Agenda of Environment and Sustainability Committee

Item No.	Item Title	Page No.
1	Sandbag Availability and Community Consultation - Matter referred from Council Ordinary Meeting of 27 October 2022	8
	Confirmation of Minutes
2	Confirmation of Minutes of the Environment and Sustainability Committee No. 2022(09) of 13 October 2022	11
	Officers’ Reports
3	Little Liverpool Range Initiative update	16
4	Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust 2022-2023 Precept	72
5	Healthy Land and Water Network Membership Agreement 2023 - 2025	75
6	Repeal of the Conservation Estates and Reserves Management Policy	92
7	Adoption of Urban Greening Policy	108
	Notices of Motion
	Matters Arising

Environment and Sustainability Committee NO. 10

10 November 2022

AGENDA

Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN MATTERS ON THE AGENDA

BUSINESS OUTSTANDING

1. Sandbag Availability and Community Consultation - Matter referred from Council Ordinary Meeting of 27 October 2022

This report outlines the recommendations resolved at the Council Ordinary Meeting of 27 October 2022 which were subsequently referred back to the Environment and Sustainability Committee for consideration and implementation via the following resolution:

Recommendation

That Council:

A. Consider making sandbags available earlier to residents, businesses, community organisations and sporting clubs whose properties are at risk of impact by water inundation ahead of significant weather events.

B. Consider further sandbag collection locations across the local government area.

C. Prepare video communications on sandbags – including their effectiveness, limitations and proper use – to be shared across all council communication platforms.

D. Prepare a sandbag disaster preparation factsheet that includes what sandbagging resources council will make available to the community, when they will be available, and where they can be collected from.

E. Consider alternative flood preventative and mitigation options that can be made available to residents in addition to sandbags.

Confirmation of Minutes

2. Confirmation of Minutes of the Environment and Sustainability Committee No. 2022(09) of 13 October 2022

Recommendation

That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 13 October 2022 be confirmed.

Officers’ Reports

3. Little Liverpool Range Initiative update

This is a report concerning Ipswich City Council’s ongoing support of the Little Liverpool Range Initiative for a further 5-year period. Current funding partners (Ipswich City Council, Turner Family Foundation and the Queensland Trust for Nature) have made adjustments to the current strategic plan, previously endorsed by council, and have developed a new terms of reference document to capture the new aspirations for the initiative.

Recommendation

A. That Council extend the partnership with the Turner Family Foundation and Queensland Trust for Nature in the Little Liverpool Range Initiative for an additional 5 years.

B. That Council continue to co-fund the Little Liverpool Range Initiative Project Officer in partnership with the Turner Family Foundation and Queensland Trust for Nature, valued at $14,800 per year.

C. That Council continue to host the Little Liverpool Range Initiative Officer position for the duration of the new membership.

4. Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust 2022-2023 Precept

This is a report concerning the payment of the annual precept issued by the Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust (IRIT) to Ipswich City Council, under the River Improvement Trust Act 1940 (Qld), and the associated annual works program for the 2022 – 2023 financial year.

Recommendation

That the report regarding the Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust 2022-2023 Precept, be received and the contents noted.

5. Healthy Land and Water Network Membership Agreement 2023 - 2025

This is a report concerning the renewal of the three (3) year ‘Network Membership Agreement’ between Ipswich City Council and Healthy Land and Water, and the proposal to enter into a 1 year membership only until a further internal review is undertaken.

Recommendation

A. That Ipswich City Council enter into a one (1) year membership agreement (contract) with Healthy Land and Water up until June 2023 for the ‘Core Monitoring Program’ and the ‘Clean Up’ program.

B. That the Chief Executive Officer be authorised to negotiate and finalise the terms of the contract to be executed by Council and to do any other acts necessary to implement Council's decision in accordance with section 13(3) of the Local Government Act 2009.

C. That Ipswich City Council review its long-term commitment to Healthy Land and Water through a review of the values and benefits of the membership, the core and subsidiary programs and explores potential local alternatives for Council.

6. Repeal of the Conservation Estates and Reserves Management Policy

This is a report concerning the repeal of the Conservation Estates and Reserves Management Policy and in its place the formation of the new Conservation Estates and Reserves Statement of Management Intent (Procedure).

Recommendation

That the current policy titled Conservation Estates and Reserves Management Policy, as outlined in Attachment 1, be repealed.

7. Adoption of Urban Greening Policy

This is a report concerning the development of the Urban Greening Policy. The intention is to repeal the Urban Forest Policy and adopt the Urban Greening Policy (the Policy). The Policy has been developed to align with the Urban Greening Plan.

The Policy outlines council’s acknowledgement of the key role that urban greening plays in the city’s resilience and liveability which protects vegetation and wildlife. Also, that urban greening contributes to community health and well-being and is important for the protection and enhancement of urban habitat and connectivity to urban corridors.

Recommendation

A. That the current policy titled “Urban Forest Policy” as outlined in Attachment 1 be repealed.

B. That the draft policy titled “Urban Greening Policy” as outlined in Attachment 2 be adopted.

NOTICES OF MOTION

MATTERS ARISING

Environment and Sustainability Committee

Meeting Agenda

10 November

2022

Environment and Sustainability Committee NO. 2022(09)

13 October 2022

Minutes

COUNCILLORS’ ATTENDANCE: Councillor Andrew Fechner (Acting Chairperson); Councillors Russell Milligan, Mayor Teresa Harding, Deputy Mayor Jacob Madsen and Kate Kunzelmann

COUNCILLOR’S APOLOGIES: Nil

OFFICERS’ ATTENDANCE: Chief Executive Officer (Sonia Cooper), General Manager Infrastructure and Environment (Sean Madigan), General Manager Planning and Regulatory Services (Peter Tabulo), Manager Environment and Sustainability (Kaye Cavanagh), Senior Policy and Communications Officer (David Shaw), Natural Environment and Land Manager (Phil A Smith), Senior Media Officer (Jodie Richter) and Theatre Technician (Harrison Cate)

Meeting Attendance via audio-link

Councillor Russell Milligan requested attendance at the Environment and Sustainability Committee of 13 October 2022 via audio-link.

Moved by Councillor Andrew Fechner:

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jacob Madsen:

That in accordance with section 254K of the Local Government Regulation 2012 and 8.6.2 of Council’s Meeting Procedures Policy (Attendance at committee meetings), Councillor Russell Milligan be permitted to participate in the meeting via audio link.

AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE

Councillors: Councillors:

Fechner Nil

Harding

Madsen

Kunzelmann

The motion was put and carried.

Due to Councillor Russell Milligan (Chairperson) attending the meeting via audio link, Councillor Andrew Fechner as Deputy Chairperson chaired the meeting.

WELCOME TO COUNTRY OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Councillor Andrew Fechner (Acting Chairperson) invited Councillor Kate Kunzelmann to deliver 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(08) of 15 September 2022

RECOMMENDATION

Moved by Councillor Andrew Fechner:

Seconded by Councillor Russell Milligan:

That the minutes of the Environment and Sustainability Committee held on 15 September 2022 be confirmed.

AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE

Councillors: Councillors:

Milligan Nil

Fechner

Harding

Madsen

Kunzelmann

The motion was put and carried.

Officers’ Reports

2. Healthy Land and Water Annual Clean Up Report - Bremer River 2021-2022

This is a report concerning Ipswich City Council’s annual investment into the clean-up program partnership with Healthy Land and Water on the Bremer River.

This program supports regular litter and clean-up activities via the clean-up boat on the Bremer River. As part of that funding, Healthy Land and Water provide an annual report to Council as summarised in attachment 1 below.

RECOMMENDATION

Moved by Councillor Andrew Fechner:

Seconded by Councillor Kate Kunzelmann:

That the report be received and the contents noted.

Councillor Fechner proposed the following as Recommendation B.

B. That the Chief Executive Officer provide an update to the Environment and Sustainability Committee on the outcomes of the recommendations of Item 2 of the Environment and Sustainability Committee of 5 August 2021 titled Bremer River Shopping Trolley Clean Up Program Report for 2020-2021 as per below:

A. That Council continue to schedule the removal of dumped shopping trolleys on a 3-monthly basis with funding through the waterway health program.

B. That Council undertake further investigations to identify the primary source(s) of dumped shopping trolleys and develop mitigation plans in partnership with key retailers of Riverlink to reduce the incidence of trolley dumping into the river.

C. That additional deterrent measures be investigated to discourage behaviours leading to the dumping of trolleys in the Bremer River.

D. That Council write to the retailers listed in the report seeking financial assistance for future shopping trolley clean-up programs initiated by Ipswich City Council.

RECOMMENDATION

Moved by Councillor Andrew Fechner:

Seconded by Councillor Kate Kunzelmann:

A. That the report be received and the contents noted.

A. That Council continue to schedule the removal of dumped shopping trolleys on a 3-monthly basis with funding through the waterway health program.

C. That additional deterrent measures be investigated to discourage behaviours leading to the dumping of trolleys in the Bremer River.

D. That Council write to the retailers listed in the report seeking financial assistance for future shopping trolley clean-up programs initiated by Ipswich City Council.

AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE

Councillors: Councillors:

Milligan Nil

Fechner

Harding

Madsen

Kunzelmann

The motion was put and carried.

3. SES Local Controller

This is a report concerning the future of the Ipswich State Emergency Services (SES) Local Controller role. The current service agreement with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) expires on 31 December 2022 and QFES has advised they will not grant further extensions.

Deputy Mayor Jacob Madsen left the meeting at 11.54 am.

RECOMMENDATION

Moved by Councillor Andrew Fechner:

Seconded by Councillor Kate Kunzelmann:

A. That Council adopt the recommended Option 1 in relation to the future of the Ipswich SES Local Controller and management of associated council assets, which includes the payment of a $35,000 honorarium.

B. That Council authorise the Chief Executive Officer to take the steps reasonably necessary to implement and finalise Recommendation A.

AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE

Councillors: Councillors:

Milligan Nil

Fechner

Harding

Madsen

Kunzelmann

The motion was put and carried.

Deputy Mayor Jacob Madsen returned to the meeting at 11.56 am.

NOTICES OF MOTION

Nil

MATTERS ARISING

Nil

PROCEDURAL MOTIONS AND FORMAL MATTERS

The meeting commenced at 11.44 am.

The meeting closed at 11.57 am.

Environment and Sustainability Committee

Meeting Agenda

10 November

2022

Doc ID No: A8187797

ITEM: 3

SUBJECT: Little Liverpool Range Initiative update

AUTHOR: Little Liverpool Range Initiative Project Officer

DATE: 20 July 2022

Executive Summary

Recommendation/s

A. That Council extend the partnership with the Turner Family Foundation and Queensland Trust for Nature in the Little Liverpool Range Initiative for an additional 5 years.

B. That Council continue to co-fund the Little Liverpool Range Initiative Project Officer in partnership with the Turner Family Foundation and Queensland Trust for Nature, valued at $14,800 per year.

C. That Council continue to host the Little Liverpool Range Initiative Officer position for the duration of the new membership.

RELATED PARTIES

There was no declaration of conflicts of interest.

ifuture Theme

Natural and Sustainable

Purpose of Report/Background

The Little Liverpool Range is located on the western boundary of the Ipswich local government area, adjoining Lockyer Valley, Somerset and Scenic Rim local government areas. It is a vegetated biodiversity corridor linking with the Main Range National Park and the Great Eastern Ranges. After 6 years since the initiative came into fruition, the partners are keen to review and push forwards, building on the success of the initiative to date.

The Little Liverpool Range contains several regional ecosystems providing important habitat for significant species including the Glossy-Black Cockatoo, Powerful Owl, Brush-Tailed Rock-Wallaby, Little Pied Bat, and Slender Milk Vine. It includes core conservation areas including the Mt Grandchester Conservation Estate, Hidden Vale Nature Refuge, Aroona Station and Mt Beau Brummell Conservation Park. The Little Liverpool Range has also been identified in the Ipswich Nature Conservation Strategy 2015 as a Priority Conservation Area.

In 2016, the Little Liverpool Range Initiative (LLRI) was established by Council in partnership with Queensland Trust for Nature (QTFN), the Turner Family Foundation (at the time known as the Gainsdale Group), Healthy Land and Water, and University of Queensland to ensure the long-term management and conservation of the Little Liverpool Range by working with the community and organisations across the region.

LLRI aims to establish a long-term commitment to the preservation and expansion of locally significant native vegetation in support of biodiversity for future generations. LLRI aims to build on the existing vegetation and wildlife corridor using a coordinated cross-boundary approach. This collaboration harnesses the expertise of involved stakeholders, each playing a pivotal role in the decision-making processes. The LLRI aims to work in a way that supports and/or delivers ecological and community resilience to climatic and environmental challenges.

In a report dated 18 June 2018 (Attachment 1), the following resolution was made:

A. That Council partner with the Gainsdale Group (now the Turner Family Foundation) and Queensland Trust for Nature, by contributing $10,000 a year for two (2) years, to help fund a part-time Project Officer to deliver the Little Liverpool Range Initiative, and that the divisional Councillor and Chairperson of the Conservation and Environment Committee be consulted on the progress.

B. That the governance structure for the Little Liverpool Range Initiative be submitted to a future Conservation and Environment Committee for information.

A follow-up report dated 13 August 2018 (Attachment 2) was presented to Council, which contained an update regarding the proposed governance structure for the two (2) year period.

Subsequently, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was developed in collaboration with the three (3) funding partners. The purpose of this MoU was to set out the respective roles and responsibilities of the Parties in respect to the LLRI. Gainsdale Group (as referenced in the reported dated 18 June 2018) now operate under the name Turner Family Foundation (TFF), and this name change was reflected in the MoU. Additionally, contributions from both Council and the Turner Family Foundation were increased from $10,000 as agreed upon in the report dated 18 June 2018 to $14,800, as some staff expenses such as leave loading and superannuation weren’t accounted for in the initial estimates. The MoU reflected these increased figures. This MoU was executed on the 6 March 2019.

Based upon the ongoing commitment of the Turner Family Foundation and the Queensland Trust for Nature, the Initiative as a collective has requested that council support the development of a 5-year partnership agreement. Such an agreement is presently being developed by the committed partners with input from ICC legal services.

Successes of the Initiative to Date

Since the beginning of the initiative, the LLRI has been successful in receiving two grants. The LLRI has successfully delivered and acquitted the Citizen Science Grant funding of $28,500 provided by the Qld Government in June 2022. A full report of the grant can be seen in Attachment 3. Early this year, the LLRI was successful in securing an additional grant of $20,400 to support the reinstatement of Cultural Burning practices in the Little Liverpool Range and to assist in upskilling landholders in effective fire management. This grant will also provide a training opportunity for Land for Wildlife Officers across south-east Queensland in Cultural Burning practices.

Since 2021, the LLRI has run 6 workshops on various conservation topics including habitat restoration, focal species such as koalas and glossy black cockatoos, and citizen science opportunities. Workshops have been run in conjunction with a range of partners including the University of Queensland, Turner Family Foundation, Healthy Land & Water, Lockyer Valley Regional Council and the Queensland Trust for Nature.

The LLRI has created connections between council and Traditional owner groups as well as other local community conservation groups. Through these connections, the LLRI is now part of the Birds of the Lockyer Uplands Conservation Action Plan to create working relationships between university bird researchers and private landholders in the LLR to undertake research activities on previously inaccessible private land.

The initiative is comprised of dedicated landholders across both the Lockyer Valley Regional Council and the Ipswich City Council local government areas. Members have participated in a range of research activities including koala detection dog deployment and iNaturalist competitions run throughout 2021. The LLRI iNaturalist has been successful in documenting 5,157 records, including 1,493 different species.

Plan for an additional 12 months

The LLRI Project Officer’s current contract ceases on the 21^st December 2022. If the recommendations of this report are approved, the proposed plan for a subsequent 5 years is to continue to deliver the Initiative in accordance with the strategic plan. The LLRI Project Officer will continue to be hosted by Council for 5 years at 0.4FTE. Council will take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the LLRI Project Officer and the delivery of the agreed works program. TFF and QTFN will provide their funding at the beginning of the 2023/2024 financial year and continue to do this across the 5 years to co-fund the Project Officer position as per the new 2022-2027 Strategic Plan (Attachment 4) and Terms of Reference (Attachment 5).

In the 2023-2024 Financial Year, the Project Officer plans to:

· Continue to deliver a series of workshops on topics such as Cultural burning, Fire management planning and other topics aligning with the strategic plan;

· drive the expansion of initiative through supporting the registration of properties into Land for Wildlife and Voluntary Conservation Agreements

· encourage members to partake in citizen science and ongoing LLRI projects (e.g. long-term nest box monitoring project);

· continue the delivery of ecological monitoring on private property;

· maintain social media platforms;

· maintain and develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders; and

· deliver working group meetings on a quarterly basis

· continue to deliver on grants previously received and apply for future grant opportunities

Legal/Policy Basis

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

Local Government Act 2009

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

The key risk associated with not approving the recommendation includes a loss of momentum and potential cessation of the LLRI, due to Council’s role as a key stakeholder in the Initiative.

Without the delivery of LLRI, objectives in Council’s Nature Conservation Strategy will not be met. Subsequently, there is reputational risk for the LLRI and its partners and future conservation works if the trust built with landholders is damaged due to limited support or leaving the partnership.

There are minimal risks associated with the recommendations in this report. Council’s legal services team are assisting with the development of a new 5-year partnership agreement.

Funding for the project officer is currently allocated within the Environment and Sustainability budget, and the total annual contribution of $14,800 presents limited risk to Council with a return on investment through a partnership agreement with other contributing parties.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
OTHER DECISION

(a) What is the Act/Decision being made?	Recommendation A states that council continues to support the Little Liverpool Range Initiative and continue their partnership with the Turner Family Foundation and the Queensland Trust for Nature. Recommendation B states that council continues to contribute $14800 (subject to project officer level increases and growing responsibilities) in the 2023-2024 until 2027-2028 budgets and host the Little Liverpool Range Initiative Officer position.
(b) What human rights are affected?	N/A
(c) How are the human rights limited?	N/A
(d) Is there a good reason for limiting the relevant rights? Is the limitation fair and reasonable?	N/A
(e) Conclusion	The decision is consistent with human rights.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

Financial contributions are within the allocated budget for Environment and Sustainability, subject to budget approvals for 2023-2024 financial year.

Funding arrangements

· Ipswich City Council contributes $14,800 for the 2023-2024 Financial Year

· In-principal support from QTFN for an amount of $5,000 in the 2023-2024 Financial Year

· Confirmed contribution from TFF for an amount of $14,800 in the 2023-2024 Financial Year with the potential for this amount to be increased in the new partnering agreement.

· The position has generated $20,400 in grant funding to be used across the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 Financial Year.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

Discussion with the two other funding partners of the initiative regarding the new strategic plan, terms of reference and governance arrangements have been ongoing since March 2022. Minutes from the meeting were circulated across all funding stakeholders in the LLRI. The draft new strategic plan and terms of reference document (attached) have been read and edited by all funding partners on multiple occasions to develop documents which represent the three funding partners goals for the initiative. Broader community engagement has not been sought as the hosting arrangements for the LLRI Project Officer should not impact the operational delivery of the project.

Conclusion

To continue to deliver on Council’s Nature Conservation Strategy and the collaboration within the community, other Local Government areas and natural resource management groups, it is important for the LLRI to continue with the extended support for the partnering arrangement between TFF, QTFN and Council for an additional 5 years. The Turner Family Foundation and the Queensland Trust for Nature have requested commitment for a longer time period to ensure long term conservation goals are reached across this important wildlife corridor.

Attachments and Confidential Background Papers

1.	LLRI Project Officer Funding CE June 2018 ⇩
2.	LLRI Governance Structure for Project Offcier CE 2018 ⇩
3.	LLRI Final Citizen Science Grant Report ⇩
4.	LLRI Strategic Plan 2022 to 2027 ⇩
5.	LLRI Terms of Reference 2022 ⇩

Shania Watson

Little Liverpool Range Initiative Project Officer

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

10 November

2022

Doc ID No: A8339069

ITEM: 4

SUBJECT: Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust 2022-2023 Precept

AUTHOR: Natural Environment and Land Manager

DATE: 4 October 2022

Executive Summary

Recommendation/s

That the report regarding the Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust 2022-2023 Precept, be received and the contents noted.

RELATED PARTIES

Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust

ifuture Theme

Natural and Sustainable

Purpose of Report/Background

This report outlines for the information of the Environment and Sustainability Committee the monetary value and intent of the Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust works program for 2022-2023 financial year.

River Improvement Trusts in Queensland were formed and function under the terms of River Improvement Trust Act 1940 which allows for the issuing of a precept to the local government in the area which they function. There are generally no limits or controls around the value of that Precept however historically Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust and Ipswich City Council have worked together to develop and plan a program of works to offer integrated waterway and community benefits. Under the Act the Council is obligated to pay to precept.

This year the precept has doubled in value to $300,000 from $150,000 where it had been stable for the last 10 years.

The level of works proposed has followed the precept and increased in scope and range. As in previous years this was discussed with Ipswich City Council officers prior to the issuing of the precept.

Legal/Policy Basis

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

River Improvement Trust Act 1940

Local Government Act 2009

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

The precept paid to the Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust comes from the Environment and Sustainability budget however under the terms of the precept the amount has no limit and the expenditure and direction of the works is entirely controlled by the trust.

Council mitigates risk associated with this in terms of misalignment of strategic investment, through having elected members nominated as members of the Trust and through engaging with the Trust and its project officer prior and during the planning and delivery of the annual works program.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS

RECEIVE AND NOTE REPORT

The Recommendation states that the report be received, and the contents noted. The decision to receive and note the report does not limit human rights. Therefore, the decision is compatible with human rights.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

The precept of $300,000 was proposed by IRIT in the previous financial year and as such was budgeted for in the Environment and Sustainability budget for the 2022-2023 financial year.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

Regular consultation is undertaken between Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust and Ipswich City Council.

Conclusion

The 2022-2023 annual precept payment to the Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust is $300,000 to be paid by Council though the Environment and Sustainability budget.

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

10 November

2022

Doc ID No: A8344398

ITEM: 5

SUBJECT: Healthy Land and Water Network Membership Agreement 2023 - 2025

AUTHOR: Natural Environment and Land Manager

DATE: 5 October 2022

Executive Summary

Recommendation/s

B. That the Chief Executive Officer be authorised to negotiate and finalise the terms of the contract to be executed by Council and to do any other acts necessary to implement Council's decision in accordance with section 13(3) of the Local Government Act 2009.

RELATED PARTIES

Healthy Land and Water/Water by Design
South East Queensland Council of Mayors

ifuture Theme

Natural and Sustainable

Purpose of Report/Background

Healthy Land and Water (HLW) is the recognised regional natural resource management (NRM) body that is focussed on improving and protecting Southeast Queensland’s environment, catchments, and waterways. As a non-government and not for profit organisation they are financially supported through membership contributions, State and Commonwealth Government funding, and grants.

The remit of Healthy Land and Water currently includes:

- Provision of design and best practise stormwater and erosion and sediment control advice for urban stormwater management through the Water By Design Program (including the recent audit of Ipswich City Council’s Erosion and Sediment Control compliance function)

- Economic, Social and Ecological monitoring and modelling of catchment condition

- Estuarine marine and freshwater environmental condition data collection, storage, and provision

- A number of expert panels and the hosting of the Southeast Queensland Monitoring and Evaluation Steering Committee

- Production and publication of annual report cards and waterway health grades

- Provision of advice and guidance around recreational risk from water quality through the healthy waterway program

Council’s contribution goes towards the provision of a range of regional services and products. Primarily, membership covers the Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program and the associated report card into the health of the Bremer River. These results are published along with all other report cards for catchments across Southeast Queensland to provide a regional context of the health of the waterways and Moreton Bay.

Council’s previous membership arrangements with Healthy Land and Water expired on 30 June 2022. This agreement covered the period from 2019 to 2022 at a total cost of $296,320

Table 1. below outlines the contribution schedule proposed by HLW for the next three (3) years (2022-2023 - 2024-2025)

CONTRIBUTION SCHEDULE
FINANCIAL YEAR	2022-2023	2023-2024	2024-2025
Core Monitoring Program	$83,000	$87,000	$91,000
Clean-Up	$20,000	$20,000	$20,000
TOTAL	$103,000	$107,000	$111,000

Legal/Policy Basis

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

Not Applicable

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

The value of the Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program and other auxiliary functions to Council and the Ipswich Community has been discussed at length for some time. For the purpose of informing the performance or future direction of local and council driven waterway and catchment management to scale of the program offers little guidance. As a regional barometer of the health of the rivers of Southeast Queensland and Moreton Bay the program performs a valued function and has a wealth of data.

There is a risk to Council that through not funding the Healthy Land and Water membership and thus excluding Council from the monitoring and reporting tool that, in the absence of any approved alternative, no waterway health or water quality monitoring will occur this year. This will therefore mean that council will not be aware of how the waterway health compares to the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (2018) and in turn determine compliance, or otherwise with the Queensland Environmental Protection Policy (Water).

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
OTHER DECISION
(a) What is the Act/Decision being made?	Recommendation A, B and C pertain to the membership of Ipswich City Council to the Healthy Land and Water Network
(b) What human rights are affected?
(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

Environment and Sustainability branch operational budget includes an allocation of $120,000 in the 22/23 Financial Year as part of the planning to cover membership of the core program and clean-up program costs. This allocation adequately covers the proposed membership fee of $103,000 (core and clean up programs) for 2022-2023.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

Council Officers from other Local Government Authorities across Southeast Queensland and, Officers from within Infrastructure and Environment were consulted in the development of this recommendation.

Conclusion

Healthy Land and Water are seeking Council’s commitment for membership funding over the next three years for the period from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025. Council’s previous three-year agreement expired on 30 June 2022.

Healthy Land and Water have presented a membership agreement proposal covering the core and Clean Up programs, to a value of $321,000 over three years comprising of $261,000 for membership of the ‘Core Monitoring Program’ and $60,000 ($20,000 annually) for the regular Clean-up program.

Given ongoing uncertainty about the value for money and weighing this up against environmental reputational and professional risk, it is recommended that Council enters into a one (1) year agreement for the Core and Clean-up programs only, and that Council further explores alternative options and the value for money of the program to Council and the community.

Attachments and Confidential Background Papers

1.	HLW Network Member Agreement 2023 - 2025 ⇩

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

10 November

2022

Doc ID No: A8292322

ITEM: 6

SUBJECT: Repeal of the Conservation Estates and Reserves Management Policy

AUTHOR: Natural Environment and Land Manager

DATE: 12 September 2022

Executive Summary

Recommendation/s

That the current policy titled Conservation Estates and Reserves Management Policy, as outlined in Attachment 1, be repealed.

RELATED PARTIES

There was no declaration of conflicts of interest

ifuture Theme

Natural and Sustainable

Purpose of Report/Background

The current Conservation Estates and Reserves Management Policy (Attachment 1) is overdue for scheduled review. This was previously delayed whilst the Natural Environment Policy was developed and adopted earlier in the year. Since then, the Conservation Estates and Reserves Management Policy has been reviewed in the context of the new policy framework.

The Natural Environment Policy offers general but clear direction and intent for the management of the natural areas of Ipswich and sits alongside the Ipswich Enviroplan Program and Levy Policy in detailing how that can occur and be supported. As such it is deemed that this new policy fulfills the organisational governance needs of the previous Conservation Estates and Reserves Management Policy.

It was noted through internal engagement as part of the review, that council does not hold any other policies relating directly to the operational management of other types of land. However, it was also felt that the content of the existing Conservation Estates and Reserves Management Policy was a clear, useful guide and directional document for the reference of council officers, and as such, should potentially be kept in a more appropriate format. To this end the content was in the most part kept, updated to reflect recent structural changes, and to include some community safety aspects. The updated content now forms the new Statement of Management Intent (Procedure) as per Attachment 2. This new document will sit under the Natural Environment Policy as the head of power.

As such it is also proposed in this report that the Natural Environment Policy be updated to reference the new document, this change can be done after the adoption of the changes proposed in this report as a minor amendment.

Legal/Policy Basis

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

Local Government Act 2009

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

The present policy is overdue for review. This carries minor organisational risk if the document is no longer relevant or is outdated.

The proposed governance model should align with council’s contemporary approach to policy and provide the required governance.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
OTHER DECISION

(a) What is the Act/Decision being made?	The recommendation to repeal the Current Conservation Estate and Reserves Management Policy
(b) What human rights are affected?	N/A
(c) How are the human rights limited?	N/A
(d) Is there a good reason for limiting the relevant rights? Is the limitation fair and reasonable?	N/A
(e) Conclusion	The decision is consistent with human rights.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

There are no anticipated finance or resource implications

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

Internal stakeholder consultation was carried out between relevant sections and branches of the Infrastructure and Environment Department.

The process and governance requirements were developed and discussed with Corporate Services Department - Governance Administration

Conclusion

The current Conservation Estates and Reserves Policy has been reviewed. It has been determined that the guidance and governance for the organisational position previously covered in this document now comes from the Natural Environment Policy which has recently been adopted by Council. The value of the descriptive detail in the current Conservation Estates Reserves Policy is acknowledged and will remain through its inclusion in the new Statement of Management Intent which is recommended to sit under the Natural Environment Policy.

Attachments and Confidential Background Papers

1.	Conservation Estates and Reserves Policy ⇩
2.	Natural Areas Conservation Estate and Network - Statement of Management Intent (Procedure) ⇩

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

10 November

2022

Doc ID No: A8204354

ITEM: 7

SUBJECT: Adoption of Urban Greening Policy

AUTHOR: Project Officer (Natural Environment)

DATE: 28 July 2022

Executive Summary

Recommendation/s

A. That the current policy titled “Urban Forest Policy” as outlined in Attachment 1 be repealed.

B. That the draft policy titled “Urban Greening Policy” as outlined in Attachment 2 be adopted.

RELATED PARTIES

Nil known.

ifuture Theme

Natural and Sustainable

Purpose of Report/Background

The current Urban Forest Policy (Attachment 1) is scheduled for renewal. Council adopted the Urban Greening Plan (Plan) in August 2022, and to align with the Plan, it is suggested that the Urban Forest Policy be updated to be the Urban Greening Policy (Attachment 2).

The Urban Greening Policy will include information taken from the repealed Urban Forest Policy, such as Tree Protection and Significant Trees in addition to information on tree values, urban biodiversity, and internal guidance on removal and offset requirements of trees within council-controlled land. The information included in the Policy outlines council’s approach and strategic direction for the protection, enhancement, management, maintenance, and promotion of greening on public land within the urban footprint of Ipswich. To align with the Urban Greening Plan, the Policy provides direction on:

· Urban Biodiversity

· Habitat

· Threatened Species

· Tree Removal

· Determining the Value of a Tree

· Tree Removal and Offsets

· Significant Trees

· Community Education

· Monitoring and Evaluation

The Urban Greening Policy focuses upon and applies to all vegetation under care and control of council on public land within the urban footprint of Ipswich. This includes streets and road reserves, open space, urban corridors, and council owned land including community facilities.

Council recognises and supports urban greening by private land holders. Further information in relation to this is referenced in the City of Ipswich Natural Environment Policy.

The new Policy references an Urban Greening Procedure (Procedure). This Procedure is currently being developed and will include relevant operational sections which are currently contained within the Urban Forest Policy, as well as providing detailed information on how the Urban Greening Policy will be implemented at a delivery level. The Procedure will ensure that vegetation is protected, maintained, removed and replaced in a sustainable manner. Trees removed will be offset in accordance with the Procedure.

Legal/Policy Basis

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

Environmental Protection Act 1994

Biosecurity Act 2015

Local Government Act 2009

Local Law 49 Vegetation Management

Planning Act 2016

Planning Regulation 2017

Ipswich City Council Planning Scheme

Natural Environment Policy

Environmental Offsets Policy

Local Law 7 (Local Government Controlled Areas and Roads)

Sustainability Policy

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

As the current Urban Forest Policy is scheduled for review, there is minor organisational risk if the policy is not updated to align with the Urban Greening Plan. There is environmental risk if the policy is not updated acknowledging council’s strong commitment to the protection, enhancement, management, alignment and maintenance of urban greening through timely and cost-effective planting and management practices.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
OTHER DECISION

(a) What is the Act/Decision being made?	That Council adopt the Urban Greening Policy and repeal the Urban Forest Policy
(b) What human rights are affected?	No human rights are affected by this recommendation.
(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

There are no anticipated financial or resource implications.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

Key internal stakeholder consultation has been undertaken during the development of the Policy. Workshops have been held with the following teams and they were invited to provide feedback on the draft document. Key internal stakeholders include:

· 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)

· Technical Services

· Landscape and Recreation (Planning and Regulatory Services)

Conclusion

This Policy outlines council’s direction for the protection of vegetation and wildlife living alongside our urban environment as well as providing greening benefits for the Ipswich community. The Policy will be delivered through the implementation of the Urban Greening Procedure and the Urban Greening Plan.

Attachments and Confidential Background Papers