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NORTH SYDNEY COUNCIL

Council Chambers 18 May 2017

I wish to inform you that a Meeting of the ENVIRONMENT REFERENCE GROUP will be held in the Ros Crichton Pavilion, North Sydney at 7.15pm on Monday, 29 May 2017 when your attendance is requested. Your attention is directed to the accompanying statement of the business proposed to be transacted at such meeting. ADRIAN PANUCCIO ACTING GENERAL MANAGER

BUSINESS 1. Minutes

Confirmation of Minutes of the previous Meeting held on 14 November 2016. (Circulated)

Environment Reference Group – 29/05/17 Page No 2

2. E01: Parliamentary Friends of Landcare Event – Building Bridges to Boorowa Report of Gareth Debney, Bushland Management Coordinator and Andrew Scott, Bushcare Officer For the past 17 years, North Sydney Council has partnered with Boorowa Council (now part of the new Hill Tops Council) and Boorowa Community Landcare Group to facilitate an annual volunteer tree planting trip to the southwest NSW Township. The ‘Building Bridges to Boorowa’ project is widely recognised as setting the benchmark in successful urban/rural environmental partnerships involving volunteers. In 2009, the NSW Environmental Trust commissioned Council to prepare guidelines that would support other urban Councils wishing to formulate similar partnerships with rural communities. The project has achieved remarkable results over the past 17 years with over 50,000 locally native trees, shrubs and groundcovers planted by more than 500 volunteers in specially prepared wildlife corridors. This year, the partnership achieved a new milestone with North Sydney hosting the first ever reciprocal visit by Boorowa farmers and school children to the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability in Waverton. On Monday, 1 May 2017, 50 school children, farmers and Landcare members from Boorowa were joined by a number of sitting members of State Parliament (bipartisan members of the “Parliamentary Friends of Landcare”), along with recently elected Member for North Shore Ms Felicity Wilson, to celebrate the North Sydney/Boorowa partnership and to recognise the importance of Landcare across NSW. The event was opened with a number of speeches before children and other guests participated in a planting activity, tour of the Bushcare Nursery and a bushwalk through Balls Head Reserve. The event, which was conceived by Council’s Bushcare Officer Andrew Scott and coordinated by the Bushland Management Team with assistance from NSW Landcare, the Parliamentary Friends of Landcare and Boorowa Community Landcare, was a major success. ABC Radio’s “Rural Hour” program delivered a live broadcast from the Coal Loader and following the event, the State Minister for Agriculture, Regional Water and Trade, the Hon Niall Blair MP delivered a commendatory speech in Parliament celebrating the event. The Bushland Team hope to build on this event and discuss the possibility of future reciprocal visits to North Sydney by our partners in Boorowa. Nil. Recommending: 1. THAT the report on Council’s Parliamentary Friends of Landcare Event be noted.

3. E02: Cities Power Partnership

Report of Niki Carey, Senior Sustainability Programs Coordinator This report provides an overview of the Cities Power Partnership program with the view for Council to participate. The program is designed to support and promote energy saving and climate change mitigation initiatives in local councils across the country. Nil.


Recommending: 1. THAT the Reference Group receives and notes the Cities Power Partnership report. 2. THAT the Reference Group recommends that Council signs up to the program to become a Cities Power Partner.

4. E03: North Sydney Community Renewable Energy Feasibility Study

Report of Ian Garradd, Sustainability Project Officer The purpose of this report is to outline our current actions relating to the adoption of renewable energy in the North Sydney community sector. A consultancy has been engaged to assess the opportunities available for both the residential and business communities. The project is being funded through Council’s Environment Levy through a budget allocation in the 2016/17 financial year for this initial feasibility study. Implementation allocations have also been made in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 financial years. Recommending: 1. THAT the Reference Group receives and notes the report on the North Sydney Community Renewable Energy Feasibility Study. 2. THAT the Reference Group distributes the link to the Community Renewable Energy survey to their relevant networks. 3. THAT members of the Reference Group complete the Community Renewable Energy survey.

5. E04: greeNSchools Grant Program 2016

Report of Jordan Moy, Sustainability Education Officer The greeNSchools Grant Program is a North Sydney Council initiative funded through Council’s Environment Levy which supports local primary and secondary schools and early learning centres to develop, implement and celebrate environmental programs and activities. As part of the program, schools in the North Sydney LGA are eligible to be awarded grants of up to $3,000 for a wide range of projects including both educational activities and on-ground works. A maximum of $12,000 per financial year has been allocated for this grant project. Grants were awarded in July last year and completed in December 2016. This report provides an overview of the initiatives funded through the greeNSchools program in 2016. This project is funded through Council’s Environment Levy and is allocated for in the 2016/17 Budget. Recommending: 1. THAT the report on the greeNSchools Grant Program be received and noted.

6. E05: Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) - Update

Report of Bohdan Stechiwskyj, Waste Management Officer Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (NSROC) was successful in obtaining funding from the NSW EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More Initiative


to establish a Community Recycling Centre (CRC). Following the consideration of a report on community recycling centres and subsequent discussions, including those with councillors, staff and GMAC, it was agreed to establish a Community Recycling Centre to service the Northern Sydney region. The CRC was to be located in the Artarmon industrial precinct and, under the terms of a signed Deed of Agreement between participating councils, North Sydney Council would assume responsibility for the day to day management and operation of the facility for and on behalf of the participating NSROC Member Councils. A Heads of Agreement was signed for 8 Waltham Street, Artarmon and, subsequently, a three-year lease was signed with a commencement date of 22 February 2016. North Sydney Council submitted a Development Application for Change of Use which was approved by Willoughby Council in April 2016. Willoughby Council also issued a Construction Certificate on 18 October 2016, after fire safety upgrade works were completed, and an Occupation Certificate on 21 December 2016. The EPA reviewed the site in January 2017 and gave approval for the facility to be informally opened on 27 January 2017. The CRC was officially opened by Anthony Roberts, Minister for Planning, on 12 April 2017. The financial implications on the Domestic Waste Management budget to 30 June 2017 are outlined within the report. Recommending: 1. THAT the update report on the Community Recycling Centre be received.

7. E06: Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program

Report of Emmaline Callaghan, Waste Services Customer Liaison Officer This report outlines the results of the biannual residential e-waste recycling collection services program conducted from Monday, 27 March to Friday, 31 March 2017. Nil. Recommending: 1. THAT the report on the E-waste Recycling Collection Program be received.

8. E07: Biodegradable Dog Tidy Bags Trial

Report of Niki Carey, Senior Sustainability Programs Coordinator Council is currently undertaking a trial of new plant based biodegradable dog tidy bags at all existing dog tidy stations to replace the existing oxo-degradable bags, which break down into smaller pieces of plastic. The biodegradable bags can be placed in regular Council serviced red bins for composting at Council’s waste treatment facility. The trial commenced in December 2016 and will conclude at the end of July 2017. Approximately 170 survey responses have already been received from local residents with results showing strong support for a switch to these new bags. The cost of the biodegradable bags is funded through the Domestic Waste Charge given the nexus between the use and disposal of the bags and the residential waste stream and disposal point. Recommending:


1. THAT the report on the Biodegradable Dog Tidy Bags Trial be received. 2. THAT the Reference Group supports the switch to biodegradable dog tidy bags, pending survey responses at the end of the extended trial demonstrating consistency with those received to date.

9. E08: Update on Citizen Membership of the Environment Reference

Group Report of Melissa Dunlop, Governance Coordinator The purpose of this report is to inform the Environment Reference Group of the successful application of one new member to be part of this group and the resignation of an existing member as follows: • Mr Roderick (Rick) Miller has applied to be a member of the Environment

Reference Group and his application was accepted by Council at its meeting on 1 May 2017.

• Ms Susette Dixon resigned as a member of this group on 12 May 2017. Nil. Recommending: 1. THAT the Environment Reference Group note the successful application of Mr Roderick Miller to become a Citizen Member of this group and the resignation of Ms Susette Dixon.

DECISION OF 3687th COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 5 DECEMBER 2016

374. OSE01: Environment Reference Group – 14 November

2016 Report of Melissa Dunlop, Governance Co-ordinator This report presents the recommendations of the last meeting of the Environment Reference Group held on 14 November 2016, for Council endorsement. The minutes are attached for information. Local Government Act 1993: Section 23A Guidelines - Council Decision Making During Merger Proposal Period The Guidelines have been considered in the preparation of this report and are not applicable. Recommending: 1. THAT Council congratulate the North Sydney Bushcare Community Nursery for the work being undertaken and thank Ms McMath for her presentation to the Reference Group. 2. THAT the report on the NSW Government Waste Less, Recycle More funding initiative 2017-2021 extension be received. 3. THAT the updated report on the Community Recycling Centre be received. 4. THAT a date be organised for the Environment Reference Group to tour the Community Recycling Centre and the Coal Loader Platform. 5. THAT the report on the NSW Government Container Deposit Scheme be received. 6. THAT the Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program report be received. 7. THAT the report on the activities at the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability be received. 8. THAT the report on Council’s Water and Energy Management Programs be received. Voting was as follows: For/Against 8/0

Councillor Yes No Councillor Yes No

Gibson Y Beregi Y Reymond Absent Barbour Y Clare Y Morris Y Baker Y Marchandeau Absent Carr Y Bevan Y

RESOLVED: 1. THAT Council congratulate the North Sydney Bushcare Community Nursery for the work being undertaken and thank Ms McMath for her presentation to the Reference Group. 2. THAT the report on the NSW Government Waste Less, Recycle More funding initiative 2017-2021 extension be received. 3. THAT the updated report on the Community Recycling Centre be received. 4. THAT a date be organised for the Environment Reference Group to tour the Community Recycling Centre and the Coal Loader Platform. 5. THAT the report on the NSW Government Container Deposit Scheme be received. 6. THAT the Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program report be received. 7. THAT the report on the activities at the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability be received. 8. THAT the report on Council’s Water and Energy Management Programs be received.

ITEM OSE01 REPORTS 05/12/16

N O R T H S Y D N E Y C O U N C I L R E P O R T S

Report to General Manager Attachments:

1. Minutes 14 November 2016 SUBJECT: Environment Reference Group – 14 November 2016 AUTHOR: Melissa Dunlop, Governance Co-ordinator ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This report presents the recommendations of the last meeting of the Environment Reference Group held on 14 November 2016, for Council endorsement. The minutes are attached for information. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Nil Local Government Act 1993: Section 23A Guidelines - Council Decision Making During Merger Proposal Period The Guidelines have been considered in the preparation of this report and are not applicable. RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT Council congratulate the North Sydney Bushcare Community Nursery for the work being undertaken and thank Ms McMath for her presentation to the Reference Group. 2. THAT the report on the NSW Government Waste Less, Recycle More funding initiative 2017-2021 extension be received. 3. THAT the updated report on the Community Recycling Centre be received. 4. THAT a date be organised for the Environment Reference Group to tour the Community Recycling Centre and the Coal Loader Platform. 5. THAT the report on the NSW Government Container Deposit Scheme be received. 6. THAT the Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program report be received. 7. THAT the report on the activities at the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability be received. 8. THAT the report on Council’s Water and Energy Management Programs be received.

Report of Melissa Dunlop, Governance Co-ordinator Re: Environment Reference Group – 14 November 2016

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM

The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows:

Direction: 5. Our Civic Leadership

Outcome: 5.3 Council is ethical, open, accountable and transparent in its decision making

BACKGROUND

In accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Principles and Practices:

53.6 - The minutes of a Reference Group or Working Group meeting can only be confirmed and adopted by resolution of that Reference Group or Working Group, passed at a subsequent meeting of that Group. A motion or discussion in respect of the Minutes shall not be in order except as to their accuracy as a record of proceedings. Minutes may not be amended to reflect second thoughts on a resolution - changes may only be made if the accuracy of the resolution is found to be at fault; as per clause 19.2 of this Code.

53.7 - A report on the proceedings of Reference Group or Working Group meetings are to be submitted to the next available meeting of Council for endorsement, including all recommendations. Any Councillor may be the mover or seconder of a motion to confirm the proceedings of a Reference Group or Working Group meeting.

CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS

Community engagement is not required.

SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT

The sustainability implications are of a minor nature and as such did not warrant a detailed assessment.

DETAIL

This report presents the recommendations of the last meeting of the Environment Reference Group held on 14 November 2016, for Council endorsement. The minutes are attached for information.

E N V I R O N M E N T A L S E R V I C E SR E F E R E N C E G R O U P

Minute Book Page No 7

This is Page No 7 of the Minutes of the Environment Reference Group Meeting held on Monday, 14 November 2016.

MINUTES: ENVIRONMENT REFERENCE GROUP MEETING HELD IN THE ROS CRICHTON PAVILION ON MONDAY, 14 NOVEMBER 2016 AT 7.15PM.

PRESENT

Councillor Baker in the Chair and Councillor Marchandeau.

Staff: Adrian Panuccio, Acting General Manager Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services Peter Massey, Manager Environmental Services Melissa Dunlop, Governance Coordinator (Minutes)

Citizen Members: John Berry Louise Byrne Anne Edwards Marilyn Hanson Keryn Hassall Philip Worrall

Visitors: Heather McMath, Volunteer, North Sydney Bushcare Community Nursery

Apologies were received from The Mayor, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Barbour, Councillor Beregi, Councillor Clare and Bruce Handmer.

At the commencement of business (7.23pm) Councillors present were – Councillor Baker in the Chair and Councillor Marchandeau.

10. Presentation – North Sydney Bushcare Community Nursery

Councillor Baker invited Ms Heather McMath, a volunteer at North Sydney BushcareCommunity Nursery, to deliver a presentation to the Reference Group about the workbeing carried out by the North Sydney Bushcare Community Nursery.

A Motion was moved by Ms Hanson and seconded by Councillor Marchandeau.

Resolved to recommend:1. THAT Council congratulate the North Sydney Bushcare Community Nursery forthe work being undertaken and thank Ms McMath for her presentation to theReference Group.

Voting was unanimous.

ATTACHMENT TO OSE01 - 5/12/16

Page

9

ENVIRONMENT REFERENCE GROUP – 14/11/16 Page No 8


11. Minutes

The Minutes of the previous meeting held on 30 May 2016, copies of which had beenpreviously circulated, were taken as read and confirmed, noting that a correction wasrequired under Item 9 – E07: Fridge Buy Back Program. Ms Hassall was mistakenlyreferred to as “Councillor Ms Hassall”.

The Motion was moved by Councillor Marchandeau and seconded by Ms Hassall.


12. E01: NSW Government Waste Less, Recycle More Funding Initiative 2017-2021 Extension

Report of Bohdan Stechiwskyj, Waste Management OfficerIn February, 2013, the NSW State Government announced the waste and resourcerecovery initiative titled Waste Less, Recycle More for NSW (“WLRM”). Theinitiative comprised a funding package of $465.7m over a five year period. WasteLess, Recycle More was introduced in part to replace the council funding programknown as Waste and Sustainability Improvement Payment (WaSIP). On 14 October,2016, the Minister for the Environment, Mark Speakman, announced that Waste Less,Recycle More funding will be extended from 2017 to 2021. Total funding to beprovided under the extension will amount to $337.0m.The 2017 – 2021 funding package includes:-• $70.0m for councils’ waste and resource recovery projects• $57.0m for household problem waste programs, including $37.0m for community

recycling centre collections and processing• $30.0m for litter reduction and prevention programs• $88.5m for waste, recycling and organics infrastructure programs• $65.0m for illegal dumping and waste enforcement programsRecommending:1. THAT the report on the NSW Government Waste Less, Recycle More fundinginitiative 2017-2021 extension be received.

The Motion was moved by Mr Berry and seconded by Mr Worrall.

Resolved to recommend: 1. THAT the report on the NSW Government Waste Less, Recycle More fundinginitiative 2017-2021 extension be received.


13. E02: Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) - Update

Report of Bohdan Stechiwskyj, Waste Management OfficerNorthern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (“NSROC”) was successful inobtaining funding from the NSW EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More Initiative toestablish a Community Recycling Centre (“CRC”). Following the consideration of areport on community recycling centres and subsequent discussions, including thosewith councillors, staff and GMAC, it was agreed to establish a Community RecyclingCentre (“CRC”) to service the Northern Sydney region. The CRC was to be located inthe Artarmon industrial precinct and North Sydney Council would assumeresponsibility for the day to day management and operation of the facility for and onbehalf of the participating NSROC Member Councils.

ATTACHMENT TO OSE01 - 5/12/16 Page 4



The Deed of Agreement – Northern Sydney Community Recycling Centre (“Deed”) was signed by the general managers of the alliance councils on 29 October 2015. Under the terms of the Deed of Agreement, a Committee of Management was formed to oversee the administration and implementation of the Deed. Following assessments of the suitability of several proposed sites, a Heads of Agreement was signed for 8 Waltham Street, Artarmon. North Sydney Council submitted a Development Application for Change of Use (“DA”) for the site, which was approved by Willoughby Council at its 11 April 2016 council meeting. A condition of the Development Consent required the undertaking of rectification works for a fire safety upgrade as part of the issuance of a Construction Certificate. North Sydney Council applied for a Construction Certificate in September 2016. Negotiations are ongoing with the landlord regarding the extent of rectification works required prior to the issuance of an Occupation Certificate. In the interim, in order to secure the site for the CRC, GMAC agreed that the lease should be signed. A three year lease with a commencement date of 22 February 2016 was signed but rental payment accruals commenced as from 1 August 2016. The financial implications on the Domestic Waste Management budget from 2015/16 to 30 June 2017 are outlined within the report. Recommending: 1. THAT the updated report on the Community Recycling Centre be received.

A Motion was moved by Councillor Marchandeau and seconded by Ms Edwards.

Resolved to recommend: 1. THAT the updated report on the Community Recycling Centre be received.2. THAT a date be organised for the Environment Reference Group to tour theCommunity Recycling Centre and the Coal Loader Platform.


14. E03: NSW Container Deposit Scheme

Report of Bo Karaula, Waste Management Co-ordinatorThe State Government recently passed the Waste Avoidance and Resource RecoveryAmendment (Container Deposit Scheme) Bill 2016. The Scheme will commence 1July 2017. It will enable the community to return empty eligible beverage containersbetween 150ml and three litres, to collection points for a 10-cent refund. Containersthat are excluded from the scheme include those generally consumed at home that areover one litre capacity such as plain milk, wine and fruit juice.The location of container drop-off points is yet to be determined. Collection pointscould be in the form of single reverse vending machines and/or a small cage managedby volunteer groups at public facilities, or part of service stations, shopping centres orwaste transfer stations.Containers placed in council run kerbside collection schemes will still garner a 10-cent refund to Councils that own the commodities. The scheme will be deliveredthrough two roles, both of which will be appointed by the Minister. These willinclude a single scheme co-ordinator and network operator/s.Recommending:1. THAT the report on the NSW Government Container Deposit Scheme be received.

The Motion was moved by Councillor Marchandeau and seconded by Ms Hanson.

Resolved to recommend: 1. THAT the report on the NSW Government Container Deposit Scheme be received.





15. E04: Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program

Report of Emmaline Callaghan, Waste Services Customer Liaison OfficerThis report outlines the results of the biannual residential e-waste recycling collectionservices conducted from Monday 12 September to Friday 16 September 2016.Recommending:1. THAT the Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Programreport be received.

The Motion was moved by Mr Worrall and seconded by Mr Berry.

Resolved to recommend: 1. THAT the Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Programreport be received.


16. E05: Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability Update

Report of Michelle Johnston, Coordinator, Coal Loader Centre for SustainabilityThis report provides the Environment Reference Group with an update on the CoalLoader Centre for Sustainability’s recent activity and visitor numbers. In just overfive years since opening, the Coal Loader has welcomed over 153,000 people to thesite through a variety of events and activities. 2016 has seen significant progress onthe fourth and final stage of the Coal Loader refurbishment, the green roof project,with completion expected within the next few months.Recommending:1. THAT the report on the activities at the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability bereceived.

The Motion was moved by Ms Edwards and seconded by Ms Hanson.

Resolved to recommend: 1. THAT the report on the activities at the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability bereceived.


17. E06: Water and Energy Management Programs update

Report of Ian Garradd, Sustainability Project OfficerThis report provides a 6 monthly update on the 2016-17 implementation of Council’sGreenhouse Action and Water Management Plan 2015-2020. Improved monitoring,feasibility studies and detailed assessments have now been conducted and the focushas shifted towards implementation which is already demonstrating real savings,particularly at North Sydney Olympic Pool.The water and energy programs discussed in this report are funded through acombination of Council’s Environment Levy and property maintenance budget.The Guidelines have been considered in the preparation of this report and are notapplicable.Recommending:




1. THAT the report on Council’s Water and Energy Management Programs bereceived.

The Motion was moved by Ms Hanson and seconded by Ms Hassall.

Resolved to recommend: 1. THAT the report on Council’s Water and Energy Management Programs bereceived.


The Meeting concluded at 8.01pm.

____________________________ _____________________________ CHAIRPERSON ACTING GENERAL MANAGER



Environment Reference Group Report E01 - 29 May 2017

Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: Parliamentary Friends of Landcare Event – Building Bridges to Boorowa AUTHOR: Gareth Debney, Bushland Management Coordinator and Andrew Scott, Bushcare Officer ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: For the past 17 years, North Sydney Council has partnered with Boorowa Council (now part of the new Hill Tops Council) and Boorowa Community Landcare Group to facilitate an annual volunteer tree planting trip to the southwest NSW Township. The ‘Building Bridges to Boorowa’ project is widely recognised as setting the benchmark in successful urban/rural environmental partnerships involving volunteers. In 2009, the NSW Environmental Trust commissioned Council to prepare guidelines that would support other urban Councils wishing to formulate similar partnerships with rural communities. The project has achieved remarkable results over the past 17 years with over 50,000 locally native trees, shrubs and groundcovers planted by more than 500 volunteers in specially prepared wildlife corridors. This year, the partnership achieved a new milestone with North Sydney hosting the first ever reciprocal visit by Boorowa farmers and school children to the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability in Waverton. On Monday, 1 May 2017, 50 school children, farmers and Landcare members from Boorowa were joined by a number of sitting members of State Parliament (bipartisan members of the “Parliamentary Friends of Landcare”), along with recently elected Member for North Shore Ms Felicity Wilson, to celebrate the North Sydney/Boorowa partnership and to recognise the importance of Landcare across NSW. The event was opened with a number of speeches before children and other guests participated in a planting activity, tour of the Bushcare Nursery and a bushwalk through Balls Head Reserve. The event, which was conceived by Council’s Bushcare Officer Andrew Scott and coordinated by the Bushland Management Team with assistance from NSW Landcare, the Parliamentary Friends of Landcare and Boorowa Community Landcare, was a major success. ABC Radio’s “Rural Hour” program delivered a live broadcast from the Coal Loader and following the event, the State Minister for Agriculture, Regional Water and Trade, the Hon Niall Blair MP delivered a commendatory speech in Parliament celebrating the event.

Report of Gareth Debney, Bushland Management Coordinator and Andrew Scott, Bushcare Officer Re: Parliamentary Friends of Landcare Event – Building Bridges to Boorowa

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The Bushland Team hope to build on this event and discuss the possibility of future reciprocal visits to North Sydney by our partners in Boorowa. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Nil. RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the report on Council’s Parliamentary Friends of Landcare Event be noted.


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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.1 Protected, enhanced and rehabilitated native vegetation communities and

ecosystems 4.1 Community is connected

BACKGROUND Building Bridges to Boorowa is a successful urban/rural partnership program that has become an annual event for North Sydney Council since September 2000. Bushcare volunteers from North Sydney have been working alongside Landcare volunteers from Boorowa to plant local trees, shrubs and groundcovers in specially prepared areas, creating wildlife corridors and addressing environmental degradation such as erosion and salinity. Plantings have also served to increase the coverage and improve the quality of habitat for endangered species such as the Superb Parrot. Over the past 17 years, more than 500 volunteers have planted in excess of 50,000 plants throughout the Boorowa District and combined with ongoing efforts by the Boorowa Community Landcare Group, have contributed to tangible landscape-scale improvement to the district’s natural environment. On 1 May 2017, North Sydney hosted the first reciprocal visit by Boorowa school children, farmers and Landcare members at the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement is not required. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The sustainability implications are of a minor nature and did not warrant a detailed assessment. DETAIL On the 1 May 2017, North Sydney Council hosted a landmark event celebrating urban/rural environmental partnerships. Highlighting the long-term success of Council’s “Building Bridges to Boorowa” program, in which over 50,000 native trees, shrubs and grasses have been planted by more than 500 volunteers over the past 17 years, the event achieved a number of “firsts” and was highly successful by any measure. The event was conceived by Council’s Bushcare Officer Andrew Scott following a casual


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discussion with farmers and Landcare members during the 2016 Boorowa planting trip. The concept sought to coordinate a Landcare activity in North Sydney with a sitting week of State Parliament as a way of promoting urban/rural partnerships to a wider, more influential audience (namely NSW Landcare and the Parliamentary Friends of Landcare). It also provided the opportunity to realise a long-held desire to host a visit from our Boorowa partners here in North Sydney. The event was opened with an Acknowledgement of Country provided by Ms. Karen Smith of the Aboriginal Heritage Office. Parliamentary Friends of Landcare President, the Hon Katrina Hodgkinson MP (Member for Cootamundra) followed, performing MC duties. Other speakers included North Sydney Mayor Ms Jilly Gibson; Hill Top Council representative Ms Leanne Leihn; Mr Rob Delhunty from NSW Landcare and a facilitated discussion between Boorowa farmer Mr Steve Jarvis and North Sydney Bushcare volunteer Mrs Sissy Stewart. Additional sitting members of Parliament in attendance at the event included Mick Veitch, Member of the NSW Legislative Council and Deputy Chair of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare (ALP); Jeremy Buckingham, Treasurer of PFL (Greens); Penny Sharpe, PFL member (ALP); Jodie Harrison, PFL member (ALP); Greg Aplin, PFL member (Liberal Party) and Ms Felicity Wilson, Member for the North Shore. Following the formalities, approximately 30 primary and secondary school children whom had made the 4-hour journey from Boorowa to North Sydney were joined by farmers, Bushcare volunteers and parliamentarians as they toured the Bushcare Nursery; planted natives on the edge of the new Coal Loader Platform and enjoyed a bushwalk through Balls Head Reserve, which took in the iconic city views that this reserve is known for. For some of the Boorowa children, this was the first time they had seen Sydney Harbour from this perspective. The event generated considerable media attention, with ABC Radio National attending and delivering a live-to-air outdoor broadcast from the site as part of the “Rural Hour” program. Print media including the Mosman Daily were also in attendance. Of considerable note is the address that Minister for Agriculture, Regional Water and Trade, the Hon Niall Blair MP gave to State Parliament in which he congratulated the organisers of the event and celebrated the importance of Landcare and urban / rural partnerships such as the Building Bridges to Boorowa program. The address can be viewed online at http://landcarensw.org.au/partnerships/parliamentary-friends/. Encouraged by the success of this event and the positive feedback received from all involved (particularly our partners in Boorowa), the Bushland Team are investigating options to host a similar event next year with a focus on expanding local activities, enabling more time to be spent exploring the North Sydney environment and undertaking Bushcare-related activities. It is recommended that the report be noted.

http://landcarensw.org.au/partnerships/parliamentary-friends/



Attachments: 1. CPP Information

SUBJECT: Cities Power Partnership AUTHOR: Niki Carey, Senior Sustainability Programs Coordinator ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This report provides an overview of the Cities Power Partnership program with the view for Council to participate. The program is designed to support and promote energy saving and climate change mitigation initiatives in local councils across the country. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Nil. RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the Reference Group receives and notes the Cities Power Partnership report. 2. THAT the Reference Group recommends that Council signs up to the program to become a Cities Power Partner.

Report of: Niki Carey, Senior Sustainability Programs Coordinator Re: Cities Power Partnership

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint and responsible use of natural

resources 2.5 Sustainable transport is encouraged BACKGROUND North Sydney Council has been an active participant in energy conservation and climate action support and recognition programs over the years, including the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) program run by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). This program ended in 2009, leaving a gap around support, networking and profiling of local climate change initiatives. The Cities Power Partnership (CPP) is a new program designed to support and promote energy saving and climate change mitigation initiatives. The CPP is run by the Climate Council, an independent body that provides climate change information to the Australian public that is based on the best science available. At its meeting of 27 April 2017, the General Managers of the NSROC region resolved that individual Councils consider the Cities Power Partnership to determine whether they wish to sign up as formal members. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement is not required. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The following table provides a summary of the key sustainability implications: QBL Pillar Implications Environment • This project will help reduce Council's energy consumption.

• It will help Council quantify improvements in the energy efficiency. • This project will help reduce Council's mains water consumption. • This project will help reduce the community’s water and energy

consumption. Social • This project will help support Council's sustainable transport

initiatives, increasing pedestrian access, bicycle access and public transport, and encouraging more people to participate in health and well-being activities like walking and cycling.

Economic • The project will help Council better understand long term operational and maintenance costs associated with water and energy conservation technologies.

• The project will quantify energy and water savings that will directly contribute to Council's income.


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Governance • This project will play an important role in helping Council to deliver on several of its goals and objectives in the "Our Living Environment" direction of Council's Community Strategic Plan, including: 1.2.1 Maximise tree plantings to enhance canopy cover in developed areas 1.2.3 Encourage rooftop and hard surface greening 1.4.1 Promote sustainable energy, water and waste practices Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions 1.4.4 Facilitate community stewardship through environmental sustainability programs 1.4.6 Prepare for the impacts of climate change and sea level rise 2.5.1 Promote use of public transport and encourage use of alternative modes of transport

DETAIL The Cities Power Partnership (CPP) program aims to celebrate and accelerate the emissions reduction and clean energy successes of Australian towns and cities to date. Similar to the former ICLEI CCP program, the Cities Power Partnership is milestone based and provides a coordination, support and recognition function. The Cities Power Partnership is launching in July 2017 and is recruiting “Power Partners” to participate in the program. There are no costs for councils to join. As power partners Council would receive: • Access to the CPP knowledge hub, webinars and possible visits from Climate Council

experts. • Local government “buddies” to collaborate and share knowledge with. • Promotion on the CPP website and social media with a success profile on our

achievements and goals. • Promotion in local, state and national media. • Invitations to participate in the media and stakeholder launch of the CPP in July 2018. • Invitations to attend the 2018 CPP summit and awards ceremony with other councils

across the country. • Potential access to exclusive grants and incentives to support renewable energy, energy

efficiency and sustainable transport goals as they become available. Councils who join the partnership are required to: • Identify 5 items in the Power Partners Pledge that they will strive to achieve. Councils

have 6 months from the sign up date to identify which pledge items these will be.


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Note: Projects already in Council’s Community Strategic Plan can be included towards Council’s pledge. There are 32 partnership pledge actions to choose from ranging from renewable energy, efficiency, transport and advocacy. Of these actions more than 10 are already in progress or committed to by North Sydney. We will therefore have little difficulty complying with this requirement.

• Complete a six-monthly online survey that provides the Climate Council with basic

information on how Council is progressing on the 5 selected pledge items. • Nominate a point of contact within Council that the Climate Council can liaise with on

CPP matters. DISCUSSION Participation in the program would complement the work Council is already undertaking to help meet its corporate and community greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. This includes the solar expansion on the Coal Loader platform, ongoing monitoring and upgrades of Council assets and appliances, Council’s GreenPower® commitment and accelerated streetlight improvement and replacement program. Newly commenced and planned initiatives, like the North Sydney community renewable energy drive and implementation of the NSROC solar PV master plan, will also benefit from access to targeted Climate Council research and from better connection with councils across the country who are working on similar projects.

CLIM ATECOUNCIL.ORG.AU

CITIES POWER PARTNERSHIP Information for councils

CLIM ATECOUNCIL.ORG.AU

The Cities Power Partnership Climate Council of Australia | A National Program for 2017

Information Packet for Councils

Executive Summary

Australia is on the frontline of climate change and its impacts. We continue to swelter through record breaking heat, lengthening bushfire seasons, worsening coastal flooding and supercharged storms. Meanwhile, the national energy debate is reaching fever pitch, with renewable energy lambasted by our nation’s political and industry leaders as unreliable and unaffordable, whilst “clean coal” technology and gas expansion is being promoted as Australia’s future energy solution. As climate impacts worsen and government action stagnates, the window of opportunity to limit the warming of the planet is rapidly closing.

Throughout all of these challenges, local heros have quietly been getting on with the job. Cities and towns across Australia are surging ahead with emissions reduction plans, switching to cleaner energy and building greener, efficient and more resilient communities. The Cities Power Partnership (CPP) will elevate and accelerate this action across the country. We know that transforming the way cities use and generate energy alone has the potential to deliver 70% of the total emissions reductions needed to stay on track for the 2 degrees limit set under the Paris Agreement.

The CPP will engage with towns and cities, via local councils, throughout Australia and incentivise councils to increase renewable energy and energy efficiency, improve transport and engage in advocacy. Members of the partnership will also be given access to a national knowledge hub, buddied with cities to knowledge share, visited by domestic and international experts, connected with community energy groups and celebrated at events with other local leaders. We’ll also showcase the incredible achievements of cities in national, local and social media to millions and and share their success with our community of over 200,000 members and supporters.

The Climate Council

The Climate Council is Australia’s leading climate communications organisation. To date the Climate Council has produced 60 reports on climate impacts and solutions and was the number one organisation communicating on climate change nationally in 2016.

The Climate Council brings a unique set of skills that enable us to build and deliver the Cities Power Partnership program and ensure that it is unique from existing programs for local councils. The Climate Council has significant media reach, generating nearly $66million worth of media, reaching a cumulative audience of 313 million. This media reach will be key as an incentive for cities to join the program as well as working to strengthen public support across the country for climate action at the local level.

In addition, the Council hosts a wealth of leading experts in climate impacts and renewable energy solutions whose technical knowledge will be key to helping local councils to implement emissions reduction measures. The Climate Council will also use its national status and the credibility of its Climate Councillors to connect councils across the country with community energy groups and local organisations who can help councils to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy measures quickly and effectively, as well as getting sponsors on board who can provide incentives for councils to act.

The Challenge

Global heat records have been broken again, with 2016 declared the hottest for a third consecutive year. Australians continues to swelter through record breaking heat, lengthening bushfire seasons, worsening coastal flooding and supercharged storms. The emission of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas, are driving these dramatic changes of the climate system and need to be drastically reduced. However, the window of opportunity to limit the warming of the planet and its catastrophic impacts is rapidly closing and governments are struggling to meet this challenge at the pace required.

Local Champions

In the face of these challenges local champions have emerged. Around the world and across Australia, towns and cities of all shapes and sizes are getting on with the job. They are surging ahead with emissions reduction plans, switching to cleaner energy and building greener, efficient and more resilient communities. From booming urban centres to small rural townships, local governments and groups of determined residents have been energy and climate trailblazers in many ways. Towns and cities can shape how land is used, investments are made and millions of

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dollars worth of renewable energy is rolled out. They can influence how new homes and business are built, determine the ways in which hundreds of thousands of residents will travel each day and band together to lobby for much needed state and federal policy change. Transforming the way cities use and generate energy alone has the potential to deliver 70% of the total emissions reductions needed to stay on track for the 2 degrees limit set under the Paris Agreement (IEA 2016).

A Snapshot of the Cities Power Partnership

The Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership (CPP) seeks to celebrate and accelerate the emission reduction and clean energy successes of Australian towns and cities to date. We are calling on Mayors, councilors and communities to take the next step towards a sustainable, non-polluting energy future by joining the CPP. The CPP with launch mid 2017, along with a Climate Council cities report authored by some of Australia’s leading experts, a brand new CPP website and a media campaign featuring trailblazing councils who have joined the partnership. The first year of the program will run from mid 2017-mid 2018.

Participating councils who join the partnership will have 6 months to select 5 key actions from the partnership pledge ranging from renewable energy, efficiency, transport and advocacy (see Appendix A for full pledge and Appendix B for examples of what councils are already doing). Councils will receive access to a national knowledge hub to assist with the implementation of emissions reductions projects and will be buddied with other participating councils to knowledge share. Participants in the partnership will also have exclusive access to domestic and international experts, community energy groups, events with other local leaders and potentially exclusive access to small grants and renewable energy incentives. The clean energy successes of councils and their communities will be showcased in print and online media across Australia. These positive stories will also be shared through our social media platforms to millions of people and celebrated by our community of over 200,000 members and supporters.

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The Three Phases of the Cities Power Partnership

Become a Power Partner

•Act: Councils sign up to be a Power Partner.•Knowledge: Partners get exclusive access to the extensive online knowledge hub•Connect: Each partner is buddied with two other cities to knowledge share throughout the year•Profile: Power partners are profiled in national and local media, online and toOur 200,000 members and supporters.

Power Up

•Act: Partners have 6 months to select 5 key actions from the partnership pledge ranging fromrenewable energy, efficiency, transport and advocacy. They must identify a point of contact withincouncil who will liaise with the Climate Council and work to implement their actions. Pledges aresubmitted by each partner and profiled online•Knowledge: Partners will have ongoing access to the knowledge hub, webinars with domestic andinternational experts as well as communications and advocacy training where required.•Connect: Power Partners can be connected with their local community energy group and relevantlocal organisations who can be contracted to help council begin or improve implementation ofemission reduction actions. Councils who are already leading will play an important knowledgesharing role with other partners and will be profiled in the media to inspire others.•Incentives: Cities who join the partnership early will have access to exclusive grants andrenewable energy incentives•Profile: Power partners and their local success stories will continue to be profiled in the media.Climate Councillors will travel to a range of communities across Australia to engage in communityevents and talk to councils.

Power On

• Act: Partners report on progress against key actions in a 6 monthly survey.•Knowledge: Partners access local and international knowledge and inspiration at the 2018 PowerPartners Summit.•Connect: Partners will be brought together to celebrate the high achieving towns and cities at thePower Partners Summit.•Profile: Success stories will continually be celebrated in the media, Climate Councillors continueto travel to a range of Australian communities, more towns and cities become Power Partners andlead the switch to non-polluting energy across the country.

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What Does Success Look Like?

From mid 2017 to mid 2018, 50 councils will pledge to become Power Partners. Each council who becomes a power partner will identify and develop an implementation strategy around 5 key actions from the Power Partner Pledge, ranging from renewable energy to transport, which they’ll report on every 6 months via the Climate Council’s online survey.

From mid 2017 to 2018 national public opinion will continually increase in support of the statement “I consider my council to a leader on emissions reduction”.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Cities Power Partnership launching?

It’s launching in July 2017. The launch will include the launch of the CPP website, a media and stakeholder launch which showcases towns and cities who have already pledged and a national media campaign.

Can the broader community nominate their town or city to be part of the Cities Power

Partnership?

Yes. When the Cities Power Partnership website launches nominations can easily be made through the website. In the meantime if the general public want to recommend a town or city for the Cities Power Partnership they are invited to email the Climate Council telling us the name of the city and why they think it’s a good fit.

How do community energy organisations get involved?

We are actively reaching out to community energy organisations across the country to get involved. The Cites Power Partnership wants to profile and connect community energy groups with councils involved in the partnership. This connection is vital to help councils achieve success as community energy groups and the community more broadly can provide on-the ground support, including workshops and modelling, to help councils achieve their energy and sustainability commitments.

What if a town or city is already leading in renewable energy and sustainability, what

does their city get out of joining the partnership ?

Cities leading the way play an essential role in the partnership. They will share their knowledge with other cities, their successes will be celebrated to an audience of millions to inspire others and they will have access to resources and incentives to help them to continue to lead.

Many trailblazing cities who are already leading will have some of their existing initiatives counted towards their power partnership pledge.

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Appendix

Appendix A: The Partnership Action Pledge

Participating councils who join the partnership will have 6 months to select 5 key actions from the options below.

Renewable Energy

1. Use strategic and statutory planning processes to promote renewable energy - both atthe residential, commercial and larger scale.

2. Provide council resources to educate and support the uptake of renewable energy,such as by hiring an internal renewable energy support officer or establishing anindependent body (such as the Moreland and Yarra Energy Foundations).

3. Install renewable energy (solar PV and battery storage) on council buildings forexample childcare facilities, libraries, street lighting, recreation centres, sporting grounds,and council offices.

4. Support community facilities accessing renewable energy through incentives, supportor grants.

5. Power council operations by renewables, directly (with solar PV or wind), or bypurchasing Greenpower (from electricity retailers). Set targets to increase the level ofrenewable power for council operations over time.

6. Encourage local businesses and residents to take up solar PV, battery storage and solarhot water heating. This can be done through providing incentives (such as solar bulk buyschemes or flexible payment options) or streamlining approvals processes (such asremoving planning and heritage barriers to solar PV)

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7. Support community energy projects (with location and planning support) so thatresidents (such as renters) can band together and invest in community renewable energyprojects.

8. Opening up unused council managed land for renewable energy, for example land fills,and road reserves.

9. Facilitate large energy users collectively tendering and purchasing renewable energyat a low cost.

10. Set minimum renewable energy benchmarks for new developments, for exampleDenman Prospect, ACT requires every new house to install a minimum solar PV system.

11. Electrify public transport systems (for example buses operated by council) and fleetvehicles and power these by 100% renewable energy.

12. Lobby electricity providers and state government to address barriers to renewableenergy take up at the local level (whether these be planning, technical, economic or policyrelated).

Energy Efficiency

1. Set minimum energy efficiency benchmarks for all planning applications.

2. Adopt best practice energy efficiency measures across all council buildings, andsupport community facilities to adopt these measures.

3. Public lighting can use a large proportion of a city’s energy budget - roll out energyefficient lighting (particularly street lighting) across the municipality.

4. Provide incentives (for example rate reductions) for best practice developments suchas streamlined planning processes, and support for retrofitting energy efficiency measuresfor existing buildings.

5. Incentivise the deployment of energy efficient heating and cooling technologies.

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Transport

1. Ensure Council fleet purchases meet strict greenhouse gas emissions requirements andsupport the uptake of electric vehicles.

2. Provide fast-charging infrastructure throughout the city at key locations for electricvehicles.

3. Encourage sustainable transport use (public transport, walking and cycling) throughCouncil transport planning and design. Substantial savings in transport energy use can beachieved by designing more compact cities with access to high quality public and activetransport services and facilities.

4. Ensure that new developments are designed to maximize public and active transportuse, and are designed to support electric vehicle uptake.

5. Providing for adequate cycle lanes (both space and connectivity) in road design andsupporting cyclists through providing parking, and end-of-ride facilities (covered, securebike storage, showers, bicycle maintenance and incentives).

6. Reduce or remove minimum car parking requirements for new housing andcommercial developments where suitable public transport alternatives exist.

7. Lobby state and federal governments for improvements to planning legislation topromote sustainable transport options, and increased investment in and provision ofpublic transport services.

8. Consider disincentives for driving high emitting vehicles such as congestion pricing, ora tiered payment system for residential car parking permits where high emitting vehiclespay more.

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Work Together and Influence

1. Set city-level renewable energy or emissions reduction targets and sustainable energypolicies to provide a common goal and shared expectations for local residents andbusinesses.

2. Lobby state and federal government to address barriers to the take up of renewableenergy, energy efficiency and/or sustainable transport, and to support increased ambition.For example working to lobby on the Smart Energy Communities policy.

3. Set up meetings and attend events, such as the Community Energy Congress or Readyfor 100 Summit, where like-minded cities can address common concerns and learn fromothers’ experience.

4. Implement an education and behavior change program to influence the behavior ofcouncil officers, local residents and businesses within the municipality to drive the shift torenewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable transport.

5. For communities reliant on a local coal industry, local government can support thetransition away from fossil fuels, by lobbying for state and federal support for a justtransition for workers, families and the community and encouraging local economicdevelopment and opportunities based on a low carbon economy.

6. Ensure that the practices of local government contractors and financing such asbanking, insurance, and super are aligned with council goals relating to renewable energy,energy efficiency and sustainable transport. Set appropriate criteria for councilprocurement.

7. Promote knowledge sharing and strengthen the local community’s capacity and skillsin renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable transport.

Sources: IEA 2016; IRENA 2016

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Appendix B: Pledge Examples

Examples: renewable energy actions

Action Examples Link

Promote renewable energy - both at the residential, commercial and larger scale

Use land use planning measures to encourage uptake, such as streamlining approvals processes and removing barriers

Moreland City Council, Victoria has a planning guide to protecting existing solar panels from overshadowing

http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/globalassets/areas/strategic-planning/solar-panels---advisory-note-as-endorsed-by-council-13-july-2016.pdf

Set minimum renewable energy benchmarks for new developments

Denman Prospect in the ACT requires every new house to install a minimum sized solar system.

City of Nedlands, WA requires a minimum of 1.5kW onsite solar or wind for all new homes and renovations.

http://www.actewagl.com.au/About-us/Media-centre-and-reports/2015/10/09/Denman-Prospect.aspx

http://reneweconomy.com.au/new-build-houses-must-install-solar-wind-in-wa-suburb-27550/

Hire an internal renewable energy support officer or establish an independent body tasked with promoting renewable energy.

Examples include:

Moreland Energy Foundation, Victoria

Yarra Energy Foundation, Victoria

http://www.mefl.com.au/

http://www.yef.org.au/

Encourage local businesses, community facilities and residents to

Adelaide City Council in SA has a Sustainability

http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/your-council/funding/sustain

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http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/your-council/funding/sustainable-city-incentives-scheme/





take up renewable energy by providing incentives (such as grants, solar bulk buy schemes or flexible payment options)

Incentives Scheme for local residents.

able-city-incentives-scheme/


Power council operations by

renewable energy

Set targets to increase the level of renewable power for council operations and the broader community over time.

Australian Capital Territory set a goal for 100% renewable energy by 2020 delivered by a series of reverse auctions for renewable energy.

https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/act-report

Power operations directly by renewable energy (with solar PV or wind).

Sunshine Coast Council in QLD developed the Valdora solar farm to power council operations.

Cockburn in WA is using geothermal heating for its sporting complex.

https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/Planning-and-Projects/Major-Regional-Projects/Sunshine-Coast-Solar-Farm

http://www.cockburn.wa.gov.au/Council_Services/Environment/Renewable_Energy/

Install renewable energy (solar PV and battery storage) on council buildings for example childcare facilities, libraries, street lighting, recreation centres, sporting grounds, and council offices.

Bathurst in NSW installed solar systems across nine council buildings.

Leichardt Council in NSW installed solar systems on 17 council buildings.

Solar and battery storage installed on government buildings in Adelaide.

https://www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/environment/energy-sustainability/solar-power-on-council-buildings.html

http://www.leichhardt.nsw.gov.au/Environment---Sustainability/Projects-and-Programs/Council-Solar-Panels

http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/index.php/tom-koutsantonis-news-releases/896-zen-en

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http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/index.php/tom-koutsantonis-news-releases/896-zen-energy-to-install-1m-battery-storage-on-government-owned-buildings



























ergy-to-install-1m-battery-storage-on-government-owned-buildings

Opening up unused council managed land for renewable energy.

Cambelltown in SA supporting a community owned solar project utilising the rooftops of local government buildings

http://www.campbelltown.sa.gov.au/cos


Collective tendering Facilitate large energy users collectively tendering and purchasing renewable energy at a low cost.

The Melbourne Renewable Energy Project involves bringing together a number of large energy users to collectively tender for renewable energy.

http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/business/sustainable-business/Pages/melbourne-renewable-energy-project.aspx

Powering electric vehicles with renewable energy

Electrify transport systems such as council buses and fleet vehicles and power these by 100% renewable energy.

Adelaide, SA solar-powered “Tindo” bus.

Moreland City Council in Victoria is integrating electric cars into council’s fleet

http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/assets/acc/Environment/energy/docs/tindo_fact_sheet.pdf

http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/parking-roads/transport/electric-vehicles/

Lobby to address barriers

Lobby electricity providers and state government to address barriers to renewable energy take up at the local level (whether these be planning, technical, economic or policy related).

Victorian councils called for planning protection to prevent solar panels from overshadowing.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/calls-for-statewide-protection-of-solar-panels-from-overshadowing-from-multi-storey-development/news-story/4f28125a5d0db4dc22c7200aed4e8736

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Examples: energy efficiency actions


Promote energy efficiency - both at the residential, commercial and larger scale

Hire an internal energy efficiency support officer or establish an independent body.

Examples include:

Moreland Energy Foundation, Victoria

Yarra Energy Foundation, Victoria



Encourage local businesses, community facilities and residents to take up energy efficiency measures by providing incentives (such as grants, solar bulk buy schemes or flexible payment options).

Adelaide City Council in SA has a Sustainability Incentives Scheme for local residents.


Energy efficiency in council operations

Adopt best practice energy efficiency in council buildings.

City of Gosnell’s community facility incorporated environmentally sustainable design.

City of Wollongong updated an ageing building to achieve a 5 Star Green Star rating.

http://new.gbca.org.au/showcase/projects/mills-park-community-facility/

http://new.gbca.org.au/showcase/projects/wollongong-city-council-administration-building/

Public lighting can use a large proportion of a city’s energy budget - roll out energy efficient lighting (particularly street lighting) across the municipality.

Victor Harbour, SA Hybrid (wind and solar) street lighting with battery storage, and potential to power gophers, solar bollards

https://www.victor.sa.gov.au/solar

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Examples: sustainable transport actions


Promote sustainable transport options in the community

Provide fast-charging infrastructure (powered by 100% renewable energy) throughout the city at key locations for electric vehicles.

City of Moreland has installed a network of public electric car charging stations


Promote sustainable transport options within council

Ensure Council fleet purchases meet strict greenhouse gas emissions requirements and support the uptake of electric vehicles (powered by renewable energy).

Manningham’s Climate 2020 action plan targets 100% of fleet cars to be green electric vehicles by 2020.

http://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/climate-and-energy

Provide fast-charging infrastructure throughout the city at key locations for electric vehicles.

Cockburn, WA 100% solar powered electric vehicle charging stations

www.cockburn.wa.gov.au/council_services/ environment/renewable_energy/

Provide for adequate cycle lanes (both space and connectivity) in road design and supporting cyclists through providing parking, and end-of-ride facilities (covered, secure bike storage, showers, bicycle maintenance and incentives).

Melbourne City Council has a detailed bicycle plan outlining a number of actions to increase cycling’s mode share.

http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/city-of-melbourne-bicycle-plan-2016-2020.pdf

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http://www.cockburn.wa.gov.au/council_services/




http://www.cockburn.wa.gov.au/council_services/

References

Alinta Energy (2014) Port Augusta Solar Thermal Generation Feasibility Study Stage 1 - Pre-feasibility Study Options Study Report. Accessed at https://alintaenergy.com.au/Alinta/media/Documents/2263503A-POW-RPT-001-RevD-Options-Study-Report.pdf

Bathurst Regional Council (2016) Solar Power on Council Buildings. Accessed at https://www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/environment/energy-sustainability/solar-power-on-council-buildings.html

City of Adelaide (2014) Tindo - The World’s First Solar Electric Bus. Accessed at http://www.cityofadelaide.com.au/assets/acc/Environment/energy/docs/tindo_fact_sheet.pdf

City of Adelaide (2017) Sustainability Incentives Scheme. Accessed at http://www.cityofadelaide.com.au/your-council/funding/sustainable-city-incentives-scheme/

City of Greater Geelong (2016) Sustainable Council Buildings. Accessed at http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/environment/article/item/8ce78d636c74b86.aspx

City of Moonee Valley (2017) Solar Bulk Buy. Accessed at http://www.mvcc.vic.gov.au/for-residents/environment-programs/my-home/solar-bulk-buy.aspx

Cockburn (2017) Renewable Energy in Cockburn. Accessed at http://www.cockburn.wa.gov.au/Council_Services/Environment/Renewable_Energy/

Energy Matters (2014) Solar Saver Program. Accessed at http://www.energymatters.com.au/images/news/2014/solarsaver-bulkbuy.pdf

Farming the Sun (2017) Solar Farm Business Model. Accessed at http://farmingthesun.net/lismore/business-model/

IEA (2016) Energy Technology Perspectives 2016. Towards Sustainable Urban Energy Systems. Accessed at https://www.iea.org/publications/freepublications/publication/EnergyTechnologyPerspectives2016_ExecutiveSummary_EnglishVersion.pdf

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https://alintaenergy.com.au/Alinta/media/Documents/2263503A-POW-RPT-001-RevD-Options-Study-Report.pdf


http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/environment/article/item/8ce78d636c74b86.aspx

http://www.energymatters.com.au/images/news/2014/solarsaver-bulkbuy.pdf


http://www.cityofadelaide.com.au/assets/acc/Environment/energy/docs/tindo_fact_sheet.pdf

http://www.mvcc.vic.gov.au/for-residents/environment-programs/my-home/solar-bulk-buy.aspx

https://www.iea.org/publications/freepublications/publication/EnergyTechnologyPerspectives2016_ExecutiveSummary_EnglishVersion.pdf

https://alintaenergy.com.au/Alinta/media/Documents/2263503A-POW-RPT-001-RevD-Options-Study-Report.pdf

http://farmingthesun.net/lismore/business-model/

https://www.iea.org/publications/freepublications/publication/EnergyTechnologyPerspectives2016_ExecutiveSummary_EnglishVersion.pdf


http://www.cityofadelaide.com.au/your-council/funding/sustainable-city-incentives-scheme/

Inner West Council - Leichhart (2016) Council Solar Panels. Accessed at http://www.leichhardt.nsw.gov.au/Environment---Sustainability/Projects-and-Programs/Council-Solar-Panels

IPWEA (2016) Case study: North Sydney Council electric bike fleet. Accessed at http://www.ipwea.org/victoria/communities/communityblogs/blogviewer?BlogKey=ad5a330e-17df-4eec-a55b-a4a7b25c98ac

IRENA (2016) Renewable Energy in Cities. Accessed at http://www.irena.org/DocumentDownloads/Publications/IRENA_Renewable_Energy_in_Cities_2016.pdf'

Jay Weatherill (2016) ZEN Energy to install $1m battery storage on Government-owned buildings. Accessed at http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/index.php/tom-koutsantonis-news-releases/896-zen-energy-to-install-1m-battery-storage-on-government-owned-buildings

KMH Environmental (2014) Project: Bathurst Regional Council Energy Audits. Accessed at http://www.kmh.com.au/projects/bathurst-energy-audits/

Moreland City Council (2017) Electric vehicles. Accessed at http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/parking-roads/transport/electric-vehicles/

Wangaratta Chronicle (2016) $40M farm a goer. Accessed at http://wangarattachronicle.com.au/2016/11/23/40m-farm-a-goer/

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http://www.kmh.com.au/projects/bathurst-energy-audits/

http://www.irena.org/DocumentDownloads/Publications/IRENA_Renewable_Energy_in_Cities_2016.pdf


http://www.ipwea.org/victoria/communities/communityblogs/blogviewer?BlogKey=ad5a330e-17df-4eec-a55b-a4a7b25c98ac




http://www.ipwea.org/victoria/communities/communityblogs/blogviewer?BlogKey=ad5a330e-17df-4eec-a55b-a4a7b25c98ac

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http://wangarattachronicle.com.au/2016/11/23/40m-farm-a-goer/



Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: North Sydney Community Renewable Energy Feasibility Study AUTHOR: Ian Garradd, Sustainability Project Officer ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The purpose of this report is to outline our current actions relating to the adoption of renewable energy in the North Sydney community sector. A consultancy has been engaged to assess the opportunities available for both the residential and business communities. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The project is being funded through Council’s Environment Levy through a budget allocation in the 2016/17 financial year for this initial feasibility study. Implementation allocations have also been made in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 financial years. RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the Reference Group receives and notes the report on the North Sydney Community Renewable Energy Feasibility Study. 2. THAT the Reference Group distributes the link to the Community Renewable Energy survey to their relevant networks. 3. THAT members of the Reference Group complete the Community Renewable Energy survey.

Report of Ian Garradd, Sustainability Project Officer Re: North Sydney Community Renewable Energy Feasibility Study

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint an responsible use of natural resources 5.4 Community is informed and aware

BACKGROUND Council's Greenhouse Action and Water Management Plan (GHAWMP) 2015-2020 was adopted by Council on 22 June 2015. As well as actions related to reducing Council’s own greenhouse gas emissions, the plan included actions and strategies to help Council meet its community and Council greenhouse gas reduction targets. The emissions reduction target for the community sector is 56,000 tons of CO2-e per year by 2020. The Environment Reference Group received a report on 30 May 2016 providing an update on the implementation of the GHAWMP. One of the actions in the plan was to increase the uptake of renewable energy within the North Sydney residential and business communities. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement will be undertaken in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Protocol. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The following table provides a summary of the key sustainability implications: QBL Pillar Implications Environment • The project will contribute to the substitution of non-renewable energy Social • The project will provide information and initiatives to assist the

community to reduce its reliance on non-renewable energy Economic • Council's long term operational costs are likely to reduce Governance • The project will implement Council's Green Purchasing Policy (D5-40)

• The project has provided many stakeholders with the opportunity to participate in Council's decision-making processes

• This project will play an important role in helping Council to deliver on several of its goals and objectives in the "Our Living Environment" direction of Council's Community Strategic Plan, including: 1.4.1 Promote sustainable energy, water and waste practices 1.4.4 Facilitate community stewardship through environmental sustainability programs

Report of Ian Garradd, Sustainability Project Officer Re: North Sydney Community Renewable Energy Feasibility Study

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DETAIL The Sydney based consultancy 100% Renewables has been selected to conduct a feasibility study and inform an implementation plan for the next 2 years to help achieve adoption of renewable energy within the North Sydney community. 100% Renewables have, among other experience, an extensive track record of working with local government, and community engagement in the field of emissions reductions and renewable energy implementation. The aim of the study is to both clarify the feasibility of the full range of opportunities available for each of the community subsets, and engage the community in the journey towards a future with lower greenhouse gas emissions. Initial actions include gaining an understanding of the energy consumption and emissions of each of the community sectors of the local built environment – to assist with the developing strategic targeting with solutions. Another action includes the development and release of an online survey to both inform and engage residents and business people in the process, to both gain an understanding of what actions have already been taken, along with understanding the potential renewable energy opportunities in each building and occupancy type and what assistance Council can provide in making the shift to renewable energy. The survey is available at https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/HaveYourSay until mid-July 2017. This project is due for completion in August 2017. The Reference Group will receive a presentation from ‘100% Renewables’ at its 29 May 2017 meeting.

https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/HaveYourSay



Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: greeNSchools Grant Program 2016 AUTHOR: Jordan Moy, Sustainability Education Officer ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The greeNSchools Grant Program is a North Sydney Council initiative funded through Council’s Environment Levy which supports local primary and secondary schools and early learning centres to develop, implement and celebrate environmental programs and activities. As part of the program, schools in the North Sydney LGA are eligible to be awarded grants of up to $3,000 for a wide range of projects including both educational activities and on-ground works. A maximum of $12,000 per financial year has been allocated for this grant project. Grants were awarded in July last year and completed in December 2016. This report provides an overview of the initiatives funded through the greeNSchools program in 2016. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: This project is funded through Council’s Environment Levy and is allocated for in the 2016/17 Budget. RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the report on the greeNSchools Grant Program be received and noted.

Report of Jordan Moy, Sustainability Education Officer Re: greeNSchools Grant Program 2016

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the North Sydney Council Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint and responsible use of natural

resources 1.1 Protected, enhanced and rehabilitated native vegetation communities and

ecosystems BACKGROUND This financial year, Cammeraygal High School, North Sydney Demonstration School, KU Grandstand Pre-School, Little Sprouts Cremorne, St Aloysius Junior Campus and Walker Street Early Learning Centre were awarded greeNSchool grants to deliver various sustainability initiatives at their schools. The successful schools submitted grant applications which were diverse and addressed a wide range of environmental issues and activities. The six successful schools created initiatives which obtained greeNSchools grant funding based on the following criteria: 1. There is a proven need and tangible benefits for funding allocation in relation to one or

more of the greeNSchool program objectives. 2. Project activities will ensure student learning through the curriculum. 3. The project implements the school environmental education / management plan. 4. The project makes a contribution to a sustainable school community in the North Sydney

Local Government Area. 5. It has been demonstrated that the project is able to be implemented and reporting

completed in the available timeframe. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement was undertaken in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Protocol. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The following table provides a summary of the key sustainability implications: QBL Pillar Implications Environment • The grant projects discussed will contribute to enhanced

environmental quality by building local capacity to undertake actions that reduce their impact on the environment

Social • The grant projects discussed will facilitate stronger communities, build capacity to network with others and provide social opportunities for a diverse range of community members


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Economic • The projects discussed enable local communities to reduce their reliance on fossil fuel related products and activities

Governance • The projects discussed highlight Councils commitment to sustainability and positions Council as a leader in addressing environmental issues

DETAIL Below is a brief overview of the six successful projects which were all completed by December 2016. Cammeraygal High School (CHS) – Kitchen Garden CHS created a kitchen garden as a reflection of the school’s commitment to an environmentally sustainable campus and a belief in innovation and inclusiveness. The kitchen garden was included on the wish list created by students during the school’s inaugural year in 2015 and in 2016 the students reconfirmed their commitment to making the garden a reality. Students worked alongside teachers, parents/caregivers and skilled community members to develop and maintain a fruit and vegetable garden. A ‘real world’ experience of food production has allowed the students to develop new skills while nurturing the growing school culture and actively promoting sustainability. Project Outcomes • Incorporated food waste concepts to support the kitchen garden by introducing a compost

and worm farm waste disposal system. • Provided opportunities for students from the Gardening Club to teach others how to grow

and harvest their own herbs and vegetables. • Integrated cross-curriculum approach with Food Science, Science, Mathematics and

Geography to develop and implement a food garden that enabled students to employ critical thinking to resolve issues of sun/shade/wind, seasonal variables and crop suitability.

CHS students at work in their kitchen garden with some of the harvest they grew.


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North Sydney Demonstration School (NSDS) – K-2 Vegie Garden NSDS recently changed their playground space to accommodate increased K-2 enrolments. The change in playground space did not include a vegetable garden and NSDS successfully applied for a Council grant for several planter boxes and garden beds in the K-2 area. This grant led to the establishment of a weekly Gardening Club where the K-2 students tended to and grew their own herbs and vegetables. In 2017, the K-2 garden will be used for more conceptual learning and kindergarten classes will also use the garden as part of a unit of work on Sustainability and Living Things. Project Outcomes • Created additional opportunities for hands-on learning using the garden beds as a resource

for all plant based classroom activities. • Incorporated food waste concepts to support the veggie garden by re-introducing a

compost and worm farm food waste system. • Provide opportunities for students from the gardening club to teach others how to grow

and harvest their own herbs and vegetables. • Developed opportunities for K-2 students to learn about the environment in a fun and

social way. KU Grandstand Preschool – Learning to Appreciate the Value of Water with a Hand-Operated Water Pump Previously an outdoor water pipe, with a tap located several meters away and difficult to access, was located in the playground at Grandstand Preschool. This meant that any water based activity resulted in a large amount of potable water being used and often wasted. The installation of a hand held water pump allowed the students to become more involved in learning about water and where water comes from. The pump created opportunities for the students to monitor, measure and value water and assisted the teachers to develop environmental lessons and discussion around water conservation. Project Outcomes • Able to visibly manage water use in the playground in a more sustainable way. • Engaged the students in practical and hands-on learning opportunities about water

conservation. • Expanded classroom activities that led to increased focused around water conservation

and the value of water. Little Sprouts Cremorne Little Sprouts identified a need for an expanded natural outdoor environment where children can engage and care for plants and natural resources. The playground area was transformed into a natural oasis, full of greenery, natural elements, and sustainable infrastructure such as water tanks, composting and herb and vegetable gardens. A short one-minute video on Little Sprout’s grant project can be viewed at: https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/Waste_Environment/Sustainability/At_School/greeNSc

https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/Waste_Environment/Sustainability/At_School/greeNSchool_Grant_Program


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hool_Grant_Program . Project Outcomes • Developed opportunities for children under six years of age to learn about the

environment in a fun and social way. • Develop stronger community connections by including the parents in the design and

implementation of the community garden. • Introduced food waste concepts in class and provide practical opportunities such as worm

farming and composting to facilitate greater understanding of these issues. • Provided opportunities for students to learn more about growing their own food and

creating a healthy environment.

Little Sprouts ensured there was lots of information and education for the students and families to learn more about their grant project. Walker Street Early Learning Centre Walker Street’s internal waste audit revealed that the center was disposing of an average of 15kg of organic food waste per week into the general waste bin. The Centre successfully applied for a grant to purchase a Closed Loop’s organic recycling unit. The on-site composting unit would process all the food waste generated by the Centre so that it does not enter landfill. The compost produced would enrich otherwise poor soil in their garden beds and pots and also be distributed to families for their gardens at home. Walker Street also installed a rainwater tank which facilitated a greater appreciation of rainwater and enabled students to use harvested water for their veggies, herbs and other plants. Project Outcomes • All food waste diverted from landfill since the introduction of the on-site composting unit

with the exception of avocado seeds and large bones. • Rainwater is now being used for all outdoor activities – especially water play and

https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/Waste_Environment/Sustainability/At_School/greeNSchool_Grant_Program


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watering outdoor gardens. • Additional opportunities for students to become more involved in growing their own food

and creating a healthy environment. St Aloysius Junior Campus – Urban Habitat Garden School grounds have considerabe potential to prevent further biodiversity loss by providing local wildlife habitat. St Aloyisis created an integrated urban habitat garden that reflected and facilitated the natural life cycle of nature. The habitat garden that the school developed included a native garden, frog pond, native stingless beehive, compost bins, bird baths and tadpole tanks. Project Outcomes

• Installation of a native stingless beehive stocked with bees has helped the students become more aware and interested in the role of bees as pollinators.

• Three bird baths were installed and the increased presence of wildlife reminds students of the necessity of water as a habitat element for native animals.

• A Year 5 teacher collected fruit and vegetable scraps from her class during the ‘fruit break’ time each day for a week. This was weighed and a total of 2.75kg of food scraps was collected. Extrapolating this figure across the 12 classes in the Junior School and over the 40 school weeks of a year; this equates to an estimated 1,320kg of food waste avoided from landfill each year from the use of the compost bins and worm farms once they become fully operational.

• Since the frog pond was dug by three students, several frogs have been heard in the garden bed. The tadpole tanks, as well as calcium and water purifier for the water in the tanks have been purchased and will be used in the science classes for 2017 once the tadpoles arrive in the pond.

Pictures from left to right – native stingless beehive in action, frog pond with two resident frogs and students setting up their three bin compost system to collect all the school’s snack time food waste.



Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) - Update AUTHOR: Bohdan Stechiwskyj, Waste Management Officer ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (NSROC) was successful in obtaining funding from the NSW EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More Initiative to establish a Community Recycling Centre (CRC). Following the consideration of a report on community recycling centres and subsequent discussions, including those with councillors, staff and GMAC, it was agreed to establish a Community Recycling Centre to service the Northern Sydney region. The CRC was to be located in the Artarmon industrial precinct and, under the terms of a signed Deed of Agreement between participating councils, North Sydney Council would assume responsibility for the day to day management and operation of the facility for and on behalf of the participating NSROC Member Councils. A Heads of Agreement was signed for 8 Waltham Street, Artarmon and, subsequently, a three-year lease was signed with a commencement date of 22 February 2016. North Sydney Council submitted a Development Application for Change of Use which was approved by Willoughby Council in April 2016. Willoughby Council also issued a Construction Certificate on 18 October 2016, after fire safety upgrade works were completed, and an Occupation Certificate on 21 December 2016. The EPA reviewed the site in January 2017 and gave approval for the facility to be informally opened on 27 January 2017. The CRC was officially opened by Anthony Roberts, Minister for Planning, on 12 April 2017. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The financial implications on the Domestic Waste Management budget to 30 June 2017 are outlined within the report. RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the update report on the Community Recycling Centre be received.

Report of Bohdan Stechiwskyj, Waste Management Officer Re: Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) - Update

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint an responsible use of natural resources 4.8 Enhanced community facilities, information and services

BACKGROUND Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils was successful in obtaining funding from the NSW EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More Initiative to establish a Community Recycling Centre. Five NSROC member councils (Willoughby, Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove, North Sydney and City of Ryde) signed a Deed of Agreement to establish and operate the CRC at a site to be determined in Artarmon; a lease was subsequently signed to lease 8 Waltham Street Artarmon for the purposes of the CRC. On 27 January 2017, the CRC received NSW EPA approval to commence operations and, on 12 April 2017, the CRC was officially opened by Anthony Roberts, Minister for Planning and the local member for Lane Cove. The primary objective of the CRC is to facilitate the safe disposal of household wastes that would be hazardous to the environment and to public health. Wastes targeted by the CRC include leftover or unwanted paints, domestic gas cylinders, fire extinguishers, motor and cooking oils, lead acid car batteries, household batteries, electronic waste (e-waste), fluorescent tubes and globes, and smoke detectors. The CRC program also aims to increase community awareness of good recycling and disposal practices for household problem wastes and to provide a sustainable solution for managing them. Under the terms of the signed Deed of Agreement, North Sydney Council is responsible for the day to day operation and management of the facility. In order to support the safe disposal of CRC materials, North Sydney Council is required to ensure processes and procedures are in place to protect the health and safety of customers and staff at the facility, and for managing the impact of the facility on the environment, including procedures for the safe handling and collection of materials, and the appropriate emergency responses. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement is not required. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The following table provides a summary of the key sustainability implications: QBL Pillar Implications Environment • Reduction of hazardous materials going to landfill which could cause

harm to human health and the environment if they are not disposed of correctly.


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Social • Council’s commitment to its residents for waste minimisation. • Education and communication of Council’s waste services.

Economic • To be funded by the Domestic Waste Management budget and NSW EPA grant funding.

Governance • Participation in a structure for a regional waste management service which includes a Deed of Agreement and a NSC Committee of Management representative.

DETAIL Community Recycling Centres are one of the endorsed projects in the Northern Sydney Regional Waste Strategy. Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils was successful in obtaining funding of approximately $150,000 from the NSW EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More Initiative. The funding was used to establish the CRC based at Artarmon on behalf of five NSROC member councils: Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove, North Sydney, Ryde and Willoughby. Under the initial funding arrangement, the NSW EPA would meet the establishment costs of the CRC and, until 30 June 2017, the collection and disposal charges of seven of the nine designated problem wastes which must be accepted at the facility; all other day to day operational costs are to be shared by the alliance councils based on the relative number of households in each respective LGA. Additionally, the costs associated with the disposal or recycling of motor oils and lead acid car batteries are to be borne by the alliance councils and not by the EPA. In this regard, North Sydney Council has contracted suitably qualified recyclers for the collection and processing of used motor oil, used lead acid batteries and e-waste. On 14 October 2016, the NSW Government announced an extension of the Waste Less, Recycle More Initiative. Under the extension package, the EPA will provide a further $37.0m over 4 years to fund community recycling centre collections and processing. The EPA has advised that the collection and disposal costs of the seven designated wastes collected at the Artarmon CRC will continue to be borne by the EPA; a new funding agreement will be forwarded by the EPA for signing by the five member councils. Financial The EPA provided approximately $150,000 grant funding for the establishment for the CRC. The grant funding covered capital expenditure such as the purchase of a forklift, provision of computers and an iPad, the cost of preparing the internal layout (floor painting and bollards), PPE equipment, emergency spill equipment and adjustments to the roller doors. All operational costs of the CRC, including overheads, are to be funded by the Domestic Waste Management budget. North Sydney Council has employed two full time employees; a supervisor and a support person. Additionally, a rotating relief roster of council staff has been prepared to cover short term absences. Under the terms of the Deed, the five councils have committed to funding the CRC for the initial term of the lease. Councils are expected to fund their share of the CRC’s operating


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expenses from their respective Domestic Waste Management Charges. The table below shows the respective estimated costs for each council for a full year’s operation. Costs are allocated in accordance with the Deed and are based on the proportion of households within the respective council’s LGA relative to the total number of households within the alliance.

Percentage Amount at Commencement of Deed - Full Year Allocation Participating NSROC

Member Council 2012-13 Number

of Households Percentage

Amount Estimated Annual Cost

Allocation Hunter's Hill 5,012 4.2% $24,162.93 Lane Cove 12,832 10.7% $61,863.28 North Sydney 33,099 27.7% $159,570.82 Ryde 40,315 33.8% $194,359.27 Willoughby 28,183 23.6% $135,870.70 Total 119,441 100.0% $575,827.00

Additional EPA Funding The EPA will provide ongoing funding to support the functioning of the CRC. The EPA will continue to cover the costs for the collection and disposal of the seven problem wastes through its designated contractor. The EPA will also provide each Council with $10,000 each year for education and communication activities related to the CRC. An extensive advertising campaign will shortly be undertaken to promote the facility. The campaign will include a letterbox drop to all residents of the five participating councils, as well as running a series of advertisements on bus backs, train station billboards and newspapers. Operating Performance Since the opening in January, the CRC has had 4 scheduled collections by the EPA contracted collection services provider, Toxfree. As at 30 April 2017, the amount of targeted materials collected is shown in the following table: - Target Materials kilograms Batteries - household 237 Fire extinguishers 341 Fluorescent tubes 140 Gas cylinders - LPG 598 Gas cylinders - other 80 Oil - other 44 Smoke detectors 3 Paint - water based 4,344 Paint - oil based 2,273 Total Target Materials 8,058

In addition to the above, the CRC has collected e-waste, used motor oil and used lead acid batteries.


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The alliance councils agreed that the CRC would accept household quantities of e-waste consistent with the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS). Under the product stewardship arrangements of the NTCRS, approved co-regulatory providers will recycle for free televisions and computers for households and small businesses. The CRC’s contracted recycler has thus far collected 1,110 kg of NTCRS material, with a resource recovery rate in excess of 90%, and 70 kg of non-NTCRS material (largely waste materials that are landfilled). Approximately 840kg of used lead acid batteries and around 160kg of used motor oils have been collected at the facility.


Environment Reference Group

Report E06 - 29 May 2017

Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program AUTHOR: Emmaline Callaghan, Waste Services Customer Liaison Officer ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This report outlines the results of the biannual residential e-waste recycling collection services program conducted from Monday, 27 March to Friday, 31 March 2017. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Nil. RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the report on the E-waste Recycling Collection Program be received.

Report of Emmaline Callaghan, Waste Services Customer Liaison Officer Re: Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint and responsible use of natural resources

BACKGROUND A portion of the material collected in Council’s fortnightly general household cleanup service is electronic waste, which ultimately goes to landfill. E-waste includes electronic equipment for example televisions, mobile phones, computers and computer equipment such as keyboards and printers. Environmental concerns of toxic substances leaking into the ecosystem when landfilled and valuable resources being lost in the process, prompted Council to introduce the initial e-waste collection service in 2006. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement is not required. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The following table provides a summary of the key sustainability implications: QBL Pillar Implications Environment • North Sydney e-waste collection service has been able to play a role in

diverting e-waste from landfill, therefore reducing potential harm to the environment

Social • The continued participation of the e-waste collection over time confirms the collection has helped to highlight community awareness of the effect e-waste has on the environment

Economic • The costings had been established with the initial e-waste collection and is funded from Council’s Domestic Waste Management budget and the Better Waste and Recycling Fund

Governance • Council’s e-waste collection service has helped change community attitudes and behaviour towards environmental issues and also provide residents the opportunity to actively participate in reducing waste to landfill

DETAIL The biannual e-waste recycling collection service was held from Monday, 27 March to Friday, 31 March 2017 and was publicly advertised for a five-week period prior the collection week.


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As in previous years, the collection service was conducted using the resources of the existing infrastructure provided by United Resource Management (URM) as for the fortnightly general household cleanup. Residents were required to pre-book as per the usual procedures - either through the customer call centre or the waste hotline. The collection was undertaken on the same day that residents had their waste and recycling collected. The collection was conducted on a zone by zone basis from Monday, 27 March to Friday, 31 March 2017 and was publicly advertised to run from Monday to Friday. Non-booked items were also left out for collection. To ensure that no non booked or late presented e-waste items were not left on the kerbside, URM collection crew undertook collections on Monday, 3 April and Tuesday 4 April. The collected material was transported by URM to the Northern Sydney Community Recycling Centre where it was collected for recovery by MRI to MRI E-Cycle Solutions in Prospect. MRI E-Cycle Solutions, an organisation that has been accredited under the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCR Scheme), was selected to provide the recycling service. The NTCR Scheme established in November 2011, commenced in May 2012, provides a recycling e-waste service. The NTCR Scheme is funded by the television and computer industry and regulated by the Commonwealth Government. The new Northern Community Recycling Centre was opened to the public from January and accepted e-waste including TVs and computers. PROMOTION The collection was promoted through: • Letterbox drop of flyers to all households in the Council area. • Distribution points included the North Sydney Community Centre, The Coal Loader

Centre for Sustainability, Stanton Library and Council’s Customer Service Centre. • Advertisements placed in the local papers for five weeks leading up to the collection. • Posters displayed in all Council Bulletin Boards. • Information on Council’s Web Homepage was provided. • Facebook post on Council’s Facebook page. COSTS URM costs of $16,001.51 for the collection and transport included two employees and the vehicle for 8 to 9 hours per day hours per day over seven days. Printing and distribution of promotional leaflets by Genii printing services was $3,745.50 including GST. Advertising in the local newspaper for six weeks was $4,027.50. Total cost for the e-waste service $23,774.51. RESULTS There were a total of 859 bookings and approximately 80 non-booked e-waste presentations, which were also collected and are included in the results. This is a slight decrease in bookings


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in comparison to the last event in September 2016, however a larger amount of e-waste was collected in this event. The total e-waste collected was 7,045kg. In comparison to the last collection in September 2016, the total kilograms collected has increased by 30%. There was a larger proportion (68%) of computer e-waste collected in this event than in previous years. Heavy old cathode ray tube TVs have been disposed of over time and now make up a smaller percentage per weight of the collection.

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E-Waste Collected

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The e-waste collection is made up of co-reg and non co-reg material. Co-reg material refers to items collected that fall under the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme. Non co-reg material refers to all other items collected.

Non co-reg material decreased in the latest e-waste collection and the majority of non-co-reg material was classified as general waste, a total of 315kg. CONCLUSION The e-waste collection continues to be a valuable program in helping residents dispose of hazardous e-waste correctly. Due to the fact that e-waste is no longer acceptable as part of the general household clean up, the biannual e-waste collection service is an important supplementary waste service. The cost of delivering two collections in 2016-17 has been included in the Domestic Waste Management budget for 2016-17.



Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: Biodegradable Dog Tidy Bags Trial AUTHOR: Niki Carey, Senior Sustainability Programs Coordinator ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Council is currently undertaking a trial of new plant based biodegradable dog tidy bags at all existing dog tidy stations to replace the existing oxo-degradable bags, which break down into smaller pieces of plastic. The biodegradable bags can be placed in regular Council serviced red bins for composting at Council’s waste treatment facility. The trial commenced in December 2016 and will conclude at the end of July 2017. Approximately 170 survey responses have already been received from local residents with results showing strong support for a switch to these new bags. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The cost of the biodegradable bags is funded through the Domestic Waste Charge given the nexus between the use and disposal of the bags and the residential waste stream and disposal point. RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the report on the Biodegradable Dog Tidy Bags Trial be received. 2. THAT the Reference Group supports the switch to biodegradable dog tidy bags, pending survey responses at the end of the extended trial demonstrating consistency with those received to date.

Report of: Niki Carey, Senior Sustainability Programs Coordinator Re: Biodegradable Dog Tidy Bags Trial

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint an responsible use of natural resources 5.3 Council is ethical, open, accountable and transparent in its decision

making BACKGROUND North Sydney Council has been providing dog tidy bags in many of its parks for several years to encourage responsible dog ownership and reduce littering and water pollution. The bags Council supplied until recently are oxo-degradable, meaning that they break down quicker than normal bags into smaller pieces of plastic. While this process does take time, they are less likely than conventional plastic bags to cause entanglement and ingestion hazards for sea birds and marine life if the bags are not correctly disposed of and find their way into waterways. However, as the bags break down in the environment they become a source of micro plastics. There has been a recent growth in understanding of the detrimental impacts of micro plastics in the marine environment and some European countries have already started introducing bans on these products. As a result, many Councils, including Mosman, Lane Cove, Randwick, Wodonga, Rockdale and Penrith, have changed over to compostable plant based alternatives. Biodegradable bags are more expensive than conventional plastic or degradable plastic bags, however as a harbourside Council we have a responsibility to reduce our impact. In addition, because the organic waste from North Sydney Council’s regular red bins is composted in an industrial facility, compostable bags can be placed in these Council supplied bins. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement is being undertaken in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Protocol. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The following table provides a summary of the key sustainability implications: QBL Pillar Implications Environment • The project will reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill by

Council • The project will encourage the substitution of non-renewable resources

and hazardous materials with resources that are more environmentally friendly

• The project will help reduce water pollution

Report of: Niki Carey, Senior Sustainability Programs Coordinator Re: Biodegradable Dog Tidy Bags Trial

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Social • The project will help improve the amenity of Councils parks and open spaces.

Economic • Council's long term operational costs are likely to increase Governance • The project will implement Council's Green Purchasing Policy (D5-40)

• The project has provided many stakeholders with the opportunity to participate in Council's decision-making processes

DETAIL In December 2016 Council commenced a three-month trial of biodegradable bags. The bags that were selected for the trial are compostable to Australian Standards AS4736-2006 (compostable in an industrial facility) and AS 5810-2010 (Biodegradable Plastics suitable for home composting). They are made from waste cornstarch not suitable for human or animal consumption. According to the manufacturer, the cornstarch is sourced from international areas where the abundance of rainfall means that no irrigation is required. To help determine to success of the trial, a link to a feedback survey was printed on the new dog tidy bags. Close to 150 surveys were received and the overwhelming majority (87%) supported Council switching to new plant based biodegradable bags. Half provided additional comments, which are typified by the following: “Plastic is the worst thing for the environment and never goes away, these would be such an amazing and easy way to help with the problem.” “It’s great that the Council has bags where I walk my dog and I prefer the new bags. Not only re they biodegradable they open easier than the black bags. THANK YOU!” “Yes of course! This is such a great initiative, hats off to North Sydney Council for being so forward thinking. It's the only way to go. It's worth the extra cost to keep our environment plastic free.” Those who did not support the switch raised two main concerns: the strength of the bags being inferior to the previous bags and the bags being too translucent. To overcome these issues, the trial was extended in May 2017 using thicker bags in an opaque black using the same cornstarch material. Feedback so far has continued to be positive with 50+ “likes” on each of Council’s various social media channels and 20 more survey responses. These initial responses suggest that the new bags are well received with overall support for switching to biodegradable bags increasing to 89%. Clarifying comments include: “Thank you for listening. The black and stronger bags are much better.” “I think you should definitely stick to these new biodegradable bags and I would love to know where I could purchase some.” “I think there a great idea, prevents more plastic ending up in our bushland and waterways.”



Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: Update on Citizen Membership of the Environment Reference Group AUTHOR: Melissa Dunlop, Governance Coordinator ENDORSED BY: Sandra Moore, Acting Director Corporate Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The purpose of this report is to inform the Environment Reference Group of the successful application of one new member to be part of this group and the resignation of an existing member as follows: • Mr Roderick (Rick) Miller has applied to be a member of the Environment Reference Group

and his application was accepted by Council at its meeting on 1 May 2017. • Ms Susette Dixon resigned as a member of this group on 12 May 2017. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Nil. RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the Environment Reference Group note the successful application of Mr Roderick Miller to become a Citizen Member of this group and the resignation of Ms Susette Dixon.

Report of Melissa Dunlop, Governance Co-ordinator Re: Update on Citizen Membership of the Environment Reference Group

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 5. Our Civic Leadership Outcome: 5.3 Council is ethical, open, accountable and transparent in its decision making

BACKGROUND At its meeting held 14 October 2013 (Min. No. 635) Council resolved to remove the limit as to the number of citizen member positions available per Reference and Working Group. All citizen members appointed in 2013 were invited to continue and all previously unsuccessful applicants (due to the cap on numbers per Group), who had been included on a ‘Keep Informed’ list were invited to become citizen members. Similarly, applications were invited from the general public. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement is not required. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The sustainability implications are of a minor nature and did not warrant a detailed assessment. DETAIL Mr Roderick (Rick) Miller has applied to be a member of the Environment Reference Group and his application was accepted by Council at its meeting on 1 May 2017. Ms Susette Dixon resigned as a member of this group on 12 May 2017. This update is provided to the Environment Reference Group for its information.