els S52

BMS amount only S24

What will the community get tor its money? Besides benefiting b iodiversity, the community wlllget: deaner roadsides; confidence that Council 1s

undertaking best environmental management practice in its activities; recognition foryourwork and community achievements; assistance to landholders and community groups to manage pests and weeds; opportunities to gain knowledge; ass istance to manage bushland and riversides on rural land; more opportuniti~ to get involved throueh community events, workshops and field days; well-manaeed urban bushland reserves; and more recreational opportunit ies In the urban setting, such as wal king tracks.

Table 2 below provides a summary of activities and Initiatives planned for2016/ 17 to 2019/20. Activities and 1nitiat1ves are planned to be ongoing.

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Table 2: Biodiversity Management Strategy Budget Summary-Year l to Year 4 BMS 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20

Action# Cleanln1 up our own b.dcyard

Planning and Processes

Revtew Opera bona I PI an for Roads ide Veg.ta t lon 1 20,000 Ma nagement 2005 Staged weed management 111 road reserve High 2 20,000 30,800 31,500 37,700 Conserva tion Va lue a r eas

Comclete VHetatlon maoo1n2 for the Us more LGA 3 80000 Suooortlnq the community

Reco11nition of community achievements 25 5,000 5,100 5 300 5,400 StJa teg1c conservation projKts (e.g. wi ld dogs) 28 10 000 30,800 31 SOO 32,300 Educa tl on I ctJ ons 57, 58 10,000 10.300 10,500 10800

Subtotal S14S,000 Sn,ooo $78,800 $86,200

Worklna with rural landholders

lmpleme-ntatlon

Rura l landhold• c•paaty build1na- proJect 44 33,400 107,200 105,200 116,500 1mplementab on

Rural landholder cacaatv bulld1n2 - extension officer 45 86000 88.200 90 400 92 600 Rura l and rura l reu dentia lcoll.1borat1ve information 46 5 ,000 5,100 5,300 5,400 pack

Coutal Zona Management Plan implementa tion• 48 38,600 48,400 44,700 48,100 riparian restorab on in rura l a rea s Commun! tv and industry 11roup partnerships 47 20,000 30 800 36,800 32 300 Ra te reba te pro11ram 38 10,300 10,500 10,800

Subtotal S183,000 $290000 S292,900 $305,700 Workin, In the urb.in environment

Implement components of the Sport and Recrea tion 54 20,000 21,500 26,300 26,900 Plan

Wellbelni and tourism 1n1t1auves 54 S000 5.100 S 300 5400 Weed manuement in urban bus hland 52 25,000 30,800 31,500 32,300 Weed management In priority urban n panan a reas S3 25,000 25,600 26,300 21,500 Road and traffic man12111Mnt for wildli fe .13 26 000 25 600 26 300 10,800 Koala Plan of Manoaement /mp/ementatlon

Adv1sorv Group 14 1000 1000 1100 1100 Tralnina program for development assess ment 36 l 0,000 Koala hab1tatre.to ra tlon program 14 30,000 35,900 36,800 32,300 Study koala density and population in koa la plannina 14 30,000 16,200 area

Subtotal $171,000 $145,SOO $153,600 $146,500

Tot"ill per year $S00,.000 $512,500 $525,300 $S38AOO

When would the proposed rate increase start? Council will submit an applicat ion for an SRV to !PART in February 2016. It is expected that I PART wi l l make its decision by May 2016. Should the application be approved by IPART, the proposed Increase could commence from 1 July 2016.

Feedback Submissions can be made onllne atwww.llsmore .nsw.gov.au , posted to the General Manager, Us more Ctty Council, PO Box 23A, Usmore, NSW 2480 or email counci [email protected],&ov.au. Submissions should state reasons for objection o r support.

Submissions are due by 4.30pm on Saturday, 21 November 2015.

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Council recently adop ed h Biodiv rs,ty Management suat gy for the Usmore Local Governmenc Area 2015-2035 (BMS). This was developed in espons to the community's vision for cou cil to provide 'environmen al leadership', as Iden 1fi din th Im gine ismore 10 Year Pia

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-~

~ INFORMATION ON PROPOSED SPECIAL RATE V IATION TO FUND IMPLEMENTATION OFTHE _ JI

DIVERSITY MAN.AGEMENT STRATEGY ~

f'ARMLANO I~ 111115'11 1 101"17 I 1117111 I :oiwu I 201,rz,

Average S375000 sin& s.2271 5.2,3111 S2 l86 S~U6

I'm rr.lat>d , 11.11,

und•>r ro!II

l)e9Qt"II

Anrua.1'11, :z,m 25% 2 S'4 :ZS'llo 2 !,'II, lnc.n1a:.4

"-·~ "t'.,000 S2 216 u .11, $2,317 S2.4J6 u ,10, l'tl,u-..bu,d .....

lll>dm ihe 5 RV

Annua111i 2.t'llo 4 '1'% 25% :l..S'!f. H% lnau~~

~ldCR'V

•llc>Ye 2015'1 S!Ol ~-do

liMSamnunt "40

Cllf:(

=~:':NTIAL I~ I 211511' 1201111712117111 I J:011111 I 211t'21

Avet• Sll12 000 SJ,lal St JIii Sl 453 Sl,.tS9 Sl,516 Ruidomhal Aural

l'lll und"' ra

Pl'illl'"II

Annual% 2 .'II, JS% 2!','- 25% 25%

1nu ....

Average St92 000 S1.343 51448 Sl JS.C SI !u't Sl.559

Rnidlmlm Ruta!

r • undo!rme SRV

Annual 2.n. ~.7% 2 li'I, 25% ,s,-lnueone

1mp,,c:1 ol SRV al!Ov ,01511& Mi5 !awls

ews-.~ I

~]O anly

RESIDENTIAL I Average I I I URISANI Land ZOIS/15 201"17 101m l 101111' ZOl!JZO VILLAGE Vw-

A .. rage SH 000 SIJC'O Sl 137 Sl lliS SI 1'14 Sl 22<1 R•~ Utb&nlVilmga

nu unit,,, ram

mlP'O

AfltMal'II, 1.n. 1!.% 1 S"- 2Ji% 25%

lnouw

,.,.,. R~ SIUOOO Sl ,ID!I Sl,161 S1100 SI ~20 $1)51 Ur!Mn1Volla1)9

'""' -· Ihm SHY

A.mu.al :z.a,. 17', 2 5'!I, 25% 25,0 lnallA~

lmp.,,~otSRV 1111,ow 2QJ.5116 J!,2

lewlt

llMS an,au,u Sl• anly

',r~ • INfORMATION ON PROPOSED SPECIAL RATE

VARIATION TO FUND IMPLfMENTATION OFTHE -. J DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY ~

Whal w1ll 1he cotnmunuy gH tor us money?

Besides bcnemlng b oc:liver1111y, lhe comm1Jn IV wlll y I de-.aner ro41hld~ confiden<-e 11ml Council I:. untleflnl1ng besl etrwumnent4\I l!IAMIJ"menl rr II< r. In II." l1Mlte5; rt>cll']l!Ulon lor commun11y wo,~ aod ilChleVements; a,s,'ilanee ui landholdrn and communny groups ta nutl'Mlll" 11e11s arul weeds. c111101tu1111iCS 111 oa ~now.1edQ • , =s~lli~ to mnna~ bushl~nd Md river:.id~ on rurul land, more OPP0t!JJl11t1cs ID QCI rrrvolvcd 1hrou11t1 comrmmuy t'W'nls, wori\~hops nnd field d11ys; ffl'P m,11,ageo u1bat1 bushland reserves; and morn recr.tat10nal opportunme.s In lhe llrb.'tn t"tllnQ, :;udl ,,. WII IO\I Jrll( ~,

,- lull hrt'8kdow11 QI Uie 8MS budget can be found ifl the !ltall nmendmt:ms 10 lhe lmao111e Lismom-4 lfew f>lnn Tti111n documll!ffls are now on pubfit exhIb 11011 .and Clln be Vltwed at YIWW lrsnort> nsv,• gov nu ,1 .. me 011 Public I ~lrib1Jon' link or Al ttie C01po,a1e Ct!nlle, 43 Olive, Avenue, Goondlllb4h. Imm Monday 10 F11d11y from 8 30nm 10 -4 JOrm

When would the propos.d rate 1ncren~ s1&1 t?

COUfJCll will su1>rru1 iUI appl;calJOn for an SRV to tPART m Feoruary 2016 HI~ C)(f,<'<-lt"d 111111 IPART w I m.,1 .. II~ ck-<1s,on by MAY 2016, Shoukl 11,.; npphcutlon br, app,ov.-d t,y IPARl. lhe p,o~ kla<"-'~" could c.ommencc lrom 1 Ju1y 2010

Feedback Submission• r911ardmg lhe drall amendmenls 10 lhe lm•vm• Lism o111 4 Year Plan •nd long Term fin11T1c1al Plan can b• mad• o nbne at www.ll5mon.nsw.gov.au. posted to lhe General Man&QPr, l.Jismo,e Clly Cou nc:11, PO Bo:. 2lA. llsmor,,, NSW 248-0 o, en,a1trd

council9llsmo, e.ns'N.go11.au. Subrn1u1on• arl!' d ul!' by 4.30pm on ~.oVIPmbe,r 201S. _

Documents

Attachment 6 - Consultation Activity Register for the