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. 2023(07) of 10 August 2023	7
	Officers’ Reports
	Presentation – Mr Jonathon Gregory from Denmark Hill Bushcare
2	Bushcare Program Update and Annual Review	12
3	Sustainability Strategy Implementation FY23 Progress Report	52
4	Healthy Land and Water Network Membership Agreement 2023 - 2026	57
5	Get Ready Queensland Week 2023	92
6	SES Week 2023	96
	Notices of Motion
	Matters Arising

Environment and Sustainability Committee NO. 8

5 September 2023

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. 2023(07) of 10 August 2023

Recommendation

That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 10 August 2023 be confirmed.

Officers’ Reports

PRESENTATION – DENMARK HILL BUSHCARE

Mr Jonathon Gregory from Denmark Hill Bushcare will be making a presentation to the committee.

2. Bushcare Program Update and Annual Review

This is a report concerning an update and annual review of the Bushcare Program from 2022-2023. The report offers an outline and overview of the progress of the program regarding its aim to meet community needs and to rehabilitate Council reserves and parks and outlines operational recommendations for this and the following years.

Recommendation

That the report on the Bushcare program update be received and the contents noted.

3. Sustainability Strategy Implementation FY23 Progress Report

This is a report concerning the progress in implementing Ipswich City Council’s Sustainability Strategy 2021-2026 (strategy). There have been two financial years (FY) of the strategy implementation – FY22 and FY23. The strategy sets out 52 items for actioning over a five-year period and as at the end of FY23, 10% of the actions are completed and 40% of actions are in progress. Some of the strategy actions are considered to be substantial projects within themselves and are implemented over multiple years.

Recommendation

That the report titled Sustainability Strategy Implementation FY23 Progress Report, be received and noted.

4. Healthy Land and Water Network Membership Agreement 2023 - 2026

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 one (1) year membership only.

Recommendation

A. That Ipswich City Council enter into a one (1) year membership agreement (contract) with Healthy Land and Water up until June 2024 for the ‘Core Monitoring Program’ and ‘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 continue to 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 explore potential local alternative investment options for Council.

D. That the Chief Executive Officer formally write to Healthy Land and Water advising of this one (1) year only commitment outlining Council’s expectations from Healthy Land and Water before entering into any future membership agreement.

5. Get Ready Queensland Week 2023

This is a report concerning Get Ready Queensland Week 2023 and the community education and awareness activities that Council will carry out in the lead up to that initiative which aims to increase disaster risk awareness and preparedness in the community.

Recommendation

That the report titled Get Ready Queensland Week 2023, be received and the contents noted.

6. SES Week 2023

This is a report concerning State Emergency Service (SES) Week in September 2023 and Council’s recognition of the importance of the SES, a partnership between the community, state and local government.

Recommendation

That the report titled SES Week 2023, be received and the contents noted.

NOTICES OF MOTION

MATTERS ARISING

Environment and Sustainability Committee

Meeting Agenda

5 September

2023

Environment and Sustainability Committee NO. 2023(07)

10 August 2023

Minutes

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

COUNCILLOR’S APOLOGIES: Councillor Jacob Madsen

OFFICERS’ ATTENDANCE: Chief Executive Officer (Sonia Cooper), General Manager Environment and Sustainability (Kaye Cavanagh), General Manager Community, Cultural and Economic Development (Ben Pole), General Manager Planning and Regulatory Services (Brett Davey), General Manager Corporate Services (Matt Smith), General Manager Asset and Infrastructure Services (Matt Anderson), Manager Natural Environment (Phil A Smith), Manager Marketing and Promotions (Carly Gregory), Program Officer (Environmental Education) (Kimberly Hare), Manager Media, Communications and Engagement (Mark Strong), Precinct Director (Nicholas Street Precinct) (James Hepburn), Chief of Staff – Office of the Mayor (Melissa Fitzgerald) and Theatre Technician (Trent Gray)

Leave of Absence - Councillor Jacob Madsen

Councillor Jacob Madsen requested a leave of absence from the Environment and Sustainability Committee of 10 August 2023.

RECOMMENDATION

Moved by Deputy Mayor Russell Milligan:

Seconded by Councillor Kate Kunzelmann:

That a leave of absence be granted to Councillor Jacob Madsen from the Environment and Sustainability Committee meeting of 10 August 2023.

AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE

Councillors: Councillors:

Milligan Nil

Fechner

Harding

Kunzelmann

The motion was put and carried.

WELCOME TO COUNTRY OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Deputy Mayor Russell Milligan (Chairperson) delivered the Acknowledgement of Country

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN MATTERS ON THE AGENDA

Nil

BUSINESS OUTSTANDING

1. Update on discussions with QueenSland Department of Environment and Science regarding National Parks in the Ipswich Local Government Area

This is a report concerning the matter raised in the Council Ordinary Meeting, Thursday 18 November 2021 and subsequently discussed at the Environment and Sustainability Committee, 9 February 2023, regarding the proposal to update the Status of White Rock Spring Mountain Conservation Estate to National Park and subsequent and ongoing discussions with the Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES) around alternative ventures and suitable directions.

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.

Confirmation of Minutes

2. Confirmation of Minutes of the Environment and Sustainability Committee No. 2023(06) of 13 July 2023

RECOMMENDATION

Moved by Councillor Andrew Fechner:

Seconded by Councillor Kate Kunzelmann:

That the Minutes of the Environment and Sustainability Committee held on 13 July 2023 be confirmed.

AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE

Councillors: Councillors:

Milligan Nil

Fechner

Harding

Kunzelmann

The motion was put and carried.

Officers’ Reports

3. Environmental Education - update and summary

This is a report updating on the implemented changes made following the environmental education review in 2021-2022 when a range of new programs were introduced. These programs were considered, designed and chosen to align more effectively and efficiently with our environmental and sustainability objectives in schools through the strategic use of resources. This report presents an overview of the programs as part of our ongoing measurement and evaluation process, through key outcomes from the different programs implemented in 2022-2023, as well as a summary of their current advantages, challenges and associated recommendation for program delivery in 2023-2024.

RECOMMENDATION

Moved by Councillor Kate Kunzelmann:

Seconded by Councillor Andrew Fechner:

That the report on Environmental Education Programs be received and noted.

AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE

Councillors: Councillors:

Milligan Nil

Fechner

Harding

Kunzelmann

The motion was put and carried.

4. Experience Nature - 40 Ways in 40 Days

This is a report concerning “Experience Nature – 40 Ways in 40 Days” campaign highlighting the success of the program which was delivered between 1 May –
10 June, 2023.

RECOMMENDATION

Moved by Councillor Kate Kunzelmann:

Seconded by Councillor Andrew Fechner:

That the report on the Experience Nature - 40 Ways in 40 Days Program 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

Deputy Mayor Russell Milligan (Chairperson) advised the committee that Mr Jonathon Gregory from Denmark Hill Bushcare will be making a presentation at the 5 September Environment and Sustainability committee meeting.

PROCEDURAL MOTIONS AND FORMAL MATTERS

The meeting commenced at 1.20 pm.

The meeting closed at 1.54 pm.

Environment and Sustainability Committee

Meeting Agenda

5 September

2023

Doc ID No: A9221586

ITEM: 2

SUBJECT: Bushcare Program Update and Annual Review

AUTHOR: Community Partnerships and Volunteer Coordination Officer

DATE: 27 July 2023

Executive Summary

Recommendation/s

That the report on the Bushcare program update be received and the contents noted.

RELATED PARTIES

There was no declaration of conflicts of interest.

ifuture Theme

Natural and Sustainable

Purpose of Report/Background

Ipswich City Council engages more than 200 volunteers across a suite of programs and activities. As part of that the Bushcare Program engages at least 81 volunteers across 10 reserves and parks where volunteers take stewardship of a site or part of a site and carry out land management activities supported by council officers and resources. This program delivers on several objectives in terms of managing our bushland reserves and fostering and facilitating community stewardship and empowerment, it also provides active, immersive access to local green space for many growing urban communities where private land and garden ownership is often reduced. As such the program aligns with three of the four themes of iFuture that being Vibrant and Growing, Safe Inclusive and Creative, and Natural and Sustainable. Since its inception in its current form in 2019, the demand for new groups in the bush care program has increased and continues to outpace councils' ability to set up and support new groups. As such annual reviews into the outputs of the program and its supporting process are important to guide the development and direction of effort and resourcing.

Program Summary

The Bushcare Program (The Program) was re-launched and formalised, inviting new applications in June 2019, from these applications five groups were accepted into the Program. Since 2019, there have been two more formal recruitment rounds, seeing a total of six new groups accepted into The Program.

Category	FY
Category	1/7/2022 - 30/06/2023
Number of Bushcare groups (inc. Glasshouse)	11
Bushcare recorded volunteer hours	>1,700
Number of registered volunteers	81
Unregistered volunteers (attended <3 working bees)	>50
Number of bush care working bees	~120
Glasshouse working bees	~20
Estimated number of plantings across sites	~1800
Bushcare budget (operational). Budget dedicated to Bushcare	$20,000
Volunteer management budget (operational). This budget is also used to support other volunteering initiatives.	$4,000

Table: Key numbers for 2022-2023 FY

Current active groups

1. Cribb Park, (Garden of Eden Group), North Ipswich – Affiliated with Bremer Catchment Association

2. Peace Park, Rosewood - Affiliated with Native Plants Queensland – Ipswich Branch

3. Mason’s Gully (John St Reserve), Rosewood - Affiliated with West Moreton Landcare Inc

4. Opossum Creek, Brookwater - Run by Springfield Lakes Nature Care Inc

5. Jim Donald Wetlands, Silkstone (Silkstone Bushcare)

6. Eugene Street, Woogaroo (Woogaroo Creek Bushcare Group) - Affiliated with Bremer Catchment Association

7. Lorikeet Street Reserve, Bundamba - Affiliated with Bremer Catchment Association

8. Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve, Ipswich (Denmark Hill Bushcare)

9. North Ipswich Wetlands, Tivoli (Friends of the Wetlands) - Affiliated with Bremer Catchment Association

10. Smith Park, Coalfalls (Friend of Smith Park)

11. Queens Park Glasshouse Group is run by Glebe Garden Club.

Groups that were accepted, but are no longer active

1. Blackall Street Reserve - Affiliated with Bremer Catchment Association.

2. Fred Ferguson Park, Gailes - Run by Gailes Community House and YMCA School.

Resourcing

The Program is currently developed and managed by one (1) part-time staff member (3 days a week) and supported by a small Operational budget of $20,000. The budget covers materials and services training and promotion for the groups, including:

· Native tube stock

· coir logs

· holes auguring

· mulch

· workshops (guest speakers and catering)

· thankyou events and gifts

· PPE

· chemicals

· hand tools, buckets and storage containers

· carts to safely carry equipment to site

· weed matting

· non-permanent signage

· advertisement (flyers, social media, emails, posters)

· Hoses and connections

· ICB water tanks

· First aid kits

· Training (i.e First Aid, ACDC licence and manual handling) and

· contractors to manage larger weed infestations.

Capital items are supported by other relevant budgets within the organisation such as the installation of taps, signs, and seating. The program has excluded the installation of storage containers or constructed buildings but continues to receive requests and consider alternatives on a case-by-case basis.

Recent Program Improvements for 2023 and 2024

Tool Lending Agreement

· In response to some Bushcare groups requesting a shed to be built on their sites, a tool lending agreement was a sufficient alternative.

· With approved budgets, more tools have been purchased to build up a resource library. Volunteers can borrow these from the Environmental Education Centre.

Training and recognition

· Updated all of Ipswich City Council’s Volunteer's Health, Safety and Wellbeing Training to be in line with Council’s staff required training.

· Casual staff at the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre have been trained to support administrative responsibilities. They now enter timesheets and other volunteer data.

· Volunteers thank you events

· All registered and active volunteers are invited to training and workshop opportunities provided through Council. Aiming to have 1-4 a FY.

Specialised support for groups

· Support is provided to groups who need to recruit more volunteers and for promoting community events through promotional channels and advice.

· On the ground, support is provided to enable things like community planting events on all sites through the provision of the likes of site preparation and assistance from Works and Field Services and offer guidance planning and advice.

· Officers support through attending the initial working bees for all new Groups to ensure they can complete the necessary paperwork and guided work. This is also, a great opportunity to meet volunteers.

· A greater range of tools and resources has been provided to groups, in particular newer groups.

· Free plants are regularly provided for monthly working bees to encourage more of a staged rehabilitation approach.

Reward and Recognition Events

As a form of reward and recognition, ‘thank you’ events are held twice a year to align with National Volunteer Week (May) and International Volunteers Day (December). At these events, volunteers are provided with certificates or thank you cards and gifts. In 2022-2023 FY three events have been held as casual morning tea or lunch-type events.

The 2023 National Volunteer Week event was a joint celebration with the Libraries, Visitor Information Centre and Environment volunteers.

Training, Induction and Workshops Organised by Council

Bushcare volunteers are unique, compared to other Council volunteers, as they undertake their volunteer roles outdoors, some volunteers do not have access to computers and are not under the direct supervision of a Council staff member.

The Community Partnership and Volunteer Coordination Officer has set aside time at the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre on Wednesdays to invite volunteers who need support with paperwork, annual planning and lending tools.

Bushcare volunteers can come and try bush care up to three times before they are required to register as a Council volunteer, and all volunteers need to complete online training:

· Health, Safety and Wellbeing Training

· Bushcare Induction

· Read and sign Ipswich City Council Volunteer Agreement

· Introduction to the Ipswich City Council Volunteering Program

In addition to this bush care volunteers receive the below training opportunities

- First aid (three yearly) and CPR (annually)

o All Group Leaders are required to be up to date with First Aid and CPR. Other regular volunteers are encouraged and supported to complete the training.

- Agricultural Chemical Distribution Control (ACDC).

o Offered to one (1) key volunteer in groups, who oversee other users. This is an expensive training budgeted for under the Bushcare Program.

- Other Council training like, manual handling will be on offer in 2023.

- If requested training is offered for use of brush cutters in line with Safe Work Instructions.

Bushcare Annual Induction

All Group Leaders and regular volunteers are invited to an annual induction. Groups are provided with an updated on the program, hands on workshop, PPE, tools, and a resource folder.

Volunteer and Group Induction; Content Covered

· Council’s volunteer program structure and governance, including policies, insurance, and guidelines

· Bushcare Program expectations of the groups and volunteers

· Workplace and well-being partner officer presentation (WHS)

· Presentation from another Group Leader, on how they promote and manage their group

· Presentation on technical bush regeneration techniques, including a field component at a bush care site

Bushcare Workshops

As part of the Bushcare program volunteers are invited to several workshops throughout the year, to upskill in environmental rehabilitation and general knowledge. It is also a way to say thank you and provide networking opportunities. These workshops are in addition to thank you events and required Council training.

Community Open Days

The Bushcare Program supports volunteer groups to run large community open days. These days are designed to promote the Bushcare Program, volunteers hard work and attract new volunteers. Community Open Days are commonly habitat planting days, with some other smaller activities or guest speakers. Council provides support in the way of Permits, Risk Assessments, tools, staff resourcing, supplies needed (auguring of holes, plants, tree guards, mulch, fencing, coir logs, watering on the day etc), event promotion, flyers, organising the cleaning of toilets, and mowing.

This financial year the program hosted two (2) Community Days. One (1) at Cribb Park, North Ipswich (Garden of Eden - 40 attendees) and the other at Jim Donald Wetlands, Silkstone (43 attendees).

In addition to these two above events, a Facebook promotion termed “Come & Try Bushcare” was ran during March - April 2023, inviting community members down to bush care sites to give bush care a go.

Promotional Material

During the year, several different means were used to promote the Bushcare groups from social media, newsletters (only to registered Bushcare volunteers), Ipswich First stories, corflute signs, Eventbrite, and both generalised and specialised flyers.

Internal Program Recommendations

The program is constantly changing and improving. There are a lot of considerations from, volunteers’ entitlements, safety, insurance, natural space design, public perception, and environmental impacts. Improvements to the program are continual being identified and implemented, such as:

· Change to the annual work plan layout

· Formalised process around chemical use and training

· Activate the tool lending option for volunteers

· Update Bushcare Guidelines

· Clearly define what bush care can offer

· Develop a process for considering larger items/Capital request

· Update recruitment of new Bushcare groups process and checklist

· Identify and promote sites that are strategic for bush care

· Clearer process for Grant applications

Legal IMPLICATIONS

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

Local Government Act 2009

policy implications

Several policies across Council should include or consider volunteers. As they are considered workers under Volunteer Australia, and Safe Work Australia they are classified as a ‘person conducting a business or undertaking’ or PCBU.

Volunteer Management Policy is to be reviewed and updated in line with the growing needs and challenges of managing volunteers. This would need to be updated with all volunteer coordinators and relevant officers from across Council.

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

There were no risk management implications because of undertaking the program.

Risk assessments are conducted for each group’s activities and project sites.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

· The operational component of the program is funded by the Bushcare Budget. The $20,000 allocated last FY was expended before the end of the financial year. There wasn’t a sufficient budget to cover all requests for support for the groups in the following year and as such support expenditure was required to be prioritised across the program.

· A third of the Budget from the Volunteer Management was spent to generally fund training providers, catering, and PPE at the end of the FY. With an estimated total of $4,000. Some of these resources, namely PPE will be used during the 2023-2024 FY.

· Natural Areas spend portions of their budget to support the Bushcare sites. This forms part of their general maintenance. Fencing of planting sites, assisting with contractors, events, weed management, providing expertise, and some additional site prep.

· Any Capital items currently come from other budgets. A Project Identification Form is submitted outlining the proposed Capital asset. Two (2) were successful this past year. Additional taps are being installed at Mason’s Gully Bushcare site and two informal sandstone seats at Cribb Park Bushcare site. Capital items are based on budget and matrix of need for reserves.

· Cost of Casual staff to support the high administration burden is covered by other areas of the team.

· A portion of Workshops are also financially supported by the Partnership budgets. This cost is often split with the Volunteer and Bushcare budgets.

· In acknowledging the success of the program, future budget and resourcing needs will be considered through Council’s normal processes.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

The relevant officers within Environment and Sustainability Department were consulted and agreed with the methods of program delivery.

Works and Field Services – Natural Areas Team are a key partner in the delivery of the program within the natural areas.

Officers discuss issues and projects on a as needs basis with officers from relevant areas from CCED and IAE.

The Community Partnership Coordinator meets with all Bushcare volunteer Group leaders several times a year, taking on advice, and has dedicated times to meet in person when volunteers require support with the program. Each group requires a different level of support and resourcing.

Conclusion

The Bushcare Program is continuously growing and supported by community members and Council, it is reviewed to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the community and delivers conservation outcomes in strategic areas, as well as volunteer and community interests and legislation.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS

RECEIVE AND NOTE REPORT

The recommendation in this report 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.

Attachments and Confidential Background Papers

1.	Bushcare Newsletter June 2023 ⇩
2.	Bushcare Snapshot 2022-2023 ⇩
3.	Volunteer Flyer ⇩

Naomi Southgate

Community Partnerships and Volunteer Coordination Officer

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Stephani Grove

Team Leader (Environment and Sustainability Education and Awareness)

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Phil A. Smith

Manager, Natural Environment

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Kaye Cavanagh

General Manager (Environment and Sustainability)

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

Environment and Sustainability Committee

Meeting Agenda

5 September

2023

Doc ID No: A9206700

ITEM: 3

SUBJECT: Sustainability Strategy Implementation FY23 Progress Report

AUTHOR: Sustainability Coordinator

DATE: 24 July 2023

Executive Summary

This is a report concerning the progress in implementing Ipswich City Council’s Sustainability Strategy 2021-2026 (strategy). There have been two financial years (FY) of the strategy implementation – FY22 and FY23. The strategy sets out 52 items for actioning over a five (5) year period and as at the end of FY23, 10% of the actions are completed and 40% of actions are in progress. Some of the strategy actions are considered to be substantial projects within themselves and are implemented over multiple years.

Recommendation

That the report titled Sustainability Strategy Implementation FY23 Progress Report, be received and noted.

RELATED PARTIES

There are no declarations of conflict of interest.

ifuture Theme

Natural and Sustainable

Purpose of Report/Background

The purpose of the report is to provide Council an update on the delivery and implementation of the Sustainability Strategy 2021-2026.

In December 2021, council adopted Ipswich’s Sustainability Strategy 2021-2026 which sets the vision and goal to be a sustainable and liveable city. The strategy further defines priority and focus areas to achieve the Sustainable City goal and links these to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs).

The Sustainability Strategy sets out actions for climate change whereby council has committed to a 50% carbon emission target by 2026 for council’s operations. There is an emphasis on understanding climate change risks for the city and how we need to respond and build resilience as a community via efforts such as renewable energy projects, enhancing environmental values and city cooling; as well as, promoting active and sustainable transport and supporting the circular economy through better resource recovery processes.

Council seeks to lead by example by becoming a more “Sustainable Council”, as an organisation, and is committed to resource efficiency, climate mitigation and adaptation efforts and sustainable procurement.

As at June 2023, Council has achieved the following actions from the strategy’s implementation plan and made steps towards delivering on the UN-SDGs.

Under priority action area Sustainable Council, council has:

Action

UN Sustainable Development Goal

Completed calculating the organisation’s carbon footprint for its operations.

Implemented a food waste recycling program in Council’s 1 Nicholas St Administration Building.

Under priority action area Climate Adaptation, council has:

Action	UN Sustainable Development Goal
Produced a baseline urban heat map across Ipswich’s urban zones.
Delivered an Urban Greening Plan and is currently being implemented.
Completed an Urban Heat Island project in partnership with Griffith University and University of the Sunshine Coast which has produced a set of recommendations for council to work through including better planning for climate-responsive design.

Other significant strategy actions that are in progress include:

Action

UN Sustainable Development Goal

The planning work to implement a rooftop solar program on selected council assets.

Undertaking climate risk management workshops to understand climate risks for council and community assets.

Council has 52 actions to implement from the Sustainability Strategy. Here is a summary of the status of the actions implemented to date as at June 2023:

Achieving Council’s 50% Carbon Reduction Target

A key sustainability target for Council (from the strategy) is meeting the 50% carbon reduction target by 2026 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions which relate to Council’s fuel and gas consumption (Scope 1) and electricity consumption (Scope2). To achieve this target, work has started to investigate renewable energy options for Council’s electricity consumption (Scope 2). A move towards renewable energy will likely reduce emissions by 78% for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and 33% reduction of total emissions including Scope 3 (refer to Figure 1 for Council’s carbon footprint for FY21).

Scope 3 emissions are Council’s indirect emissions that are mostly associated with supply chains. For example, these emissions include transport of goods, carbon-intensive materials like concrete and things like employee commuting and business travel. Once council has a clearer understanding of the opportunities for reducing indirect emissions (Scope 3) associated with supply chains etc., Council will determine a target for Scope 3 emissions.

Legal IMPLICATIONS

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

Local Government Act 2009

policy implications

The implementation of the Sustainability Strategy 2021-2026 supports Council’s Sustainability Policy.

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

Council adopted the strategy in December 2021. Risks associated with the strategy implementation include:

· Budget not allocated to projects

· Resourcing not being allocated to projects

· Not meeting carbon target

· Not delivering all strategy action items in timeframe

· Reputational risk in not delivering strategy as planned and within the timeframe

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

The operational and capital budgets that have been utilised for the implementation of the strategy so far, and for the financial year ahead include:

Financial Year	Operational Expenditure	Capital Expenditure	Totals
2021-2022	$95,000	-	$95,000
2022-2023	$180,000	$119,000	$299,000
2023 – 2024 (planned)	$310,000	$555,000	$865,000
Totals	$585,000	$674,000	$1,259,000

Budgets for the delivery of the strategy will be planned on an annual basis and submitted for consideration and annual budget allocations. As savings are made as a result of the strategy being implemented, they will also be reported on in future progress reports.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

Both community and internal consultation was undertaken in the development of the strategy. In the implementation of the strategy, there is ongoing consultation and collaboration internally; for example, 30 engagement sessions have been held recently with council teams for the climate risk management work to start building an understanding of the operational impacts of climate change on council’s business and community infrastructure.

Conclusion

The implementation of the Sustainability Strategy 2021-2026 is in progress and in its third year of delivery. To continue the implementation of the strategy, consideration will be given to appropriate resourcing and budgets allocated to sustainability projects each year. There will be ongoing collaboration and consultation with internal and external stakeholders and with community members throughout the strategy delivery.

Future reporting on the strategy will include any savings made as a result of projects that have been implemented as will any other benefits achieved.

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.

Samantha Smith

Sustainability Coordinator

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Kaye Cavanagh

General Manager (Environment and Sustainability)

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

Environment and Sustainability Committee

Meeting Agenda

5 September

2023

Doc ID No: A9321770

ITEM: 4

SUBJECT: Healthy Land and Water Network Membership Agreement 2023 - 2026

AUTHOR: Waterway Improvement Officer

DATE: 23 August 2023

Executive Summary

Recommendation/s

A. That Ipswich City Council enter into a one (1) year membership agreement (contract) with Healthy Land and Water up until June 2024 for the ‘Core Monitoring Program’ and ‘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.

RELATED PARTIES

Healthy Land and Water/Water by Design

ifuture Theme

Natural and Sustainable

Purpose of Report/Background

Healthy Land and Water (HLW) is the recognised regional natural resource management (NRM) body and 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, grants and other third-party investments.

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 through the Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program (EHMP)

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

- Production and publication of biennial report cards (formerly annual).

- Development and release of a stewardship report that will be released on alternate year to the report card. The first report scheduled for November 2024

- Provision of advice and guidance around recreational risk from water quality through the Healthy Waterplay 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 and is presented alongside similar reports for all SEQ waterways and the health of Moreton Bay. 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.

For the 2022-2023 financial year council made the decision to enter into a one (1) year agreement only.

HLW has requested that council enter into a three (3) year agreement for the period from July 2023 through to June 2026 at a total cost of $331,098.

Table 1. below outlines the contribution schedule proposed by HLW for next three (3) years (2023-2024 to 2025-2026)

CONTRIBUTION SCHEDULE
FINANCIAL YEAR	2022-2023 (for reference)	2023-2024	2024-2025	2024-2025
Core Monitoring program	$83,000	$87,120	$90,334	$93,644
Clean-up	$20,000	$20,000	$20,000	$20,000
Total	$103,000	$107,120	$110,334	$113,644

Legal IMPLICATIONS

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

Local Government Act 2009

policy implications

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).

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

Environment and Sustainability Department operational budget includes an allocation of $120,000 in the 2023-2024 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 $107,120 for 2023-2024.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

Council Officers from other Local Government Authorities across Southeast Queensland and, Officers from within Environment and Sustainability Department were consulted in the development of the recommendations.

Conclusion

Healthy Land and Water are seeking Council’s commitment for membership funding over the next three years for the period from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026. Council’s previous three (3) year agreement expired on 30 June 2022, and in 2023-2024 council only committed to a one (1) year agreement.

Healthy Land and Water have presented a membership agreement proposal covering the core and Clean Up programs, to a value of $331,098, over three years comprising of $271,098 for membership of the ‘Core Monitoring Program’ and $60,000 ($20,000 annually) for the regular Clean-up program.

It is recommended that Council once again enters into a one (1) year agreement for the Core Monitoring and Clean-up programs only, and that Council further explores alternative options and the value for money proposition from Healthy Land and Water of the program to Council and the community.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
OTHER DECISION

(a) What is the Act/Decision being made?	Recommendation A, B, C and D pertain to the membership of Ipswich City Council to the Healthy Land and Water Network
(b) What human rights are affected?	No Human rights are deemed to be affected by this decision
(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.

Attachments and Confidential Background Papers

1.	Healthy Land and Water Partnership Program: Program Scope July 2023 to June 2026 ⇩

Ben Longstaff

Waterway Improvement Officer

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Phil A. Smith

Manager, Natural Environment

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Kaye Cavanagh

General Manager (Environment and Sustainability)

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

Environment and Sustainability Committee

Meeting Agenda

5 September

2023

Doc ID No: A9234588

ITEM: 5

SUBJECT: Get Ready Queensland Week 2023

AUTHOR: Emergency Management and Sustainability Manager

DATE: 31 July 2023

Executive Summary

Recommendation

That the report titled Get Ready Queensland Week 2023, be received and the contents noted.

RELATED PARTIES

There are no declarations of conflict of interest.

ifuture Theme

Safe, Inclusive and Creative

Purpose of Report/Background

Each year council participates in ‘Get Ready Queensland’, a state-wide program run by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) aimed at helping Queenslanders prepare for natural disasters. This year, Get Ready Queensland Week falls during 9-15 October 2023.

The objectives of the Get Ready Queensland program align with council’s general disaster management objectives to help the community prepare for and become more resilient to disasters by understanding their disaster risk, preparing a household emergency plan and packing an emergency kit.

Council’s community education initiatives this year will commence in September and continue through October to extend the impact of Get Ready Week beyond a single week as a result of capacity and alignment with a funded position from the National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) Preparing Australian Community Grant.

By starting early, this approach aims to prime our community with preparedness messaging that is then reinforced during the actual Get Ready Week, when QRA, NEMA and other agencies increase their promotion of the initiative.

Council’s primary Get Ready Week-related activities this year are a series of community-based information stalls which will be held across Ipswich predominantly at shopping centres/villages, in recognition of these places as community hubs that are convenient and accessible locations for community members.

The Emergency Management Unit is once again collaborating with the Libraries team to provide additional community education opportunities in the form of additional information stalls at all libraries, as well as emergency-themed Story Time and Toddler Time events at the usual locations.

Throughout Get Ready Week itself, council will have a dedicated space at the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre. This venue will assist with expanding the reach of the Get Ready initiative by connecting with both school groups and park visitors frequenting the centre.

The table below outlines the proposed events and their locations. These activities are subject to change due to availability, booking confirmation etc.

Date	Event Title	Status
01-Sep-23	Pop-Up Stall - Springfield Area	Tentative, pending confirmation
05-Sep-23	Pop-Up Stall - West Ipswich Area	Tentative, pending confirmation
07-Sep-23	Pop-Up Stall – Redbank Town Square	Confirmed
12-Sep-23	Pop-Up Stall – Brassall Area	Tentative, pending confirmation
13-Sep-23	Pop-Up Stall – Goodna Area	Tentative, pending confirmation
14-Sep-23	Pop Up Stall - Silkstone Village	Confirmed
15-Sep-23	Pop Up Stall - Yamanto Central	Confirmed
16-Sep-23	Pop Up Stall - Winston Glades	Confirmed
18-Sep-23	School Holiday Pop-Up - Ipswich Central Area	Confirmed
18-Sep-23	Pop-Up Stall - Karalee Shopping Village	Confirmed
20-Sep-23	School Holiday Pop-Up - Redbank Plains Library	Confirmed
21-Sep-23	School Holiday Pop-Up Stall - Redbank Plaza Library	Confirmed
22-Sep-23	School Holiday Pop-Up Stall - Springfield Central Library	Confirmed
25-Sep-23	Get Ready House Activity and Pop-Up Stall - Gailes Area	Tentative, pending confirmation
26-Sep-23	School Holiday Pop-Up Stall - Rosewood Area	Confirmed
27-Sep-23	Tails and Trails - Hotel for Bees - Get Ready House	Confirmed
03-Oct-23	Story & Toddler Time Ipswich Children's Library - Get Ready Themed	Confirmed
06-Oct-23	Story & Toddler Time - Queens Park - Get Ready Themed	Confirmed
09-Oct-23	Queens Park Environment Education Centre - Get Ready House Activity and Pop Up Stall	Confirmed
10-Oct-23	Story & Toddler Time - Springfield - Get Ready Themed	Confirmed
10-Oct-23	Queens Park Environment Education Centre - Get Ready House Activity and Pop Up Stall	Confirmed
11-Oct-23	Queens Park Environment Education Centre - Get Ready House Activity and Pop Up Stall	Confirmed
11-Oct-23	Youth Sustainability Summit - Get Ready Ipswich Stall	Confirmed
12-Oct-23	Queens Park Environment Education Centre - Get Ready House Activity and Pop Up Stall	Confirmed
13-Oct-23	Queens Park Environment Education Centre - Get Ready House Activity and Pop Up Stall	Confirmed

Legal IMPLICATIONS

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

Disaster Management Act 2003

policy implications

Council’s participation in community education activities and Get Ready Week outlined in this report are consistent with Council’s Disaster Management Policy which supports individual, family and community preparedness and disaster resilience.

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

The Get Ready Queensland program and preparedness education is a key opportunity for council to reduce disaster risk in Ipswich by helping the community prepare for disasters and emergencies through education, awareness and engagement activities.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

Activities will be funded through a combination of the Get Ready Queensland grant administered to council by the QRA, labour from the National Emergency Management Agency’s Preparing Australian Community Grant and through Council operational labour.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

Positive community feedback from previous events has informed the approach to this year’s activities. Similar information stalls were run at different locations across Ipswich last year with positive feedback received directly from community members about being able to talk to experts and access disaster preparedness information in their local community, in a way that does not require any additional effort on their part.

Similarly, the Libraries collaboration was also found to be effective last year, based on positive feedback from attendees at both the Library information stalls and Story and Toddler Time events.

Conclusion

Council is well-placed to deliver an effective disaster education and awareness program to communities across Ipswich this year as part of the annual Get Ready Queensland Week initiative.

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.

Matthew Pinder

Emergency Management and Sustainability Manager

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Kaye Cavanagh

General Manager (Environment and Sustainability)

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

Environment and Sustainability Committee

Meeting Agenda

5 September

2023

Doc ID No: A9254818

ITEM: 6

SUBJECT: SES Week 2023

AUTHOR: Senior Emergency Management Officer

DATE: 7 August 2023

Executive Summary

Recommendation/s

That the report titled SES Week 2023, be received and the contents noted.

RELATED PARTIES

There was no declaration of conflicts of interest.

ifuture Theme

Safe, Inclusive and Creative

Purpose of Report/Background

The State Emergency Service (SES) is a volunteer-based organisation designed to empower members of the community to help themselves and others in their communities in times of emergency and disaster. The SES delivers either a primary or support role to many disasters and emergencies, using well-practiced skills such as flood boat rescue, storm damage operations, traffic control and land search and rescue. The SES also undertakes community support activities and public education for disaster preparedness.

Locally, the Ipswich City SES Unit comprises 186 active members from groups based at Goodna, Marburg, Rosewood and Ipswich, and has a long history of helping the Ipswich community after disaster events, with notable events including the 2022 floods and the 2020 hailstorm.

SES Week is coordinated by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and in 2023 will be celebrated between 9 and 17 September 2023. SES Week is a time to honour the hard work and outstanding efforts of the staff and volunteers across Queensland who form the SES.

Council will be undertaking the following activities in support of our Ipswich City SES Unit members:

· Lighting the 1 Nicholas Street building in orange throughout SES Week;

· Hosting a photoshoot for SES members to showcase their profession and skills, and to demonstrate the diversity of the Ipswich City SES Unit (these images will be provided to the Ipswich City SES Unit for use in their recruitment and promotional campaigns);

· An internal article promoting SES Week to Council’s 1,000+ staff, many of whom live in Ipswich and have benefited from the efforts of the SES following disaster events;

· An Ipswich First article showcasing the diverse members of the Ipswich City SES Unit; and

· A Facebook post during SES Week to raise awareness in the community of the valuable contributions of our SES volunteers and encourage them to consider joining.

Legal IMPLICATIONS

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

Local Government Act 2009

policy implications

The activities proposed are consistent with Council’s Support to the State Emergency Services Policy and Support to the State Emergency Services Procedure.

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

There are no discernible risk related to this report.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

Costs associated with the activities outlined in this report will be met within operational budget.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

The Local Controller of the Ipswich City SES Unit was consulted in determining the activities outlined in this report, being that they are best placed to determine what would be most valuable to the Unit and most meaningful to SES members.

Multiple departments within Council have been consulted in order to bring these activities to fruition.

Conclusion

SES volunteers go above and beyond for their communities during trying times, in trying conditions, and often at the expense of their own personal commitments. Council’s contribution to SES Week 2023 is a small token of thanks for this selfless and dedicated group of community members.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS

RECEIVE AND NOTE REPORT

Kristie McKenna

Senior Emergency Management Officer

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Matthew Pinder

Emergency Management and Sustainability Manager

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Kaye Cavanagh

General Manager (Environment and Sustainability)

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