Sustainability Advisory Committee Meeting · Sustainability Advisory . Committee Meeting . MINUTES . FOR THE MEETING HELD ON . THURSDAY, 16 JUNE 2016 IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS / MAINBREAK,

Sustainability Advisory Committee Meeting

MINUTES

FOR THE MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 16 JUNE 2016

IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS / MAINBREAK, WALLCLIFFE ROAD, MARGARET RIVER

COMMENCING AT 5.30PM

SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA: 16 JUNE 2016

2

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


3

SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Definition and Priorities

Wide-ranging discussions by members of the Committee since its inception in August 2007 have helped to focus on

what is meant by ‘sustainability’. The Brundtland Commission coined in 1983 what was to become the most often-quoted

definition of sustainable development as development that "meets the needs of the present generation without compromising

the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

The Western Australian State Sustainability Strategy (November 2003), for example is: “Meeting the needs of current

and future generations through an integration of environmental protection, social advancement and economic prosperity.”

Other definitions focus on development that does not adversely affect the environment, e.g. “Sustainable

development is a socio-ecological process characterized by the fulfilment of human needs while maintaining the quality of the

natural environment indefinitely.”

Defining what is meant by the ‘quality of the natural environment’ is fraught with difficulty, however, and many would

argue that development and protection of the environment are incompatible and that the one has been achieved at the expense

of the other.

We have all become conscious of the extent to which Western civilisation is dependent on the utilisation of fossil fuels

for its ongoing activity and the Committee has focused on this in developing a new definition of ‘sustainability’ that emphasises

the nexus between finite resources and development.

Sustainability is the long-term outcome of avoiding depleting critical finite resources for the maintenance of human activities

The Committee has also agreed on a set of priorities through which it hopes to work in providing advice on a wide

range of issues to Council.

It is the Committee’s intention to focus its work and research on a given priority until it has forwarded

recommendations to Council, then move on to consider the next priority. This procedure would be set aside, however, in the

event that Council requested timely advice on any other issue.

List of Priorities

1. Energy – Minimise consumption of polluting and non-renewable energy sources and promote the use of renewable

energy sources

2. Water harvesting and recycling – Improve water use efficiency

3. Building design - To develop and implement local building design guidelines that promote environmentally-

sustainable design including materials selection, energy minimisation and water consumption and recycling

4. Urban form and subdivision – To develop and implement subdivision and urban design guidelines to achieve

towns, neighbourhoods, individual developments and buildings that create vibrant, healthy, happy, adaptable and

sustainable communities

5. Biodiversity – Protect and maintain the rich biodiversity of the Shire through the development of appropriate

management strategies

6. Information strategies – Educate and encourage behavioural changes in residents and visitors

7. Waste - Reduce waste sent to landfill and promote more efficient use of resources

AMR Sustainability Advisory Committee May 2008

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_environment


4

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 17 March 2016 5

7.0 MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES 5

8.0 REPORTS 5 8.1 Energy 5 8.1.1 Community renewable energy project - update 5 8.2 Biodiversity 6 8.2.1 Support for Cape to Cape Catchments Group projects 6 8.2.2 Environmental Management Fund - update 6 8.2.3 Western Ringtail Possum 8 8.3 Water 8 8.4 Waste 8 8.4.1 Garage Sale trail - update 9 8.5 Transport 9 8.6 Planning/Development 9 8.6.1 Climate Adaptation Workshop 9 8.6.2 CUSP Memorandum of Understanding with the Shire 9 8.6.3 Draft Economic Development Strategy 9 8.6.4 Trails within the Shire 10

9.0 GENERAL BUSINESS 10

10.0 NEXT MEETING 10

11.0 CLOSURE 10


5

Sustainability Advisory Committee Meeting

Minutes of the Sustainability Advisory Committee Meeting held on Thursday 16 June 2016 in Mainbreak Meeting Room, Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River commencing at 5.30pm.

1.0 Declaration of Opening

The Chair, Karen Majer, welcomed all in attendance and declared the meeting open at 5.30pm.

2.0 Appointments

2.1 Resignation of Bill Castleden The Committee noted Bill Castleden’s resignation from SAC and acknowledged his significant contribution.

2.2 Appointment of Ken Collins

Cr Townsend questioned whether or not Ken Collins appointment to the committee had been made appropriately by Council. Acting Manager Planning and Development, Matt Cuthbert, committed to investigate and let members know.

Ken Collins was formally appointed a member of the Sustainability Advisory Committee at the 9 March 2016 Ordinary Meeting of Council (decision number OM2016/43)

3.0 Attendance

Committee Members Dr Don Bradshaw Mr John Lawson Ms Karen Majer, Presiding Member Ms Naomi Godden Mr Bill Castleden Ms Lyn Serventy Mr Ken Collins Mr Nick Dornan Ms Laura Bailey Councillor Representatives Cr Felicity Haynes : Town Ward Cr Pam Townshend, Deputy Presiding Member : Town Ward Cr Peter Lane : North Ward Shire Staff Acting Director Sustainable Development : Mr Nick Logan Acting Manager Planning and Development : Mr Matt Cuthbert Manager Asset Services : Mr David Nicholson Coordinator Environment/Landcare Services : Mr John McKinney Members of the Public Rick Ensley Caroline Hughes

3.1 Apologies

Mr Julian Kruger Mr Tom Dowling Mr Jared Drummond, Sustainability Planning Officer


6

4.0 Public Questions

Nil

5.0 Disclosures of Interest

Nil

6.0 Confirmation of Minutes

6.1 Sustainability Advisory Committee Meeting 17 March 2016

MOTION / SAC DECISION MOVED: CR HAYNES SECONDED: DON BRADSHAW SAC2016/5 That the minutes of the Sustainability Advisory Committee meeting held 17 March 2016 be confirmed as a true and accurate representation of the meeting.

CARRIED 12/0 7.0 Matters Arising from Previous Minutes

Summary of Sustainability Advisory Committee minutes from 17 March 2016 (motion adopted by Council 27 April 2016).

RECOMMENDATION / COUNCIL DECISION

CR HAYNES, CR LANE OM2016/76 That Council: 1. Receives the unconfirmed minutes of the Sustainability Advisory Committee held on

17 March 2016; 2. Requires that environmentally sensitive alternatives to existing herbicide practices be

considered upon review of the weed service tender in June 2016; 3. Notes that the ‘Climate change and wildlife in Southwest WA’ report and

recommendations will be considered as part of the Shire’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy currently under preparation; and

4. Notes the SAC’s support for Strategic Response 2.4 of the Shire’s Draft Corporate Plan 2016-2020 relating to rainwater catchment and storage.

CARRIED 7/0

8.0 REPORTS

8.1 Energy 8.1.1 Community renewable energy project – update (M. Cuthbert) The Shire of Augusta Margaret River in collaboration with Curtin University and Transition Margaret River are preparing a feasibility study with the aim of developing a large scale community wind/solar farm. The initiative is linked to the Local Energy Action Plan which seeks to develop alternative clean energy systems. The Shire sought Expressions of Interest from key stakeholders to join the Community Wind/Solar Farm Working Group. The key role of the group will be to assist Curtin University PhD student Steve McGill, and the Shire, in developing a feasibility study on alternative energy which can then be used to develop an on ground system. There were 21 people appointed to the working party, with the first workshop set to be held on 22nd June. A draft Community Renewable Project – Terms of Reference is attached. Nick Dornan noted that the Beenup mine site was not a suitable location for a wind farm and that this matter had previously been investigated by Council.


7

8.2 Biodiversity

8.2.1 Support for Cape to Cape Catchments Group projects (D. Nicholson – Manager Asset Services)

On 5 May 2016 the Cape to Cape Catchments Group (CCCG) wrote to the Shire seeking continued funding support for their activities and environmental programs. A copy of the letter is attached.

In the letter the CCCG specifically requests the following funding in 2016/17:

1. A contribution of $10,000 towards the “Our Patch” Environmental Education

Program; 2. A contribution of $13,500 for ongoing support of three recently established friends

groups for Shire reserves along the Margaret River; and 3. A contribution of $5,000 towards weed control in Shire reserves along the

Margaret River.

Detailed justification for these requests is provided in the CCCG’s letter. Officers have considered the requests and support the allocation of funds from the Shire’s 2016/17 Environmental Management Fund budget allocation of $90,000 towards the Our Patch Environmental Education Program and to the support of friends groups. These allocations will support the successful projects that have commenced in previous years, but require additional support to maintain, and build on the positive outcomes achieved to date.

The requested contribution of $5,000 towards weed control in Shire reserves is also supported. The Shire’s Landcare budget has an annual allocation of $20,000 for contract services, most of which is usually expended on engaging contractors to undertake weed control in high value Shire reserves.

Overall, Shire officers support the CCCG’s requests and request that SAC recommend to Council that the following funding allocations are made in the Shire’s 2016/17 budget:

1. A contribution of $10,000 towards the Our Patch Environmental Education

Program from the Environmental Management Fund. 2. A contribution of $13,500 towards for ongoing support to the three recently

established friends groups for Shire reserves along the Margaret River from the Environmental Management Fund.

3. Weed control in Shire reserves along the Margaret River continue to be funded from the Shire’s annual “contract services” allocation in the Landcare operating budget.

In relation to the CCCG’s request for greater collaboration between the Shire and CCCG to improve conservation outcomes in the Shire, a meeting of relevant officers of the two organisations has been arranged for mid-June. It is proposed to hold quarterly meetings to allow dialogue on issues such as:

• Opportunities for collaboration on local projects, including joint grant funding

applications; • Preparation of annual budgets; • Development of new plans and programs; and • Emerging conservation issues.

8.2.2 Environmental Management Fund – update (J. McKinney)

Please see table below, which outlines work carried out through the Environmental Management Fund:


8

Project Delivery

agency Original Budget

Expenditure Comments

Hardy Inlet Foreshore

Shire of Augusta Margaret River

$15,000 $16,800 Project was to implement recommendations from the Hardy Inlet foreshore management plan. This project included installation of limestone block retaining wall to assist in delineation of interface between private property and Shire reserves and the reclamation of significant areas of lawn and conversion to native species. Over 2,000 local native species were grown by volunteers and will be planted by volunteers and contractors.

Our Patch Environmental Education

Cape to Cape Catchments Group

$10,000 $10,000 This project was delivered by the Cape to Cape Catchment via amendments to the existing MoU with the group. The project was co-funded by the Rotary Club of Margaret River, the Cowaramup Lions and external grants. It delivered environmental education to over 500 students in all 7 primary schools in the Shire with students undertaking in and out of class learning about environmental values and issues specific to the Shire and their local catchment.

Gracetown Coastal Management


$15,000 $3,587 Significant savings due to South West Catchment Council providing additional funds in the order of $7,000. These savings will be transferred to the EMF reserve fund for future projects. Project was to undertake coastal rehabilitation works including fencing, erosion control, direct seeding and planting. A community rehabilitation day and a separate school planting day were organised and well attended. 1,200 native coastal plants were installed and protected by peppermint brush.

Margaret River foreshore rehabilitation and friends group

Cape to Cape Catchments Group

$25,000 $25,000 This project was delivered by the Cape to Cape Catchment via amendments to the existing MoU with the group. It has resulted in the formation of 3 friends group along the urban portion of the Margaret River, including at Riverslea, Barrett St and the ‘A Class’ area. A number of working bees have been held in each area with up to 16 volunteers per session completing work such as weed


9

identification, mapping and control, development of an annual works program and rehabilitation works. Erosion control and rehabilitation works outside the ability of volunteers has also been organised and contractors supervised, along with 110 hours of priority weed control along the Margaret River foreshore has also been undertaken by commercial weed contractors.

Phytophthora dieback management


$15,000 $14,900 This project followed on from works crew training regarding Phytophthora dieback awareness and management. A key outcome was to identify and map priority sites in relation to future capital works using a risk assessment process. Following development of an RFQ, Terratree Consultants were appointed and have completed the field assessment component and are in the process of preparing relevant maps and work method statements for priority sites.

Western Ringtail Possum

Sustainability Advisory Committee

$10,000 $6,000 (quoted)

Draft concepts have been prepared by Don Bradhaw relating to WRT possum singage, ‘Wanted Alive’ pamphlets, and brochure production. Some amendments are required before final production of primting materials. There is a further $4,000 available to update the Shire’s website on WRT possums, and to establish a WRT possum databse.

MOTION / SAC DECISION MOVED: CR TOWNSHEND, SECONDED: LYN SERVENTY SAC2016/6 SAC recommend to Council that the following funding allocations are made in the Shire’s 2016/17 budget: 1. A contribution of $10,000 towards the Our Patch Environmental Education Program from the Environmental Management Fund. 2. A contribution of $13,500 towards for ongoing support to the three recently established friends groups for Shire reserves along the Margaret River from the Environmental Management Fund. 3. Weed control in Shire reserves along the Margaret River continue to be funded from the Shire’s annual “contract services” allocation in the Landcare operating budget.

CARRIED 12/0

8.2.3 Western Ringtail Possum (Councillor P. Townshend)

Background In the 2015/2016 financial year $10000 from the EMF was directed towards preservation of the Western Ringtail possum. At a recent presentation organised by the Cape to Cape Catchments Group a PhD student presented her completed research findings on a group of WRP in Busselton. The research was most illuminating and it highlighted that we have very little data upon which to base preservation strategies in this Shire. The Cape to Cape Catchments group is currently working on some WRP preservation strategies and I propose


10

that we contribute some further EMF funds to the group and consider working with the group to assist with their strategies.

Outcomes A recommendation to Council that EMF funds go to further preservation strategies of Western Ring Tail Possums which are being worked on by the Cape to Cape Catchments group.

Recommendation Discussion and determination of dollar contribution and recommendation to Council.

SAC noted the intention of Shire staff to include additional funding for western ringtail possum protection in the list of possible projects to be funded from the EMF.

8.3 Water

Nil

8.4 Waste 8.4.1 Garage Sale trail – update (M. Cuthbert) The Garage Sale Trail is a national waste education and community engagement campaign that culminates in one big day of garage sales right across the country, this year being held on Saturday 22 October 2016. The Shire took part in the event in 2015. This resulted in hosting of 17 garage sales. This initiative resulted in reuse and sale of items that may have otherwise ended up in landfill. Garage Sale Trail is delivered locally by 164 councils and state governments in partnership with Garage Sale Trail. The initiative is supported in 2016, and will be implemented by the new waste education officer. The Garage Sale Trail initiative also seeks to achieve outcomes of the Shire’s Local Energy Action Plan. Acting Manager Planning and Development, Matt Cuthbert, to arrange for the Shire’s waste education officer to brief SAC once the position was filled.

8.5 Transport

Nil

8.6 Planning/Development 8.6.1 Climate Adaptation Workshop (K. Majer & L. Stocker – Curtin University)

Background On Tuesday 26 April 2016 a collaborative workshop on the topic of Adaptation to Climate Change in the Augusta Margaret River Shire was hosted by the August Margaret River Shire together with Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, Transition Margaret River and Cape to Cape Catchments Group. Dr Laura Stocker (CUSP) will brief SAC on the workshop outcomes (data currently being analysed). Proposed outcomes SAC members will be informed of the overall outcomes of the Workshop and how the Shire intends that these will inform the Coastal Response Plan and development of the Shire's Climate Change Response Plan. Discussion of next steps in that process will enable SAC members to consider how the SAC sub-committee previously formed to support the Shire in developing the Climate Change Response Plan can work most effectively to assist Council staff. .

Recommendation For discussion and convening meeting of SAC Sub-committee. No recommendation to Council.


11

SAC noted a presentation from Laura Stocker on the outcomes of the Climate Adaptation workshop. SAC members noted that a sub-committee had previously been formed with the intention of assisting the Shire with preparation of its Climate Adaptation Plan. SAC members reaffirmed their commitment to assisting with the plan where considered helpful by the Shire. Shire staff noted that the final outcomes of the Climate Adaptation workshop will be beneficial to current and future shire projects,

8.6.2 CUSP Memorandum of Understanding with the Shire (L. Stocker) Background Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute and AMRSC signed an MOU on 7/11/2014. Dr Laura Stocker (CUSP) will brief SAC on the MOU, projects to date and potential future partnerships.

Proposed outcomes SAC consideration of how the SAC's Terms of Reference align with the MOU and how it can most effectively support the MOU and advise the Shire on community participation (noting Terms of Reference include' Community information and engagement to increase sustainable practice')

Recommendation For discussion. No recommendation to Council.

Members requested that Shire staff call for members prepare to be part of a working group to review SAC’s terms of reference which are now 10 years old. Members indicated a preference to align the terms of reference with the CUSP MOU and to incorporate social justice elements. – MC/JD to coordinate meeting.

8.6.3 Draft Economic Development Strategy (K. Majer) Background AMRSC has released a Draft Economic Development Strategy for comment. Submissions closed on 27 May. The Strategy includes commitment to environmental sustainability and proposals likely to influence all aspects of sustainability (environmental, economic, social, cultural) as the population, visitor numbers and economy grow over the next 10 years. Several SAC members have requested a brief update from the Shire on consultation to date and proposed stages in finalising the Strategy.

Proposed outcomes SAC is aware of

• sustainability issues associated with economic development in the Shire • how the EDS links to the Environmental Sustainability Strategy, and • SAC's future role in advising on relevant issues.

(Noting SAC's role 'to provide a forum for community representatives, Councillors and Council officers to focus on sustainability issues' and Objective 'To advise Council officers and Council how to increase community engagement with sustainable environmental practice'.) Recommendation That the Shire offer an opportunity for SAC and community members to attend a presentation and open forum on the issues and proposals outlined in the draft Strategy to promote wider discussion of sustainability aspects and how the business/tourism sectors of the community can grow whilst promoting sustainable practices. SAC noted an overview of the economic development strategy provided by the CEO. SAC members noted the CEO’s intention to coordinate a forum, to allow for dialogue on the draft strategy by interested members of SAC and the community generally.


12

8.6.4 Trails within the Shire (Councillor P. Townshend)

Background Trails construction often necessitates clearing of bush with a machine and this then opens up areas to over use and weed invasion. It can also open up sections of the bush which have not been used in a large scale way by humans which can lead to disruption of flora and fauna.

Outcomes A recommendation to the Trails Committee and the Council that all proposed trails be considered by the Sustainability Advisory Committee to ensure that the trail is sustainable.

Recommendation That a recommendation goes to both the Trails Committee and the Council.

Report Noted.

9.0 General Business

9.1 Cr Townshend – Trails Committee Cr Townshend to request membership of trails committee.

10.0 Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 15 September 2016 in the Mainbreak meeting room, 41 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River.

11.0 Closure

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

Documents

Sustainability Advisory Committee Meeting · Sustainability Advisory . Committee Meeting . MINUTES . FOR THE MEETING HELD ON . THURSDAY, 16 JUNE 2016 IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS / MAINBREAK,