Agenda of Environment and Sustainability Committee

Item No.	Item Title	Page No.
	Confirmation of Minutes
1	Confirmation of Minutes of the Environment and Sustainability Committee No. 2022(06) of 14 July 2022	7
	Officers’ Reports
2	Urban Greening Plan	11
3	Results of 2021-2022 Platypus Monitoring Program	73
4	Resolution to Close Public Land - 2022-2023 Fire Season Fuel Reduction Program	104
5	Proposal for Renewing Resilient Rivers Bremer River Catchment Officer hosted as a Partnership between Scenic Rim and Ipswich City Council	139
	Notices of Motion
	Matters Arising

Environment and Sustainability Committee NO. 7

11 August 2022

AGENDA

Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN MATTERS ON THE AGENDA

BUSINESS OUTSTANDING

Confirmation of Minutes

1. Confirmation of Minutes of the Environment and Sustainability Committee No. 2022(06) of 14 July 2022

Recommendation

That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 14 July 2022 be confirmed.

Officers’ Reports

2. Urban Greening Plan

This is a report concerning the final submission of the City of Ipswich Urban Greening Plan 2021-2026 (Attachment 1) to Council for adoption. The intention of this Urban Greening Plan is to set an informed and evidence-based direction in achieving increased vegetation cover in priority areas within the urban footprint of Ipswich to best achieve the multiple benefits associated with increasing urban green space and canopy.

Recommendation

That the Urban Greening Plan as presented in Attachment 1 be adopted as a key deliverable for iFuture 2021-2026 under the Theme: Natural and Sustainable.

3. Results of 2021-2022 Platypus Monitoring Program

This is a report concerning the results of Ipswich City Council’s 2021-2022 platypus monitoring program. This sampling represents the sixth platypus monitoring event Council has undertaken across the city’s waterways in the last seven (7) years. The on-going program aims to inform our understanding of the distribution of platypus in the city’s waterways, and to detect any changes or impacts to their populations. This year’s results indicated a severe decline in local platypus populations, which is concerning and emphasises some key threats to the health of our waterways, and the importance of Council’s on-going monitoring and waterway improvement programs.

Recommendation

A. That Council investigate and support programs for reducing sediment-laden runoff entering our natural waterways and adversely impacting platypus habitat.

B. That Council continue to deliver the on-going annual platypus monitoring program, as well as waterway health projects to improve water quality and habitat condition to protect the city’s remaining few platypus populations.

4. Resolution to close public land - 2022-2023 Fire season fuel reduction program

This is a report concerning the management of public access and closure of White Rock - Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, Flinders – Goolman Conservation Estate, Mount Grandchester Conservation Estate and Hillview Drive Reserve for reasons of public safety during controlled burning fuel reduction activities and the enactment of powers under Section 10 (1) of Local Law 7.

Recommendation

That Council resolve to exercise the power under section 10(1) of Local Law 7 to close public access to areas of Council’s Natural Area Estates to enable a planned schedule of hazard reduction burns occurring between 26 August 2022 and 30June 2023 within three (3) Council conservation estates, being White Rock - Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, Flinders – Goolman Conservation Estate, and Mount Grandchester Conservation Estate plus one (1) reserve being Hillview Drive Reserve.

5. Proposal for renewing Resilient Rivers Bremer River Catchment Officer hosted as a Partnership between Scenic Rim and Ipswich City Council

This is a report concerning the renewal of the existing partnership with Scenic Rim Regional Council and the South East Queensland Council of Mayors (CoMSEQ) through the Resilient Rivers Initiative (RRI), to financially support the continuation of the Bremer River Catchment Management Officer role.

Recommendation

A. That Ipswich City Council provide financial support of $30,000 for the continuation of the Bremer River Catchment Management Officer role in partnership with Scenic Rim Regional Council.

B. That Council renew the partnership agreement with Scenic Rim Regional Council and South East Queensland Council of Mayors (CoMSEQ), outlining the terms and desired outcomes of the funding arrangement.

NOTICES OF MOTION

MATTERS ARISING

Environment and Sustainability Committee

Meeting Agenda

11 August

2022

Environment and Sustainability Committee NO. 2022(06)

14 July 2022

Minutes

COUNCILLORS’ ATTENDANCE: Councillor Russell Milligan (Chairperson); Councillors Andrew Fechner (Deputy Chairperson), Mayor Teresa Harding, Kate Kunzelmann and Marnie Doyle (Observer)

COUNCILLOR’S APOLOGIES: Deputy Mayor Jacob Madsen

OFFICERS’ ATTENDANCE: Chief Executive Officer (Sonia Cooper), General Manager Community, Cultural and Economic Development (Ben Pole), Manager Environment and Sustainability (Kaye Cavanagh), Executive Services Manager (Wade Wilson), Sustainability Coordinator (Samantha Smith), Acting Natural Environment and Land Manager (John Young), Chief of Staff – Office of the Mayor (Melissa Fitzgerald), Senior Policy and Communications Officer (David Shaw), Senior Digital Media and Content Officer (Jodie Richter), Manager Economic and Community Development (Cat Matson) and Theatre Technician (Trent Gray)

LEAVE OF ABSENCE – DEPUTY MAYOR JACOB MADSEN

Deputy Mayor Jacob Madsen requested a leave of absence from the meeting.

RECOMMENDATION

Moved by Councillor Russell Milligan:

Seconded by Councillor Kate Kunzelmann:

That a Leave of Absence be granted for Deputy Mayor Jacob Madsen.

AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE

Councillors: Councillors:

Milligan Nil

Fechner

Harding

Kunzelmann

The motion was put and carried.

WELCOME TO COUNTRY/ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Councillor Russell Milligan (Chairperson) delivered the Acknowledgement of Country.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN MATTERS ON THE AGENDA

Nil

BUSINESS OUTSTANDING

Nil

Confirmation of Minutes

1. Confirmation of Minutes of the Environment and Sustainability Committee No. 2022(05) of 16 June 2022

RECOMMENDATION

Moved by Councillor Andrew Fechner:

Seconded by Councillor Kate Kunzelmann:

That the minutes of the Environment and Sustainability Committee held on 16 June 2022 be confirmed.

AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE

Councillors: Councillors:

Milligan Nil

Fechner

Harding

Kunzelmann

The motion was put and carried.

Officers’ Reports

2. Update of the Natural Area Estate Fire Management Policy

This is a report concerning the repealing of the current policy and adoption of the updated Natural Area Estate Fire Management Policy that has been reviewed, updated and placed onto the new corporate template as part of the regular policy and procedure review process, and as per recommendation 1 from Audit A2021-02-Bushfire Risk Management.

The objective of this policy remains the same as the original version, to provide a framework for the desired aims and outcomes of fire management in response to the regulatory requirements, community and biodiversity needs of Council’s Natural Area Estate

RECOMMENDATION

Moved by Councillor Andrew Fechner:

Seconded by Councillor Kate Kunzelmann:

A. That the policy titled ‘Natural Area Estate Fire Management Policy’, as detailed in Attachment 1, as per resolution No. 3 of the Policy and Administration Board
No. 2015(07) of 14 July 2015 – City Management and Finance Committee
No. 2015(07) of 21 July 2015, be repealed.

B. That the policy titled ‘Natural Area Estate Fire Management Policy’, as detailed in Attachment 3, be adopted.

AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE

Councillors: Councillors:

Milligan Nil

Fechner

Harding

Kunzelmann

The motion was put and carried.

3. Council Rooftop Solar and Battery Storage Planning

This report concerns Council’s planned investment in rooftop solar and battery storage. It includes projects with future potential for implementation but requires further investigation into the feasibility and financial sustainability of the projects.

RECOMMENDATION

Moved by Councillor Andrew Fechner:

Seconded by Councillor Kate Kunzelmann:

That the report be received and the contents noted.

AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE

Councillors: Councillors:

Milligan Nil

Fechner

Harding

Kunzelmann

The motion was put and carried.

NOTICES OF MOTION

Nil

MATTERS ARISING

Nil

COMMENCEMENT OF THE IPSWICH CENTRAL REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Mayor Teresa Harding moved that the Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee meeting commence at 12.45 pm.

AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE

Councillors: Councillors:

Milligan Nil

Fechner

Harding

Kunzelmann

The motion was put and carried.

PROCEDURAL MOTIONS AND FORMAL MATTERS

The meeting commenced at 11.55 am.

The meeting closed at 12.03 pm.

Environment and Sustainability Committee

Meeting Agenda

11 August

2022

Doc ID No: A8137028

ITEM: 2

SUBJECT: Urban Greening Plan

AUTHOR: Project Officer (Natural Environment)

DATE: 23 June 2022

Executive Summary

Recommendation

That the Urban Greening Plan as presented in Attachment 1 be adopted as a key deliverable for iFuture 2021-2026 under the Theme: Natural and Sustainable.

RELATED PARTIES

There was no declaration of conflicts of interest.

ifuture Theme

Natural and Sustainable

Purpose of Report/Background

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with the final draft of the Urban Greening Plan, an iFuture 2021-2026 Catalyst Project.

The objective of this Plan is to provide a road map to improve urban conservation and biodiversity while increasing greening benefits. Urban greening benefits include mitigation of the impacts and effects of climate change, reduction of urban heat island effect, provision of shade and cooling, carbon sequestration, absorption of air pollutants, filtration and attenuation of stormwater, provision of mental and physical health benefits, and provision of habitat for urban flora and fauna, increased aesthetic amenity and character values.

The Plan aims to strategically increase the quality and quantity of beneficial vegetation on a variety of land types within the urban footprint. The key drivers for the Plan include iFuture 2021-2026, specifically Theme 3 Natural and Sustainable, as well as various Ipswich City Council policies and strategies pertaining to vegetation and the environment. Targets and key actions have been developed through key stakeholder workshops and will be implemented through council programs.

iFuture 2021-2026, Theme 3 Natural and Sustainable, outlines the development and implementation of an Urban Greening Plan to protect vegetation and wildlife living alongside our urban environment.

In addition to protection of vegetation and wildlife, there is an opportunity to strategically mitigate climate change impacts and the urban heat island effect and achieve a diverse range of benefits that encompass biophysical, economic, and social attributes.

An evidence-based approach to urban corridor identification and prioritisation will deliver multi-benefit outcomes for the environment and our community. This approach will analyse data, such as canopy mapping, heat mapping, biodiversity mapping, land use and land type, and Australian Bureau of Statistics data on socially vulnerable groups, etc. to identify priority areas.

Further to the development of the full plan, a ‘community friendly’ version of the Plan will be drafted. This document will provide important information from the Plan, as well a useful guide to greening in a succinct and simple format.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Nil known

PROPOSAL

Ipswich City Council adopts a strategic plan to guide the prioritised and considered greening program of the urban areas. In doing so Council acknowledges the key role that urban greening plays in the region’s overall liveability and wellbeing. The Urban Greening plan will set an informed direction in achieving increased vegetation cover within the urban footprint of Ipswich.

Initial studies to inform the plan have identified an immediate need to plan and consider the strategic increase in greening within the urban footprint. As such current on ground delivery of greening is being undertaken through the Urban Greening Program (previously Beautiful Ipswich Program) guided by the initial findings of the Plan. In parallel, a review of state and local government policies and strategies have been undertaken to inform the direction of the Plan.

Adoption of the Urban Greening Plan will drive the following:

• Develop Implementation Plans and Measure and Reporting Mechanism

• Implementation plans will be coordinated with capital and operational expenditure programs for immediate greening opportunities

• Targets and actions will be implemented over short, medium, and long-term project planning

• Measure success of greening projects through existing reporting mechanisms. This includes trees taken through Mother’s Day planting, Free Tree Program, Council Nursery, Urban Greening Program

• Measure and monitor greening projects and report outcomes through annual reporting. This will track urban greening progress and provide additional information for informed decision making into the future

• Launch the Urban Greening Plan

- Community launch day in key street with relevant Councillors

- Planting of street trees with neighbourhood involvement

- Provision of information for education, awareness, and stewardship of planted street trees.

Legal/Policy Basis

This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:

Planning Act 2016

Local Government Act 2009

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

Environmental, economic and reputational risk – adoption of the Urban Greening Plan will contribute to reducing the urban heat island effect; reduce temperatures in urban areas resulting in less health risks to the community and environment and decreased costs of living.

Reputational risk – as the Urban Greening Plan is a catalyst project, there is reputational risk in not achieving the outcomes of iFuture, if the Plan is not endorsed and implemented.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
OTHER DECISION
(a) What is the Act/Decision being made?	That Council adopts the Urban Greening Plan.
(b) What human rights are affected?	No human rights are affected by these recommendations.
(c) How are the human rights limited?	Not applicable
(d) Is there a good reason for limiting the relevant rights? Is the limitation fair and reasonable?	Not applicable
(e) Conclusion	The decision is consistent with human rights.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

The adoption of the Urban Greening Plan will require ongoing capital and operational budgets and resourcing allocations to deliver the plan. However, there are present investment streams for the delivery of street trees and street scape improvements. As part of ongoing programs that can be used to deliver the initial on ground component of the plantings associated with the Plan.

It is also envisaged that the plan can guide more efficient and effective investment through existing capital and operation programs where opportunities for planting exist within those projects.

There is approximately $80,000 budgeted in 2022-2023 program for further data collection around urban heat mapping including thermal imaging drone data collection to augment and develop the prioritisation further.

Implementing the plan now will increase the city’s resilience, liveability and affordability into the future. Failure to implement the Plan will result in greater expenditure in the future to mitigate the effects of climate change, urban heat island effect and reduced ecosystem services.

External funding opportunities will be sought as they become available.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

Key Internal Stakeholder consultation has been undertaken during the development of the Plan. Workshops have been held with the following teams and they were invited to provide feedback on the draft documents. Key Internal Stakeholders include:

· Transport Planning (Transport and Traffic)

· Planning and Regulatory Services (Strategic)

· Open Space Planning (Open Space and Facility)

· Public Open Space (Open Space and Facility)

· Field Services (Works and Field Services)

· Arboriculture (Works and Field Services)

· Nursery and Streetscape (Works and Field Services)

· Sustainability (Emergency Management and Sustainability)

· Environment and Sustainability, Education and Awareness (Natural Environment and Land Management)

· Waterway Health and Environmental Management (Natural Environment and Land Management) and

· Community, Cultural and Economic Development (Economic and Community Development)

The results of recent community consultation from on-line surveys for various Council strategies and plans have been noted and included in the development of the plan to date.

The strategies and plans associated with the on-line surveys include:

· Natural Environment Policy community engagement report

· Sustainability Policy community engagement information

· Sustainability Strategy Urban Heat on-line survey

· Recreation Cycling and Walking Action Plan community engagement report

· Comments from Share Your Green Ideas, Ti Tree Bioenergy Payment Program on Ipswich City Council Facebook page

· Ipswich Central Revitalisation Plan

Several responses in each report relate to the community’s interest in increased greening, improved waterway health and acknowledge climate change which aligns with the purpose and goals of the Urban Greening Plan.

As the plan continues to develop further and specific community engagement will be undertaken in the next steps of the Urban Greening Plan.

Conclusion

This is a catalyst project from iFuture Corporate Plan 2021-2026, Theme 3, Natural and Sustainable. This plan outlines the development and implementation of the Urban Greening Plan to protect vegetation and wildlife living alongside our urban environment as well as providing greening benefits for the Ipswich community.

Attachments and Confidential Background Papers

1.	City of Ipswich Urban Greening Plan - 2022-2042 ⇩

Carmel O'Neill

Project Officer (Natural Environment)

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Phil A. Smith

Natural Environment and Land Manager

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Kaye Cavanagh

Manager, Environment and Sustainability

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Sean Madigan

General Manager - Infrastructure and Environment

“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”

Environment and Sustainability Committee

Meeting Agenda

11 August

2022

Doc ID No: A8166293

ITEM: 3

SUBJECT: Results of 2021-2022 Platypus Monitoring Program

AUTHOR: Waterway Health Officer

DATE: 7 July 2022

Executive Summary

Recommendation/s

A. That Council investigate and support programs for reducing sediment-laden runoff entering our natural waterways and adversely impacting platypus habitat.

RELATED PARTIES

There are no related party matters nor conflicts of interest associated with this report.

ifuture Theme

Natural and Sustainable

Purpose of Report/Background

Platypus eDNA monitoring involves passing a sample of water from a waterway through a fine-meshed filter and then analysing the filter media for the presence of platypus DNA. A ‘Positive’ result indicates platypus presence, a ‘Negative’ result indicates platypus absence, whilst an ‘Equivocal’ result indicates platypus may be present (through a small or partial DNA match).

The most recent monitoring program was undertaken in June 2022, at 22 sites across 10 of the city’s major waterways. Monitoring this year was of particular importance, with many questions being raised around how the flood events and continued land-use change may have impacted platypus habitat and distribution.

The results obtained this year were particularly concerning, with only a single ‘Positive’ result recorded from Sandy Creek site 2, near the Logan Motorway at Carole Park. An additional three (3) sites returned ‘Equivocal’ results, being Goodna Creek site 2, Sandy Creek site 2 and Woogaroo site 4. The remaining 18 sites all returned ‘Negative’ results. See Attachment 1 - Wildlife Queensland Platypus eDNA Report - 2022 Ipswich City Council.

Of particular note, is that seven (7) of the sites that returned a ‘Negative’ result, have been confirmed as ‘Positive’ sites at some point over the past seven (7) years. This is especially evident in the Opossum and Woogaroo catchments which throughout the program have been recognised as the city’s primary strongholds, regularly returning ‘Positive’ results in the past. However, across six (6) sampling sites in these catchments this year, no ‘Positive’ results were recorded. See Attachment 2 – Platypus Monitoring Program Results Summary.

This is an alarming outcome, given last year’s report from Wildlife Queensland identified the declining water quality and habitat condition in Woogaroo and Opossum creeks as the greatest threat to the city’s primary platypus populations. It was reported last year that water turbidity was significantly worse than previous years and resultant from sediment entering these systems. This trend continued this year, with extremely high turbidity noted at all sites in the Woogaroo and Opossum catchments.

It is likely this contributed to the concerning results received, as excessive turbidity and sedimentation of waterways impact all of the critical factors required for high quality platypus habitat, including;

· pool depth and water permanency,

· habitat complexity (i.e. in-stream habitat features),

· water clarity and quality, and

· food availability.

The primary source of sediment and turbidity entering waterways is rainfall runoff from areas of exposed soil associated with vegetation clearing, development and construction. These types of activities continued to intensify in the past 12 months throughout the Woogaroo and Opossum catchments and given the amount of runoff experienced in this period, has had considerable impact on waterway condition.

This issue can be managed through appropriately implemented erosion and sediment controls however these results, coupled with the declining condition of these systems, indicate this may not be occurring. The foremost recommendation from the monitoring program results is that Council ensures best practice erosion and sediment controls are implemented on areas of cleared land with exposed soil, such as active development and construction sites. This will result in improved water quality and habitat conditions in our waterways, and reduce the significant investment required on Council’s behalf to manage sediment once it has entered waterways.

Flood events of February and May 2022 may have also had some influence on the lack of detections this year. Major flood events can physically displace individuals, as well as force them to seek new habitats with more desirable conditions following changes to waterway form. Displaced individuals may return to their former habitats following flooding and a follow up monitoring event six (6) months post-flood (late 2022) will be carried out to detect whether populations return to their known former reaches.

Furthermore, to facilitate the recovery of our waterways following the flood events, it is critical that on-going waterway health initiatives to improve water quality, in-stream habitat and riparian condition are continued throughout the city’s waterways. We have a number of projects planned this financial year such as the Woogaroo Creek streambank stabilisation, the Woogaroo Creek fishway along with a number of riparian revegetation sites which will all deliver improvements to waterway health.

On-going questions remain around the impacts that other issues such as in-stream barriers and low source population numbers may be having on the ability of platypus to access and populate new areas such as Bundamba Creek, Warrill Creek and the Bremer River. These questions will be best informed by the on-going annual monitoring program and the potential future detection of new populations in previously uninhabited sites.

Legal/Policy Basis

This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:

Environmental Protection Act 1994

Local Government Act 2009

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

The declining water quality and habitat conditions of Woogaroo and Opossum creeks presents a significant risk to platypus populations, and the broader aquatic ecology of these systems. Whilst generally disappointing across all sites this year, the results for these two (2) catchments in particular are of particular concern given these systems have been recognised as being the city’s primary strongholds for platypus since 2016.

Whilst the flood events of February and May 2022 have likely influenced this year’s results, of greater concern is the continued impacts to key waterways from erosion and sediment. The Queensland State Government sets Water Quality Objectives for all waterways, which are based on maintaining environmental and ecological values. These water quality objectives set out targets that should be met for key parameters that can influence aquatic diversity.

These water quality objectives set a target of less than 6mg/L of total suspended solids (i.e.- sediment) for the Woogaroo catchment, including Opossum and Mountain Creeks’. Water quality monitoring results taken in the lower reaches of Woogaroo Creek in early February, prior to the major flooding event, returned results of 2,753mg/L, whilst Opossum Creek returned results of 1,358.7mg/L. These results are magnitudes higher than the environmental guideline of 6mg/L and highlight just how serious of an issue sediment loads in the catchment are.

Council is in the fortunate position in being able to play a critical role in managing sediment entering waterways and can do so through ensuring compliance with best practice erosion and sediment controls on areas of exposed soil such as cleared development land.

If this issue of extreme sediment loads entering our waterways is not appropriately dealt with, there is a high risk that platypus, along with other aquatic life, will not return to the city’s waterways.

The continuation of on-going waterway health initiatives to improve the condition of the city’s waterways will also contribute to managing risk. Programs delivering riparian revegetation, streambank stabilisation and water quality improvement will be critical to improving the condition of our waterways and supporting our remaining platypus populations.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
OTHER DECISION

(a) What is the Act/Decision being made?	This report has two key recommendations. Recommendation A proposes that Council investigates and supports programs for reducing sediment-laden runoff entering our natural waterways and adversely impacting platypus habitat. Recommendation B proposes that Council continue to deliver the on-going annual monitoring program, as well as waterway health projects to improve water quality and habitat condition to protect the city’s remaining few platypus populations.
(b) What human rights are affected?	No human rights are affected by these recommendations.
(c) How are the human rights limited?	Not applicable.
(d) Is there a good reason for limiting the relevant rights? Is the limitation fair and reasonable?	Not applicable.
(e) Conclusion	The decision is consistent with human rights.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

Recommendation A of this report proposes that Council investigates and supports programs for reducing sediment-laden runoff entering our natural waterways and adversely impacting platypus habitat. A priority program of focus would be ensuring best practice erosion and sediment controls are correctly implemented on areas of cleared land, such as active development sites.

Through discussions with Council’s Planning and Regulatory Services team, ensuring compliance with appropriate erosion and sediment controls may be best achieved through a proactive compliance program in addition to reactive compliance.

By doing this, Council can take a proactive approach of ensuring sediment remains on the land and is not transported in runoff to waterways. This is significantly more cost-effective than Council funding restoration works after the sediment has reached the waterways.

The broader recommendations for on-going monitoring and habitat improvement works will be delivered through the existing operational and capital programs associated with the Waterway Health Strategy. These include the Waterway Recovery Program, the Natural Environment and Stormwater Program and the Habitat Connections Program. These programs are critical in allowing Council to deliver projects that improve waterway health.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

No internal or external consultation has been undertaken as part of this report. Some distribution of these results has occurred throughout Council’s Natural Environment and Land Management team, as well as to private landholders who allowed Council to access waterways for sampling through their property. All private landholders contacted for access were extremely supportive of this monitoring program and hope that platypus become established once again throughout our waterways.

Conclusion

The 2021-2022 platypus monitoring program has been the most concerning since the program’s commencement, with only a single positive result recorded. On-going threats associated with urban development such as declining water quality, erosion, sedimentation of waterways and habitat degradation threaten their long-term sustainability. Flood events of February and May 2022 have also likely contributed to this year’s results, and a follow up monitoring event to detect signs of population recovery later this year will be carried out.

It is expected through Council playing a key role in ensuring erosion and sediment controls are implemented in areas of cleared vegetation, as well as the continued delivery of waterway rehabilitation programs, the city’s platypus populations can continue to persist throughout our waterways.

Attachments and Confidential Background Papers

1	Wildlife Queensland - Platypus eDNA Report - 2022 Ipswich City Council ⇩
2	Platypus Monitoring Program Results Summary ⇩

Jack McCann

Waterway Health Officer

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Belinda Whelband

Team Leader (Strategic Catchment and Conservation Planning)

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Kaye Cavanagh

Manager, Environment and Sustainability

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Sean Madigan

General Manager - Infrastructure and Environment

“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”

Environment and Sustainability Committee

Meeting Agenda

11 August

2022

Doc ID No: A8188941

ITEM: 4

SUBJECT: Resolution to close public land - 2022-2023 Fire season fuel reduction program

AUTHOR: Team Leader (Land Management and Natural Area Planning)

DATE: 20 July 2022

Executive Summary

Recommendation/s

RELATED PARTIES

There are no identified conflicts of interest for this report.

ifuture Theme

Natural and Sustainable

Purpose of Report/Background

Council is seeking to properly and lawfully close public access to (areas of) the Natural Area Estates during planned fuel reduction burning in order to be able to take all reasonable measures to mitigate risks, real or potential, to conservation estate/ reserve visitors, staff and the organisation.

Council has adopted a Temporary Closure of Park Estate or Reserve Procedure (Attachment 1) which is followed in times of fire risk or other emergencies which outlines the process and local laws required. However, in order to properly and lawfully enact and regulate a closure, a temporary and specific resolution covering the location and period is required to exercise powers under section 10 (1) of Local Law No.7 (local law) (Government Controlled Areas and Roads) 2013 (Attachment 2).

Legal/Policy Basis

This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:

Local Law 7 (Local Government Controlled Areas and Roads)

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

The fuel reduction program including controlled burns is a fundamental part of the risk and general management planning within the Natural Area Estates. In 2019-2020, there was an unprecedented fire season for many parts of Australia and South East Queensland, following prolonged periods of conditions in the “Catastrophic” risk classification. In response, Council reviewed its fuel management program with an emphasis on the urban/bushland interface areas, primarily within the Springfield Lakes area being identified as a priority.

The 2022-2023 fuel reduction program has six (6) planned burns scheduled for the season (i.e. August 22 –June 2023), totalling approximately 325.54Ha within the White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate (1 site – 45.46Ha), Flinders – Goolman Conservation Estate (1 site – 70.85Ha), Mount Grandchester Conservation Estate (3 sites – 199.55Ha) and Hillview Drive Reserve (1 site – 9.68Ha).

It is proposed that in exercising the powers under Local Law 7, Council can take a multi-layered approach to ensuring visitor exclusion of the area whilst fuel reduction burns are taking place. This includes Council staff to be on-site to provide warning information, and the installation of closure signs and barrier fencing. Compliance staff from the Planning and Regulatory Services Department may also be required to take enforcement measures under the recommended Local Laws, and to ensure no members of the public are entering the site against advice and putting themselves or others at risk.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
OTHER DECISION

(a) What is the Act/Decision being made?	Resolution to close public land – 2022-2023 fire season Fuel Reduction Program
(b) What human rights are affected?	Human rights are not affected by these decisions.
(c) How are the human rights limited?	Not applicable
(d) Is there a good reason for limiting the relevant rights? Is the limitation fair and reasonable?	Not applicable
(e) Conclusion	The decision is consistent with human rights.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

The burn program for the current financial year has been fully budgeted within the Enviroplan budget.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

Internal stakeholder discussions have been ongoing with Planning and Regulatory Services Department and the Legal and Governance Branch of Corporate Services Department. Through this it has been concluded that this is the most appropriate course of action.

Conclusion

A Council resolution to exercise the powers under section 10 (1) of Local Law 7 to cover the required closure(s) of ‘White Rock Spring Mountain Conservation Estate’, ‘Flinders – Goolman Conservation’, ’Mount Grandchester Conservation Estate’ and Hillview Drive Reserve during the planned burn season of the 2022-2023 financial year is deemed necessary and is therefore recommended to ensure proper lawful closure of the areas in order to properly manage public and staff safety.

Attachments and Confidential Background Papers

1.	Temporary Closure Park, Estate or Reserve Procedure ⇩
2.	Local Law 7 Local Government Controlled areas and roads ⇩

John Young

Team Leader (Land Management and Natural Area Planning)

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Kaye Cavanagh

Manager, Environment and Sustainability

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Sean Madigan

General Manager - Infrastructure and Environment

“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”

Environment and Sustainability Committee

Meeting Agenda

11 August

2022

Doc ID No: A8205465

ITEM: 5

SUBJECT: Proposal for renewing Resilient Rivers Bremer River Catchment Officer hosted as a Partnership between Scenic Rim and Ipswich City Council

AUTHOR: Team Leader (Strategic Catchment and Conservation Planning)

DATE: 29 July 2022

Executive Summary

Recommendation/s

A. That Ipswich City Council provide financial support of $30,000 for the continuation of the Bremer River Catchment Management Officer role in partnership with Scenic Rim Regional Council.

RELATED PARTIES

There are no conflicts of interest or perceived conflicts in relation to this report.

ifuture Theme

Natural and Sustainable

Purpose of Report/Background

The Resilient Rivers Initiative (RRI) was developed by CoMSEQ in response to the large scale environmental and water quality impacts of the 2011, 2013 and 2015 flood events. These events saw extensive damage to local rivers and waterways, loss of productive agriculture land, and sediment impacts to the main water supply for Brisbane, Ipswich and surrounds.

Under the Resilient Rivers Initiative (RRI), a number of Catchment Action Plans (CAPs) were developed across South East Queensland, including the Bremer River CAP (Attachment 1).

The objective of the CAP is to facilitate whole of the catchment planning; collaborative working arrangements; list strategic projects and programs; and ultimately to protect and improve waterway stability and resilience in the Bremer River Catchment. Many of the catchments in South East Queensland, including the Bremer River, cross multiple local authority boundaries and as such require whole of catchment management collaboration and partnerships.

A priority action within the Bremer River CAP is the establishment of a Bremer River Catchment Management Officer role.

This role was established in 2021 under a partnership agreement between Scenic Rim Regional and Ipswich City Councils. The Officer is currently employed through Scenic Rim Regional Council (SRRC) and operates as an Ipswich City Council officer for one (1) to two (2) days per week. The position is presently funded under the initial agreement until August 2022.

The Officer is responsible for delivering the Bremer River Rural Partnerships Program (the Program) and assisting with communications and networking. The Rural Partnerships Program is divided into two (2) phases:

· Phase 1 - Investigation and Community Liaison (September 2021 to August 2022)

· Phase 2 - Liaison, Integrated Engagement and On-ground Work (from September 2022)

This Program was confirmed as a priority for funding the from the Resilient Rivers Initiative Catchment Investment Program (CIP) as per the process identified in the Terms of Reference. The RRI Taskforce provided in-principle support of the Program at its meeting of 20 July 2018 and then approved release of $190,000 ex GST for Phase 1. This budget covered part the Officer role ($90,000 with one third (1/3) each contributed from the CIP, SRRC and ICC) and initial on-ground works.

The Officer has delivered Phase 1 of the Program, which has included landholder engagement, development and implementation of on-ground weed management, riparian revegetation and erosion stabilisation projects, as well as coordination of co-investment opportunities with landowners and other Natural Resource Management groups and stakeholders working in the Bremer River Catchment. Phase 1 focused on the research and investigation of new partnerships that could support and contribute towards the delivery of the Program.

It is intended that Phase 2 will continue landholder engagement as part of the Program and coordinate delivery of on-ground projects, at least six of which have been identified and scoped. The Project Management Plan for Phase 2 has been prepared and will be presented to the RRI Taskforce for approval on 9 September 2022. Similar to Phase 1, the Program budget includes funding for both the Officer and on-ground works.

EXTENSION OF FUNDING FOR THE CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT OFFICER

As with Phase 1 of the Program, it is proposed that funding for the Bremer River Catchment Management Officer for delivery Phase 2 of the Program be funded across the two (2) partner councils and through the Resilient Rivers Initiative.

The proposed contribution for Ipswich City Council is the same as last year:

· $30,000 to cover operational costs (approx. 30% of total FTE costs), and

· desk space and computer / ICT access for one (1) to two (2) days per week for the Officer

The position will in turn look to deliver a further $230,000 worth of improvements in Phase 2 of the Program. There is also opportunity for the officer to seek additional funding through external grants leveraged against the core RRI funding.

The officer will continue to play a part in strategically aligning communications, planning and projects within the catchment to allow for cooperative and effective collaboration and to encourage and facilitate knowledge sharing through a network of government and community organisations and stakeholders.

It is proposed that the existing arrangement between Scenic Rim Regional and Ipswich City Councils be extended for a further 12 months for delivery of Phase 2 of the Program.

The position description is provided in Attachment 2.

Legal/Policy Basis

This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:

Local Government Regulation 2012

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

Council endorsed the Bremer River Catchment Action Plan in 2018 and actions within the document include the development of a catchment wide partnership and a project management role to manage project delivery.

Council’s recently adopted Waterway Health Strategy looks at ways and means to protect and enhance its major catchments including the Bremer River as a strategic priority. The Ipswich local government area covers approximately one third (1/3) of the catchment area and as such in order to assist and improve the management of the majority of the catchment area strong partnerships and innovative working arrangements are required.

In not perusing this partnership Council will potential miss out on the management and implementation of $230,000 of improvement funds this year as well as the chance to foster and improve relationships across the catchment with landowners, SRRC and CoMSEQ.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
OTHER DECISION
(a) What is the Act/Decision being made?	Recommendation A states that Council provide financial support of $30,000 for the continuation of the Bremer River Catchment Management Officer role in partnership with Scenic Rim Regional Council. Recommendation B states that Council renew the partnership agreement with Scenic Rim Regional Council and South East Queensland Council of Mayors (CoMSEQ), outlining the terms and desired outcomes of the funding arrangement.
(b) What human rights are affected?	No human rights are affected by these decisions. This is because provision of funding to extend an existing position, under an agreement with another council, will not impact on the human rights of any third parties.
(c) How are the human rights limited?	*Not Applicable*
(d) Is there a good reason for limiting the relevant rights? Is the limitation fair and reasonable?
(e) Conclusion	The decision is consistent with human rights.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

$30,000 of budgeted funding (Waterway funding in the Natural Areas and Land Management budget) is proposed to be contributed to the partnership via Scenic Rim Regional Council to be used as a contribution towards the wages and on costs for the Catchment Management Officer role.

CoMSEQ committed a total of $190,000 for Phase 1 of the Program, which has been delivered. Funding for Phase 2, which builds on the outcomes of Phase 1, including identification of on-ground works to be delivered in Phase 2, will be confirmed on
9 September 2022 by the RRI Taskforce. Funding for Phase 2 will cover both the employment of the Catchment Management Officer ($90,000), and delivery of $230,000 of on-ground improvement works within the Bremer River Catchment.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

The development of the Bremer River Catchment Action Plan, which will guide this process and the projects to be delivered, was compiled collaboratively through a series of three (3) workshops where active input was received from Ipswich City Council, Scenic Rim Regional Council, CoMSEQ, and multiple community stakeholders including the Bremer Catchment Association, the Bremer River Network, West Moreton Land Care, Boonah Land Care, and Native Plants Queensland.

State Government through the Department of Environment and Science also provided input through the workshop process and subsequently commenting on drafts of the plan.

The position description for the Catchment Management Officer was drafted jointly between officers from Scenic Rim Regional Council and Ipswich City Council and approved by Officers representing CoMSEQ.

Conclusion

An opportunity has been presented to Council to continue the partnership with Scenic Rim Regional Council in the delivery of the Bremer River Catchment Action Plan through the ongoing joint appointment of a Catchment Management Officer.

Council’s proposed contribution to this partnership is $30,000 plus in-kind support through the provision of a desk and office space for up to two (2) days a week for 12 months from the extension of the existing agreement.

The contribution will go to Scenic Rim Regional Council who will administer the wages of Catchment Management Officer. The officer will work across the entire Bremer Catchment to implement, oversee and facilitate catchment and waterway improvement projects in line with the Bremer River Catchment Action Plan and the Council of Mayors Resilient Rivers Initiative.

The Resilient Rivers Initiative through the Council of Mayors has already committed $190,000 to the Bremer Catchment to support the development and recruitment into this role and the delivery of waterway and catchment improvement projects managed by that officer for 12 months. It is expected that a further $320,000 will be approved to support the continuation of the officer’s position and Program for a further 12 months, including the $30,000 contribution from Council.

Belinda Whelband

Team Leader (Strategic Catchment and Conservation Planning)

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Phil A. Smith

Natural Environment and Land Manager

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Kaye Cavanagh

Manager, Environment and Sustainability

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Sean Madigan

General Manager - Infrastructure and Environment

“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”