Principal Activity:

2

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING FOR GROWTH

Objective:

2.1

A PLANNING FRAMEWORK FOR GROWTH AND CONSERVATION - to protect the natural beauty, built environment and heritage of the area, whilst adopting a balanced approach to growth.

Strategy:

2.1.1

Develop an integrated set of strategies on a citywide basis to protect the environment and allow for sustainable growth.

Task

Performance Target & Assessment

Grp. Dir.

Annual Report

1. CONSERVATION STRATEGY

Continue to identify areas of conservation value in the City and develop recommendations for action through implementation plans eg LEPs, works programs, community or State Govt programs.

Prepare a conservation issues paper as part of the Growth Management Strategy and look at opportunities for certification of Local Environmental Plans to reduce conservation/development conflicts at a later stage of the process.

PL

This project has been incorporated into the Citywide Growth Management Strategy. An initial draft of the Discussion Paper was completed by Council's consultants (Whitworth Consulting) with review by Council staff finalised. Councillors were briefed on the contents of the draft Discussion Paper. Identified issues are being further researched prior to report to Council.

3. GROWTH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY (CITYWIDE STRUCTURE PLAN)

Compile the major land use elements of Council’s plans and strategies into one Citywide Growth Management Strategy and develop a mechanism to keep it updated as new policies are proposed and adopted.

Finalise settlement & conservation issues paper, conduct community consultation and develop a draft Shoalhaven Growth Management Strategy by December 2005.

PL

An initial draft of the Citywide Growth Management Strategy Discussion Paper was completed by Council's consultants (Whitworth Consulting) with review by Council staff finalised. Councillors were briefed on the contents of the draft Discussion Paper. Identified issues are being further researched prior to report to Council.

4. NOWRA BOMADERRY STRUCTURE PLAN

Investigate and develop proposals for urban growth, conservation and transport in the area.

Prepare a Structure Plan for final adoption by August 2005 and a draft LEP for Council's consideration by September 2005.

PL

The project has been advanced to a stage where submissions on the draft are being evaluated and a report being prepared for consideration by Council. Comments have been extensive and issues well debated. Input has related to the full range of ecological, social and economic issues and the conservation/development philosophies well documented. Some issues are still being further negotiated with State government agencies, which have resulted in some delay in the program.

5. ESTUARY MANAGEMENT PLANS (In preparation)

Work with Natural Resource & Floodplain Management Committee for the Shoalhaven River to investigate and prepare plans for the proper management and protection of the estuary.

Work with the Committee to compile the large volume of existing information and data for the Shoalhaven river; identify any knowledge gaps and studies required; review management objectives stemming from recent planning actions such as the healthy rivers commission report; and then, prepare objectives and actions for local government commensurate with overarching planning instruments and document these in an Estuary Management Plan by end of December quarter 2005.

CS

Shoalhaven River, the largest waterway in the city has had a data compilation study and draft EMP prepared.  The draft is under committee review.  The Shoalhaven River Natural Resources and Floodplain Management Committee incorporates community and agency representatives.   Once committee comments have been received the draft plan will be released for public exhibition to receive feedback from the wider community.

Establishing this plan will facilitate Council accessing grant funds to improve and rehabilitate environmental values and ensure quality access and amenity.

7. FLOOD DATA INFORMATION AND FORECASTING

Flood Data: Via the floodplain management program, progressively replace historical flood data with the results of flood studies and provide wider access to that information within Council. Flood Forecasting: Via the floodplain management program, progressively improve the capability for flood forecasting by use of Alert systems.

Database complete by end of December Quarter.

CS

All Flood studies progressing toward achieving replacement of historical data by Floodplain Management Plans. All identified priorities now supported by grant funding opportunities.

10. NOWRA CBD STRATEGY REVIEW

Review the existing Nowra CBD Strategy (covering the next 15 year period)

Review and implement LEP and DCP by end of December quarter 2005.

PL

Finalisation of traffic modelling in and around the Nowra CBD is to be finalised early in 2006/07. This is a major component of the CBD review and will, subject to approval of the Roads and Traffic Authority, allow the project to be progressed. The LEP component will now be subject to justification and approval by the newly established Department of Planning LEP Panel if it is to be achieved outside of the overall Citywide LEP Review or the Nowra Bomaderry LEP.

11. REVIEW & IMPLEMENT HOUSING STRATEGY

Review Housing Strategy.

Access & Equity Action Areas:  All Target Groups - 1. Supportive Communities

Adopt review by September quarter.

PL

Council has adopted the "Shoalhaven Housing Strategy 2006" following exhibition and public comment. The Strategy has identified the need for provision of a range of housing types to meet the ever changing demographic trends, particularly the needs of the aged and disabled and the lower number of persons per household.

12. STATE OF ENVIRONMENT REPORTING

Prepare 2003 Supplementary State of Environment Report (SOE) in accordance with Dept Local Govt guidelines with emphasis on sustainability issues.

Prepare and complete supplementary SOE by November, 2005.

DE

Report completed for November 2005.  Media releases issued.  This report was the first time SCC's SoE was fully electronic and not available as a hard copy - CDs were available for anyone who wanted one.

15. ESTUARY MANAGEMENT PLANS – IMPLEMENTATION (PLANNING)

Undertake planning actions previously identified in adopted Estuary Management Plans.

Incorporate relevant actions into any planning instruments prepared for areas covered by adopted Estuary Management Plans.

PL

Ongoing implementation of relevant actions from approved Estuary Management Plans considered in strategic planning projects including Sussex Inlet Settlement Strategy and Growth Management Strategy Issues Paper.

16. COASTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Undertake coastal studies and procedures as prioritised.

Commence and complete highest priority Coastal Hazard Risk Definition Study and report this to Council by end of June quarter.

CS

Council has commenced a major Coastal Management Project incorporating hazard studies for 16 locations identified as at risk from one or more coastal hazards.  Funding of approximately $500,000 has been allocated from Commonwealth and State Government for this project that will be carried out over a three year period.

17. FACILITIES FOR WOMEN, FAMILIES AND YOUTH IN MAJOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS

Encourage major new commercial and retail development to provide suitable access and facilities for women, families and youth within the development.

Action & Equity Action Areas: Children & Families - 1. Supportive Communities

Community Plan Strategy 1.25

Enhanced access and provision of facilities in commercial and retail development through suitable facilities being identified with developers.

DE

Developers encouraged to provide suitable access and facilities for women and youth when designing commercial and retail development within the City.

18. CULTURAL SITES

Assist in identifying areas or sites of cultural significance.

Action & Equity Action Areas: CALD & Indigenous - 2. Empowered Communities

Maintain a database in conjunction with NPWS and add to it through archaeological surveys carried out for various projects.

PL

Ongoing process of identifying sites and liaising with Department of Environment & Conservation. Information has been added when available.

20. FLOOD PLAIN STUDIES/PLANS

Work with Government agencies to ensure completion of Flood Planning Studies and Plans.

Complete Lower Shoalhaven Floodplain Management Plan by end of June quarter.

CS

The modelling of entrance configuration is complete. This required a highly technical appraisal of entrance dynamics. Technical review of final draft commenced by Dept Natural Resources and Shoalhaven City Council. The reports are planned to be finalised later in 2006.

An unforeseen delay occurred due to the State Government proposal to augment Tallowa Dam.  Any augmentation works would have required subsequent assessment of impact on downstream flood affectation.

Complete Nowra Creek Floodplain Management Plan by end of June quarter.

CS

Flood Study complete and Consultant's brief for Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan in preparation.

Commence implementation of St Georges Basin Floodplain Management Plan by end of June quarter.

CS

Review of final report is complete.  Final reports will be received in the next quarter.  This will be presented to the committee before adoption by Council.  One recommendation at the Floodplain risk management study and management plan was to enhance Council's Flood Alert System by adding rainfall recording stations in the catchments of major tributaries.  This augmentation of the Alert System has been completed and is now part of the Enviromon system.

Commence Burrill Lake Floodplain Management Plan by March 2006

CS

The draft Flood Study report has been reviewed by Council and State agency and Council is currently waiting for Consultants to provide final draft Flood Study report following comments by Council and Agencies on the first draft.

Commence Currambene & Moona Moona Creeks Floodplain Risk Management Studies by June 2006.

CS

Draft Flood Studies received, reviewed and comments forwarded to Consultants for inclusion in the final draft.

Complete Kangaroo Valley/Berry Floodplain Study by June 2006.

CS

Final draft reports have been received and are being reviewed by Dept Natural Resources and SCC.  PDF copies of reports have been forwarded to Natural Resources and Floodplain Management Committees for comment prior to request to Council for public exhibition.

Commence Floodplain Risk Management Study for Lake Conjola by June 2006

CS

Comments on draft sent to Consultants.  Awaiting final report.  Final report will be presented to Natural Resources and Floodplain Management Committee with view to recommending public exhibition to Council.

24. WASTE MANAGEMENT - IMPLEMENT WASTE STRATEGY STAGE 2

Implement action items in Council’s adopted Stage 2 Waste Strategy

Research Alternative Waste Processing Techniques and report to Council on applicability for the Shoalhaven by end of June quarter.

CS

Council commenced investigations into minimising waste into the landfill at West Nowra without requiring significant infrastructure or technology changes.  In combination with the Southern Council's Group strategies for targeting the remaining residual waste will be developed.

Progressively implement improvements to recover additional waste materials at transfer depots.

CS

The waste composition has been audited at the depots, providing information that supports the targeting of specific materials for recovery.  Resourcing and infrastructure difficulties have hampered the implementation of enhanced recovery.

Develop procedures to assess effectiveness of waste minimisation advice given to small and medium sized commercial operations.

CS

Joint initiative with Green Corps and Stocklands resulted in one-on-one recycling discussions with retailers in Stockland Nowra and a recommendation to improve recycling by 64% and overall 34% reduction in costs.

25. NSW PLANNING REFORM PROCESS

Prepare a Planning Reform Implementation Strategy following direction and decision by State Government

 Be actively involved in State Government review process and provide input to support Local Government initiatives.  Reconsider following preparation of City Wide Growth Management Strategy

PL

The ongoing reforms to the NSW planning system been monitored and reviewed by Council staff and information reports have been to Council as required (eg. Standard LEP Instrument). Council staff have also participated in relevant State Government information or working sessions on the reforms and provided formal input into the proposed system changes as required (eg. Draft South Coast Regional Strategy). Council has also received funding from the State Government to investigate a possible trial of the proposed Biodiversity Certification Process for planning instruments in the Nowra-Bomaderry area.

26. ESTUARY TASK FORCE – ULLADULLA HARBOUR

Work with Ulladulla Harbour & Millards Creek Natural Resource Floodplain Management Committee for Ulladulla Harbour to investigate and prepare plans for the proper management and protection of the Harbour and Millards Creek.

Work with the Committee and others to complete Natural Resources Management Plan by June quarter.

CS

Millards Creek riparian rehabilitation project has commenced.  Ulladulla Harbour foreshore rehabilitation completed but damaged by eastern coastal storms.  Contingency funds requested from Department Natural Resources to undertake necessary reinstatement of the toe of the foreshore.

27. ESTUARY MANAGEMENT PLANS

Move focus from planning to implementation of completed estuary management plans.

Integration of flooding/drainage/stormwater and bushcare items into business papers for consideration of committees/task forces.

CS

This financial year has been very successful in respect to Estuary Programs' project delivery.  Projects were completed in various throughout the city.  Highlights include:

- Burrill Lake Lions Park;

Stage I Greenwell Point erosion protection works;

- Shoalhaven River Estuary Management Plan drafted; and

Narrawallee Foreshore revetment and foreshore vegetation rehabilitation project.

28. PLANNING TASK PRIORITY LISTING

Progress project listing as determined by Council.

Complete individual projects by nominated quarters.

PL

The work program has been reprioritised and urgent projects added on a quarterly basis. Many projects that have been delayed by outside influences have been maintained on the program with a "no projected completion date" classification. This more readily identifies projects that are actually being worked on at any one time.

Principal Activity:

2

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING FOR GROWTH

Objective:

2.2

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY - to maintain and improve the high quality of our natural assets (eg waterways, air).

Strategy:

2.2.1

Work with the community and government agencies to refine and develop Councils environmental monitoring system.

Task

Performance Target & Assessment

Grp. Dir.

Annual Report

1. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SYSTEM

Identify and adopt measures to improve Council’s environmental monitoring system including how the community and government agencies can assist.

Continue to investigate and trial alternative monitoring methods to identify changes in the catchment more readily and understand critical inputs, in preparation for sustainability assessments.

DE

Monitoring program has been reviewed and implemented.  The sampling regime has been rationalised so that key areas where impacts are likely are sampled more frequently than less developed catchments.

2. CUMULATIVE EFFECT

Monitor the cumulative effect of Council’s and the community’s actions on the natural and built environment.

Report monitoring in 2002 SOE Supplementary.

Continue to investigate and monitor simple indicators of changes over time eg vegetation cover, habitat, riparian vegetation.

DE

The most appropriate method for assessing change requires use of satellite imagery.  Council is awaiting free satellite imagery from the Catchment Management Authority.

3. WATERWAYS

Regularly monitor waterways within each of the 22 catchments against agreed standards and address problem areas as they arise.

Continue to monitor the condition of waterways and revise schedule as necessary to incorporate new indicators from trial projects. Review methodology and sampling programs for condition assessment of waterways by December 2005.

DE

Water quality monitoring program has been reviewed to alter frequency of sampling regime depending on environmental and public health requirements.

4. ON-SITE SEWAGE MANAGEMENT

Implement Onsite Sewage Strategy and integrate this with Council’s other environmental and catchment management strategies and monitoring activities.

Carry out 1000 inspections of on-site Sewage Management Facilities.  Implement sampling strategy to target identified high risk areas.  Develop an assessment strategy for established Ecomax systems by December 2005.

DE

A total of 2,546 inspections were completed, achieving the inspection target.  High risk areas have been targeted for inspections and a assessment strategy developed for Ecomax systems.

6. DEVELOPMENT OF INDICATORS

Identify indicators that can be monitored to indicate the progress towards sustainability and measure Council’s impact on the Environment for SOE reporting.

Continue identification and measurement of indicators to measure Council’s impact on the Environment and the impact of built environment by June quarter for 2004/05 Supplementary State of Environment Report.

DE

Revision of indicators has increased the rigour of our SoE reporting and as a result indicators will be continually assessed for each SoE Report. 

Work co-operatively with Coastal Council and Healthy Rivers Commission in the development of methodology for sustainability assessments and associated indicators for inclusion in SOE reporting.

DE

Staff attended training on the Coastal Lakes Assessment and Management.  This training will be able to be implemented when additional data is collected.

Principal Activity:

2

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING FOR GROWTH

Objective:

2.2

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY - to maintain and improve the high quality of our natural assets (eg waterways, air).

Strategy:

2.2.2

Undertake and encourage the restoration and protection of our environment.

Task

Performance Target & Assessment

Grp. Dir.

Annual Report

4. BUSHCARE GROUPS

Support groups to regenerate and protect the natural areas around the villages of Shoalhaven.

Policy developed and on-ground plans prepared for each site.

.

CS

Policies and on-ground plans have been prepared and signed off.  Some excellent work has been completed by the volunteers adding substantially to the upkeep of natural areas.  An excellent example is the removal of 'mother of millions' from Plantation Point and additional planting of local species to enhance visual amenity and environmental quality.

Education/training needs of groups met and groups’ miscellaneous needs serviced.

CS

Bushcare groups have utilised the Bushcare Trainers support provided by SCC.  The program has proved successful and results from the survey questionnaire have been very positive.

5. NOXIOUS WEEDS PROGRAMS

Implement inspection and control programs.

Develop and implement local programs consistent with grant funding allocations and conditions and Regional Weeds Management Plans.

CS

Roadside control carried out for Fireweed in all areas.  Roadside spraying to control Giant Parramatta Grass carried out on all roadsides in areas of known infestation.  New software (Weed Track) for recording property inspections, serving weed control notices and weed mapping has been purchased and installed on PC’s and is currently in use.

Following amendments to the Noxious Weeds Act, Weed Control Management Plans have been developed and published on Council’s website for Class 4 weeds: African Boxthorn, African Lovegrass, Bathurst/Noogoora/Californian/Cockle Burr, Bitou Bush, Blackberry, Boneseed, Chilean Needle Grass, Crofton Weed, Fireweed, Harrisia Cactus, Lantana, Mistflower, Nodding Thistle, Pampas Grass, Prickly Pear, Privet (Broad & Narrow leaf), Rhus, Scotch Broom/English Broom and Serrated Tussock. 

A Liaison Committee has been created, consisting of local farmers, representatives from Department of Primary Industries and Council, to assist with the development of strategies for the management of Giant Parramatta Grass within Shoalhaven.

All Noxious Weed Grant Funding applications to be submitted by 1st May 2006

CS

Group project applications submitted for Aquatic weeds, Groundsell Bush, Bitou Bush Grant, Parramatta Grass, Broome & Gorse, Lantana, Serrated Tussock, African Love Grass, St Johns Wort, Lantana Bio. Coordination (property inspection).

Funding applications for African Lovegrass, Bitou Bush, Blackberry, Broom and Gorse, Fireweed, Giant Parramatta Grass, Groundsell Bush, Lantana, Serrated Tussock, St Johns Wort, Aquatic Weeds submitted 1st May 2006.

Annual report to NSW Agriculture showing compliance with grant conditions and Regional Plans by 30th September 2005.

CS

Annual reports to NSW Agriculture were submitted for Aquatic weeds, Groundsell Bush, Bitou Bush, Giant Parramatta Grass, Broom & Gorse Lantana, Serrated Tussock, African Love Grass, St Johns Wort, Lantana Bio.

A final report was submitted for Lantana Group Project (Programs completed).  These reports were completed by 30 June 2006. 

7. FORESHORE MANAGEMENT

Develop an action plan to implement the adopted Foreshore Management Plan.

Prioritised action plan completed by end of the March quarter.

CO

Foreshore Management Policy community education brochure completed for distribution with rates notice.

8. DEVELOPMENT SITES

Maintain awareness of erosion and sedimentation issues on development sites.

Number of Information Leaflets sent out each quarter.  Number of Penalty Infringement Notices issued to developers on building sites..

DE

2299 erosion and sediment control leaflets were sent out.

4 Penalty Infringement Notices were issued to developers on building sites.

9. ACID SULPHATE SOIL REMEDIATION

Facilitate research remediation in northern Shoalhaven River floodplain.

Continue research on acid sulfate soils in Broughton Creek in association with Wollongong University, EPA, Department of Sustainable Natural Resources and Dept Ag.

DE

The final report from the Department of Agriculture indicates that the behaviour of acid sulphate soils on the southern Shoalhaven River Floodplain is quite different to that on the North.  Recommendations for future work include intensive monitoring during rainfall events, removal of floodgates and more intensive soil sampling.

12. DUMPED WASTE AND LITTER "RID" SQUAD

Participate in the development of a RID Squad in the Shoalhaven.

Administer RID Squad operations on behalf of Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Wingecarribee Councils.  Report to Council annually on progress.

CS

The RID Squad have been active throughout the year with 965 illegal dumping incidents investigated, resulting in 160 penalty infringement notices and 17 clean up notices being issued.  The positive benefits have resulted in all the project partners agreeing to extend the project for a further three years until June 2010.

Principal Activity:

2

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING FOR GROWTH

Objective:

2.3

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT - to relieve the impact of natural disasters (eg floods and bush fires).

Strategy:

2.3.1

Develop and maintain a high level of expertise and good facilities for all disaster response agencies.

Task

Performance Target & Assessment

Grp. Dir.

Annual Report

1. SES PLAN

Implement State Emergency Services Strategic Development Plan in accordance with the Budget.

Provide technical assistance to SES to achieve their targets.

CS

SCC continued support during the year providing assistance when sought.

2. SHOALHAVEN RURAL FIRE SERVICE STRATEGIC PLAN

Assist the Rural Fire Service (RFS) by providing access to Council’s resources in compliance with the Service Level Agreement.

Workshop, Communications and Financial Support are the  key Service Level Agreement items.

CS

In addition to the normal workshop communications and financial support given to the RFS during the year, the Service was assisted in their asset maintenance and renewal by project management services provided by Council.

Provide a corporate link to RFS volunteers in order to be aware of issues facing Shoalhaven volunteers

CS

Corporate link to RFS volunteers maintained and access to Council records and systems available.

Meet with Volunteers through the Strategic Reference Group and respond to issues.

CS

Meetings held throughout the year with Strategic Planning Committee.

3. DEVELOPMENT IN BUSH FIRE PRONE AREAS

Develop and maintain fuel management strategies for Council managed land for the high risk areas identified in the Bush Fire Risk Management Plan that are Council-managed lands.

Review maintenance requirement for Asset Protection Zones and put in place a maintenance regime.

CS

Maintenance requirements for Asset Protection Zones were assessed and programs implemented.

Complete remaining and easily identified asset protection zones for high priority areas of Council-managed lands by end of December quarter.

CS

All Asset Protection Zones established for high priority areas and maintenance regimes integrated into SCC operations.

4. SHOALHAVEN BUSH FIRE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Assist with the facilitation and functioning of the Bush Fire Management Committee.

Attendance at all Bush Fire Management Committee and Sub-Committee meetings.

CS

All Bush Fire Management Committee and Sub-Committee meetings were attended throughout the year and all reporting tasks completed.

6. LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Coordinate arrangements for the preparation, response to and recovery from emergencies within the Shoalhaven area.

Chair and provide support to the Local Emergency Management Committee, coordinate regular reviews of the DISPLAN and supporting plans and provide support under DISPLAN arrangements during an emergency.

CS

In addition to normal management and support of the LEMC Council has coordinated the annual combined emergency series training camp.  A review and revamp of the Shoalhaven DISPLAN was completed during the year.  Council assisted the State Emergency Management Group in the review and refinement of a Local Government Emergency Management template that will be required to be completed by all local government organisations in NSW.

Hold regular LEMC meetings (minimum 3 per year).

CS

Regular LEMC meetings were held throughout the year.

Carry out review of risk in Shoalhaven Local Government Area and rank using Natural Disaster Grant Funds.

CS

In compliance with State Emergency Management requirements during 2005/06 Council co-ordinated a major review of the risks facing the Shoalhaven region involving all key emergency stakeholders.

Provide support during emergencies as per DISPLAN arrangements.

CS

There were no emergencies (DISPLAN definition) within the City throughout the year.

Provide community education in accordance with budget allowances.

CS

The Rural Fire Service Open Day was held early in the year. LEMC participants attended the annual camp. Flood data was delivered on request and support given to Shoalhaven Rural Fire Service and SES Units.