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. 2024(03) of 13 August 2024	7
	Officers’ Reports
2	Queens Park Environmental Education Centre Operational Update	12
3	Disaster Awareness Camera Network (DACN) Update	29
4	Waste and Circular Economy Transformation Policy Directive Update	33
5	Ipswich City Council's Financial Contribution To The Resilient Rivers Initiative Through South East Queensland Council Of Mayors	40
	Notices of Motion
	Matters Arising

Environment and Sustainability Committee NO. 2024(04)

3 September 2024

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. 2024(03) of 13 August 2024

Recommendation

That the minutes of the Environment and Sustainability Committee held on
13 August 2024 be confirmed.

Officers’ Reports

2. Queens Park Environmental Education Centre operational update

This is a report concerning the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre, highlighting key changes from the past two (2) years and the plan for the future.

Recommendation

That the report on the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre be received and the contents noted.

3. Disaster Awareness Camera Network (DACN) Update

This report concerns the progress in establishing and implementing the Disaster Awareness Camera Network (DACN), commonly called flood cameras. It describes the activities undertaken thus far and plans to roll out the DACN camera network across the Ipswich LGA.

Recommendation

That the report titled Disaster Awareness Camera Network (DACN) Update be received and the contents noted.

4. Waste and Circular Economy Transformation Policy Directive Update

This is an update report on the continuing implementation of the Ipswich City Council Waste and Circular Economy Transformation Policy Directive (the Directive) following the review of the Directive as presented to the Ordinary Council Meeting of 23 May 2024.

As outlined in the attachment to this report, a significant body of work continues to implement actions against the ten (10) principles of the Directive.

Recommendation

That the report on the Waste and Circular Economy Transformation Policy Directive update be received and the contents noted.

5. Ipswich City Council's Financial Contribution To The RESILIENT Rivers INITIATIVE Through South East Queensland Council Of Mayors

This is a report concerning Ipswich City Council’s financial contribution to the Resilient Rivers Initiative through Council of Mayors (SEQ).

Recommendation

That Ipswich City Council pay Council of Mayors (SEQ) the sum of $224,263 as its financial contribution to the Resilient Rivers Initiative for the 2024-2025 financial year.

NOTICES OF MOTION

MATTERS ARISING

Environment and Sustainability Committee

Meeting Agenda

3 September

2024

Environment and Sustainability Committee NO. 2024(03)

13 August 2024

Minutes

COUNCILLORS’ ATTENDANCE:

Councillor Jim Madden (Chairperson); Councillors Andrew Antoniolli (Deputy Chairperson), Mayor Teresa Harding, Jacob Madsen, Pye Augustine and Marnie Doyle (Observer)

COUNCILLOR’S APOLOGIES:

Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic

OFFICERS’ ATTENDANCE:

Chief Executive Officer (Sonia Cooper), General Manager Environment and Sustainability (Kaye Cavanagh), General Manager Asset and Infrastructure Services (Matt Anderson), General Manager Community, Cultural and Economic Development (Ben Pole), Chief Financial Officer (Jeff Keech), Resource Recovery Manager (David McAlister), Senior Community Education and Engagement Officer (Paul Tanko), Chief of Staff – Office of the Mayor (Melissa Fitzgerald), Disaster and Natural Hazards Manager (Matthew Pinder), Senior Communications and Policy Officer (Jodie Richter), Senior Media Officer (Darrell Giles) and Theatre Technician (Harrison Cate)

Leave of Absence - Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic

Recommendation

Moved by Councillor Jim Madden:

Seconded by Councillor Andrew Antoniolli:

That a Leave of Absence be granted for Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic.

Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country

Councillor Jim Madden (Chairperson) delivered the Acknowledgement of Country

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN MATTERS ON THE AGENDA

Nil

BUSINESS OUTSTANDING

Nil

Confirmation of Minutes

1. Confirmation of Minutes of the Environment and Sustainability Committee No. 2024(02) of 16 July 2024

Recommendation

Moved by Councillor Pye Augustine:

Seconded by Councillor Andrew Antoniolli:

That the minutes of the Environment and Sustainability Committee held on
16 July 2024 be confirmed.

AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE

Councillors: Councillors:

Madden Nil

Antoniolli

Harding

Madsen

Augustine

The motion was put and carried.

Officers’ Reports

2. SES Week 2024

This is a report regarding the annual SES Week campaign and the activities that are occurring in the City of Ipswich to recognise and celebrate the Ipswich City State Emergency Service Unit as part of SES Week 2024.

Recommendation

Moved by Councillor Pye Augustine:

Seconded by Mayor Teresa Harding:

That the report be received and the contents noted.

AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE

Councillors: Councillors:

Madden Nil

Antoniolli

Harding

Madsen

Augustine

The motion was put and carried.

3. Get Ready Week 2024

This is a report concerning the state-led annual Get Ready Queensland program, including the keystone event ‘Get Ready Week’ in October, and how council plans to promote the program across Ipswich in 2024 to encourage all residents to learn about their disaster risk and the steps they can take to prepare for and build resilience to disasters in Ipswich.

Recommendation

Moved by Councillor Pye Augustine:

Seconded by Councillor Andrew Antoniolli:

That the report be received and the contents noted.

AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE

Councillors: Councillors:

Madden Nil

Antoniolli

Harding

Madsen

Augustine

The motion was put and carried.

NOTICES OF MOTION

4. Notice of Motion - Proposed Western Resource Recovery Centre

This is a notice of motion submitted by Councillor Jim Madden concerning a proposed location for the Western Resource Recovery Centre at Mount Marrow.

Councillor Jim Madden gave notice of his intention to move the following motion at the Environment and Sustainability Committee Meeting of 13 August 2024:

Recommendation

Moved by Councillor Jim Madden:

Seconded by Councillor Andrew Antoniolli:

That the site at Mount Marrow identified as a proposed location for the Western Resource Recovery Centre be removed from consideration.

AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE

Councillors: Councillors:

Madden Nil

Antoniolli

Harding

Madsen

Augustine

The motion was put and carried.

5. Notice of Motion - Proposed Southern Resource Recovery Centre Facility

This is a notice of motion submitted by Councillor Jim Madden concerning facilities at the proposed Southern Resource Recovery Centre.

Councillor Jim Madden gave notice of his intention to move the following motion at the Environment and Sustainability Committee Meeting of 13 August 2024:

Recommendation

Moved by Councillor Jim Madden:

Seconded by Councillor Jacob Madsen:

That Council Officers prepare a report relating to costings and a review as to the possibility of the following facilities at the proposed Southern Resource Recovery Centre:

· Tip Shop – where items that would otherwise go to landfill could be sold.

· Tool Library - where residents can loan tools for use instead of buying cheap tools and disposing of them in landfill.

· Toy Library - where residents can loan children’s educational toys & play equipment.

· Repair Centre or Repair Cafe - where residents can take items to learn how to repair and reuse these items.

· And any other relevant issues.

AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE

Councillors: Councillors:

Madden Nil

Antoniolli

Harding

Madsen

Augustine

The motion was put and carried.

MATTERS ARISING

Nil

PROCEDURAL MOTIONS AND FORMAL MATTERS

The meeting commenced at 1.32 pm.

The meeting closed at 2.05 pm.

Environment and Sustainability Committee

Meeting Agenda

3 September

2024

Doc ID No: A10456800

ITEM: 2

SUBJECT: Queens Park Environmental Education Centre operational update

AUTHOR: Program Officer (Environmental Education)

DATE: 30 July 2024

Executive Summary

This is a report concerning the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre, highlighting key changes from the past two years and the plan for the future.

Recommendation/s

That the report on the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre 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

The Queens Park Environmental Education Centre (The Centre) is a free council facility serving the community for the last 15 years. The Centre recently celebrated its 15 years in collaboration with World Environment Day on 5 June 2024. It houses permanent environmental education exhibits, displays and information which showcase Ipswich's unique natural environment and waterways. The Centre is an educational hub through which the Environment and Sustainability Education and Awareness Team can achieve its core objective around delivering education and information aimed at instilling behaviour change and sharing awareness of the importance of sustainability and the natural environment.

Following the completion of an internal review of Environmental Education in 2022, the Centre has undergone a number of upgrades and changes. The growth and changes made to programming, centre upgrades and engagement with schools have largely been driven by the recommendations of the review.

The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of these changes, showcase the subsequent growth in visitation and staffing requirements at the centre and outline the next steps for the Centre as part of our draft three-year operational plan.

Vision for Queens Park Environmental Education Centre

The long-term vision for the Centre is that it is known for its educational excellence with vibrant and progressive learning opportunities by:

§ Providing opportunities to connect to Country and acknowledge the significance of the area to Traditional Owners

§ Providing high-quality learning experiences for kids, students, families, community members and visitors

§ Providing authentic learning opportunities aimed at making meaningful connections with the environment

§ Providing a one stop resource and learning hub with:

- Workshops

- Free play

- Excursion programs

- Story telling

§ Provide a supportive learning environment with opportunities to succeed through empowering individuals

The vision has been achieved by:

§ Completing upgrades to the space including infrastructure, information, displays and exhibits

§ Developing an excursion programming aligned with Environment and Sustainability Department’s key strategies

§ The recruitment of environmental casual employees

§ Upskilling and training of environmental volunteers

§ Creating a new Volunteer Coordinator position

Overview of Centre upgrades

In 2023 the Centre went through a number of upgrades to make it more fit for purpose. These include:

§ Replacing the carpet with a hard flooring solution. This modernised the space and allowed for easier on-the-spot cleaning with our young audience.

§ The construction of an office space to allow Council officers to work from the facility and be on-hand to support front-facing staff and volunteers as required.

§ The enclosure of the back veranda and installation of storage space to house resources for Bushcare groups and volunteers to access.

In 2024 the Centre underwent a number of changes to educational content in the exhibition spaces:

§ The front room information panels were replaced with updated content reflecting current priority messages and themes related to the natural environment.

§ A set of interchangeable information panels were installed in the back room to allow for changing and themed messaging related to resource recovery, sustainability and urban wildlife, depending on the focus/activation in the Centre.

§ Images of these updates are available as an attachment.

Activation

QPEEC provides and facilitates the opportunity to connect with and educate a diverse number of people. It also provides a range of activities and educational tools for people to engage and learn from.

The following strategies guide the messaging and programming at QPEEC:

- Natural Environment strategy

- Waterways Health Strategy

- Sustainability Strategy

- Resource Recovery Strategy

- Urban Greening Strategy

- Ipswich City Council iFuture

Staffing requirements

Prior to 2022 the Centre was run entirely by a team of committed volunteers and managed at arms length by a Council officer covering all Environmental Volunteers. While volunteers make a significant and invaluable contribution to the running of the Centre, the changing nature of volunteering and the volunteer landscape following the Covid 19 pandemic meant it was no longer feasible to manage the space through volunteers alone.

Based upon user feedback it was recognised that regular and increased usage of the centre was linked to having consistent and reliable opening hours. As such it was a priority to set and maintain opening hours which meant people had confidence in when they could use the facility.

In 2022 the introduction of casual Council staff provided an interim solution to allow for consistent opening hours and provided an understanding of the future staffing requirements. In recognition of the need for more sustainable and consistent staffing to support the regularity of operating hours, a permanent part-time position has been created and recruitment of this position is underway.

Centre Programming

The Centre plays a pivotal role in providing a supportive learning environment with educational opportunities for the general public and more specifically for schools. The school program is available for bookings between Tuesday and Thursday. The program includes a guided experience of the Ipswich Nature Centre and an educational session at the Centre. An excursion guide and booking form is online and available to all schools.

Fridays are reserved for an under 5s audience in partnership with the Ipswich Libraries team who deliver environmental themed story time in the park once a month. School holidays include activations and workshops guided by broader team campaigns and themes.

In 2023 and 2024 the Centre was sought out by different environmental art exhibitors during the SPARK festival where the Centre hosted interactive displays for varied audience.

Growth and visitation

The Centre has seen significant growth in visitation over the past two (2) years as a result of upgrades and consistent opening hours.

*Centre was closed in February 2023 for building upgrades

Visitor Numbers:

§ Over 23 000 visitors in the 23-24 financial year

§ Over 7600 visitors April-June 2024

§ Over 2500 visitors during the 2024 three-week June/July SPARK activation

Previously most schools would only visit the Ipswich Nature Centre and now nearly all schools visit both locations.

Location

Number of schools 23-24

Number of students 23-24

QPEEC and/or guided Nature Centre

2023

Next steps

Continue to update Shape your Ipswich to communicate any changes proposed to the Centre. With the major upgrades and changes now complete, the Centre is entering a business-as-usual operations phase, which will focus on:

§ Ongoing activation of the space including programs, events, workshops and other activations.

§ Ongoing training and development of staff to maintain excellence in service delivery

§ Establishing an evaluation framework to ensure the Centre is meeting community needs, maintaining relevance and achieving its vision and operational requirements.

Legal IMPLICATIONS

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

Not Applicable

policy implications

There were no policy implications as a result of undertaking the program.

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

There were no risk management implications as a result of undertaking the program.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

The program was delivered using operational budget across the Environment and Sustainability, Education and Awareness Team.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

The following Departments were consulted and agreed to the program outcomes and deliverables

· Environment and Sustainability

Conclusion

It is proposed that the Centre concludes its upgrade phase and moves into the business-as-usual phase. Reporting on the growth and activation of the centre will continue as per reporting requirements.

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.

Attachments and Confidential Background Papers

1.	Images of QPEEC upgrade ⇩
2.	QPEEC 23-24 Vision ⇩

Kimberley Hare

Program Officer (Environmental Education)

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

3 September

2024

Doc ID No: A10233630

ITEM: 3

SUBJECT: Disaster Awareness Camera Network (DACN) Update

AUTHOR: Flood Intelligence Officer

DATE: 3 June 2024

Executive Summary

Recommendation/s

That the report titled Disaster Awareness Camera Network (DACN) Update 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

The Flood Review 2022 is driven by strong community sentiment for more information during disaster events and an internal need to monitor critical locations such as referrable dams. This camera network has improved situational awareness of evolving disaster events at targeted locations.

In 2022, Council commenced stakeholder engagement with internal and external stakeholders to establish the fundamental principles of the DACN network. In 2023, a pilot was conducted with 11 temporary cameras installed at crucial test locations where roads were known to be affected by flooding and in January 2024 Council approved the Disaster Awareness Camera Network (DACN) Policy.

Procurement was completed in March 2024, and a contract was entered with a supplier to establish permanent locations and ensure supply arrangements for expansion.

In April 2024, a data-sharing agreement was established with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to allow the sharing of TMR and Council camera images on a site-by-site basis. This will reduce the need for the Council to install cameras where a suitable TMR camera already exists.

10 new permanent cameras are located at the five referable dams: Rosewood, Marburg, Limestone Park, Springfield Upper and Springfield Lower. Referable dams were prioritised for installation to allow remote monitoring and completed before 30 June 2024. These cameras are crucial for managing the referrable dam, including emergency actions. Only some of these cameras are viewable by the public; however, based on the privacy impact assessment, some will be available via the disaster dashboard by the end of September 2024.

Council received funding under the Flood Warning Infrastructure Network Program, funded by the Australian Government under the Emergency Response Fund, to replace nine temporary cameras with permanent cameras. Installation is intended to be completed by the end of October 2024.

As part of the Council-approved capital budget for 2024-2025, Council funds were made available to expand the program further; this is intended to commence in January 2025 and be completed before June 2025 with an estimated eight additional sites. Site locations still need to be determined; according to the criteria established under the policy. This will include consultation with the Mayor and Councillors.

Legal IMPLICATIONS

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

· Local Government Act 2009

· Disaster Management Act 2003

· Work Health and Safety Act 2011

· Privacy Act 2009

policy implications

This report is consistent with the provision of the Disaster Awareness Camera Network (DACN) Policy.

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

The DACN near real-time images made available to the public at the Ipswich Disaster Dashboard enable the community to identify hazards (such as flooded roads, etc.) and avoid them. Thus, the result of the DACN implementation is that in disaster events, it greatly increases situational awareness, leading to better assessed/reduced/avoided exposure to hazards, which ultimately allows for more effective risk management and mitigation or complete risk avoidance.

There are no other discernible risk implications resulting from this report.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

There are no additional financial or resource implications resulting from this report, noting that grant funding has been received and the 2024/25 Capital program has provided funding for establishing and expanding the DACN network.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

Community feedback in the ensuing years, including the flood review and pilot camera program, has been instrumental in developing and refining the DACN program.

Extensive consultation has occurred internally across the various Council departments, including the Natural Environment Branch, Works and Field Services Branch, Infrastructure and Strategy Branch, Safe City and Asset Protection Branch.

Council has also conducted and will continue to consult with federal and state departments such as the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), Queensland Police Service and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Conclusion

The community expects the Council to provide more disaster-related information that may reduce the impacts on Ipswich residents.

Responding to that, the DACN implementation provides increased situational awareness in disaster events, leading to better assessment, reduction, and avoidance of hazard exposure. This ultimately allows for more effective risk management and mitigation or complete risk avoidance.

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.

Adam Cassel

Flood Intelligence Officer

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Oleg Makarynskyy

Senior Engineer (Floodplain Risk Management)

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Matthew Pinder

Disaster and Natural Hazards 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

3 September

2024

Doc ID No: A10552350

ITEM: 4

SUBJECT: Waste and Circular Economy Transformation Policy Directive Update

AUTHOR: Sustainability and Climate Change Coordinator

DATE: 21 August 2024

Executive Summary

As outlined in the attachment to this report, a significant body of work continues to implement actions against the ten (10) principles of the Directive.

Recommendation/s

That the report on the Waste and Circular Economy Transformation Policy Directive update be received and the contents noted.

RELATED PARTIES

There are many related parties associated with this report including other levels of government, business and industry associated with the waste and circular economy industry.

As this is a report recommending that the report be received and noted, there are not considered to be any conflicts that require declaration.

ifuture Theme

A Trusted and Leading Organisation

Purpose of Report/Background

On 3 December 2020, Council resolved to adopt the Directive which prioritises the protection of the health and wellbeing of our community and environment, the liveability of our city, and the future vibrancy of our economy. The Directive is intended to provide a vision for Council reflecting Council’s many interests on behalf of the community in respect to the area of waste and circular economy.

Council officers have been implementing a variety of elements of the directive, including a focus on the Implementation Plan. An attachment to this report outlines the core focus for

the last three (3) months. It should be noted that the most significant focus has been placed on the new draft Ipswich Planning Scheme which is now with State for approval.

Key matters

Waste Compliance
An additional compliance role within the PRS development compliance area has been funded for this financial year. This role will help drive better compliance within the waste industry through improved programs and enforcement actions.

New City of Ipswich Planning Scheme
Council is in the final stages of seeking approval for its new planning scheme which aims to increase circular economy developments. Once this new planning scheme is adopted by Council it will replace the current planning scheme to help Ipswich plan and deliver for its growing city.

Sustainable Procurement
Sustainable procurement improvements are a key delivery of the Directive and as part of the Ipswich City Council Sustainability Strategy. This work has been earmarked for delivery this financial year. Developing sustainable procurement practices will allow Ipswich City Council to future proof against scarcity in supply and changes in social, economic, and environmental factors as well as reduce the impact of waste on human health and the environment.

Resource Recovery Strategy and Resource Recovery Infrastructure Plan

Work is continuing in the implementation of Council’s Resource Recovery Strategy and the Resource Recovery Infrastructure Plan to manage waste for our community.

Waste Levy Initiatives

Council continues to source support programs to ensure Ipswich gets the best return for the community through leveraging Government Waste Levy initiatives and grant funding.

Some significant movement in last quarter included close to $20M across the Sub-Regional Waste Alliance (SRA) Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and GrowFOGO.

Compliance Action and monitoring of waste and resource recovery related development activity

Compliance action on strategic sites is continuing, as is monitoring of development applications and enquiries relating to waste and resource recovery matters.

Legal IMPLICATIONS

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

Not Applicable

policy implications

There are no policy implications associated with this report which is for receiving and noting.

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

There are no risk management implications associated with this report which is for receiving and noting.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

There are no resource and financial implications associated with this report which is for receiving and noting.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

Not applicable for this report.

Conclusion

A significant body of work continues on the implementation of the Directive and quarterly updates will continue to be reported to the Council.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS

RECEIVE AND NOTE REPORT

Attachments and Confidential Background Papers

1.	Waste and Circular Economy Transformation Policy Directive Quarterly Update to Council - September 2024 (FINAL V2) ⇩

Heike Bell

Sustainability and Climate Change 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

3 September

2024

Doc ID No: A10532769

ITEM: 5

SUBJECT: Ipswich City Council's Financial Contribution To The RESILIENT Rivers INITIATIVE Through South East Queensland Council Of Mayors

AUTHOR: Manager, Natural Environment

DATE: 15 August 2024

Executive Summary

This is a report concerning Ipswich City Council’s financial contribution to the Resilient Rivers Initiative through Council of Mayors (SEQ).

Recommendation/s

That Ipswich City Council pay Council of Mayors (SEQ) the sum of $224,263 as its financial contribution to the Resilient Rivers Initiative for the 2024-2025 financial year.

RELATED PARTIES

Council of Mayors (SEQ) and its member councils.

ifuture Theme

Natural and Sustainable

Purpose of Report/Background

Ipswich City Council has been working alongside the Council of Mayors (SEQ) as part of the Resilient Rivers Initiative (RRI) since 2014. Council has helped guide the process of developing a catchment-based investment mechanism and more recently the investment strategy (Attachment 1) through officer involvement in consultative and Steering Committees throughout this time.

To date Council has received more than $350,000 in financial contributions to carry out waterway and landscape improvements in the Black Snake Creek Catchment. This funding provided through the RRI, with Brisbane City Council as the main funding contributor over the first 5 years, acknowledging the benefits to be gleaned to the city by investing in upstream Catchments.

Over this period Council has contributed ‘in kind’ to the management and delivery of on-ground works within the focus catchments as well as $30,000 annually to the support and wages of the Bremer Catchment Officer who is hosted 1-2 days a week at 1 Nicolas Street (this was paid by agreement to Scenic Rim Council who administer the position).

Over the last 2 years Council officers have been in discussions regarding the option of making an annual financial contribution to the RRI in line with other contributing Council members, including Logan, Brisbane, Scenic Rim, Moreton Bay, Redlands and Gold Coast

At the end of the 23-24 financial year, the Resilient River Initiative completed a review, published the new investment strategy, and introduced new governance structures and terms of reference for the governance groups to prepare for the upcoming City Deal commitment. This will see $40M invested into the region's waterways over the next 5 years through the Resilient Rivers Initiative as part of a cooperative partnership between the three levels of government.

Presently, an agreement and or contract between COMSEQ and the member councils is being considered and under development by COMSEQ officers. In the absence of this agreement, a council resolution is sought to support the payment of this year's contribution.

Environment and Sustainability Department’s operational budget for 24/25 includes the sum of $250,000 to cover council’s contribution to the RRI for this year. Each Council will be making a per-capita-based payment to cover the local government level commitment.

Legal IMPLICATIONS

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

Land Act 1994

policy implications

There is no direct policy implications or relevant material to address this matter.

The objectives of the Resilient Rivers Initiative, and by extension the funding, align with the objectives and intent of the Natural Environment Policy.

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

There is a risk that in not being a contributing member to the RRI, Council may not in turn be eligible to receive the associated leveraged funding through the City Deal to deliver waterway improvement works for the Ipswich Local Government Area.

There is a further long-term financial risk that the lack of a contribution could limit the delivery or extent of works that could benefit Ipswich’s waterways and by extension the entire region.

There are minor risks associated with making a contribution in the absence of a formal legal contract or agreement outlining the specific terms and conditions, that Council would not have legal recourse if the monies were mismanaged. This is mitigated through Council representation at the Mayor and Senior Management level on the RRI Taskforce, Program Control Group, and sub-regional steering committees. This risk is also mitigated through Council’s resolved membership of Council of Mayors (SEQ).

The risks associated with not approving this recommendation centre around following of appropriate and transparent probity process in regard to the expenditure of public funds and documenting and recording decisions. This will best mitigate the risk of any recourse or future questions around the management of council monies.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

The contributions of $224,263 is within the approved Environment and Sustainability budget for this financial year. It is envisaged that Council and the local/regional waterways will receive between 1-3x return on investment through the additional leveraged funding.

This payment will also supersede the need to make the annual labour contributions for the Bremer Catchment Officer as it will be included as part of this amount.

It is envisaged that this is likely to be a recuring annual payment for the duration of the City Deal and beyond.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

The development of the investment strategy, governance and program planning for the RRI has been done over several years with Member Councils, relevant Queensland Government Departments, Natural Resource Management groups, and other relevant stakeholders.

Conclusion

In order to progress as active members of the Council Of Mayors (SEQ) Resilient Rivers Initiative for the 2024-2025 financial year it is recommended that Council resolves to make a financial contribution to the program, in line with other SEQ councils. This in turn will allow Council access to the funding from other levels of government and other member councils through the City Deal for investment in our local and regional waterways in line with the Resilient Rivers Initiative: SEQ Waterways and Wetlands Investment Strategy.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
OTHER DECISION

(a) What is the Act/Decision being made?	That Ipswich City Council pay South East Queensland Council of Mayors the sum of $224,263 as its annual financial contribution to the Resilient Rivers Initiative for the 2024-2025 financial year
(b) What human rights are affected?	No human rights are 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.	Resilient Rivers Initiative SEQ Waterways and Wetlands Investment Strategy ⇩

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”