IPSWICH
CITY
COUNCIL
AGENDA
Environment and Sustainability Committee
Thursday, 1 February 2024
10 minutes after the conclusion of the Economic and Industry Development Committee or such later time as determined by the preceding committee
Council Chambers, Level 8
1 Nicholas Street, Ipswich
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MEMBERS OF THE Environment and Sustainability Committee |
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Deputy Mayor Russell Milligan (Chairperson) Councillor Andrew Fechner (Deputy Chairperson) |
Mayor Teresa Harding Councillor Jacob Madsen Councillor Kate Kunzelmann |
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Environment and Sustainability Committee Meeting Agenda |
1 February 2024 |
Environment and Sustainability Committee AGENDA
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Item No. |
Item Title |
Page No. |
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Welcome to Country or Acknowledgment of Country |
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Declarations of Interest |
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Presentation – Ripley Valley State Secondary College |
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Business Outstanding |
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Confirmation of Minutes |
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1 |
Confirmation of Minutes of the Environment and Sustainability Committee No. 2023(11) of 28 November 2023 |
7 |
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Officers’ Reports |
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2 |
Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust Program of Works 2023 - 2024 |
10 |
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3 |
Overview of Disaster Management Training & Exercises |
13 |
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Notices of Motion |
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Matters Arising |
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** Item includes confidential papers
Environment and Sustainability Committee NO. 1
1 February 2024
AGENDA
Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN MATTERS ON THE AGENDA
PRESENTATION – RIPLEY VALLEY STATE SECONDARY COLLEGE
Anastasia Constable (Ignite Excellence Academy and Science Teacher) and two (2) Junior School Captains will present to the committee regarding the following:
· Development of native plant bursary in partnership with the Bremer River Catchment Association for use at planting events along the rivers supported by BCA
· Whole of school sustainability programming driven by students and future vision to support the Youth Sustainability Summit through student leadership and workshops
BUSINESS OUTSTANDING
Confirmation of Minutes
1. Confirmation of Minutes of the Environment and Sustainability Committee No. 2023(11) of 28 November 2023
Recommendation
That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 28 November 2023 be confirmed.
Officers’ Reports
2. Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust Program of Works 2023 - 2024
This is a report concerning the proposed annual works program and plan for the Ipswich Rivers Improvements Trust for 2023 -2024 as funded by the Precept from Council issued under the Rivers Improvement Act 1940.
Recommendation
That the report be received and the contents noted.
3. Overview of Disaster Management Training & Exercises
This is a report concerning the overview of the Disaster Management training and exercise activities for the past 12 months.
Recommendation
That the report be received and the contents noted.
NOTICES OF MOTION
MATTERS ARISING
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Environment and Sustainability Committee Meeting Agenda |
1 February 2024 |
Environment and Sustainability Committee NO. 2023(11)
28 November 2023
Minutes
COUNCILLORS’ ATTENDANCE: Deputy Mayor Russell Milligan (Chairperson); Councillors Andrew Fechner (Deputy Chairperson), Mayor Teresa Harding and Kate Kunzelmann
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), Acting Manager, Strategy and Performance (Haiden Taylor), Manager Natural Environment (Phil A Smith), Team Leader – Strategic Catchment and Conservation Planning (Belinda Whelband), Environment Engineer (Brittinee Mullins), Precinct Director – Nicholas Street Precinct (James Hepburn), Manager Media, Communications and Engagement (Mark Strong), Chief of Staff – Office of the Mayor (Melissa Fitzgerald), Senior Media Officer (Lucy Stone), Senior Media Officer (Darrell Giles), Senior Communications and Policy Officer (Jodie Richter) and Theatre and Production Coordinator (Nicholas Burke)
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Acknowledgement of Country
Deputy Mayor Russell Milligan (Chairperson) delivered the Acknowledgement of Country |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN MATTERS ON THE AGENDA
Nil |
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BUSINESS OUTSTANDING
Nil |
Confirmation of Minutes
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1. Confirmation of Minutes of the Environment and Sustainability Committee No. 2023(10) of 9 November 2023 |
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RECOMMENDATION Moved by Councillor Andrew Fechner: Seconded by Councillor Kate Kunzelmann: That the Minutes of the Environment
and Sustainability Committee held on
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AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE Councillors: Councillors: Milligan Nil Fechner Harding Kunzelmann
The motion was put and carried. |
Officers’ Reports
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2. City of Ipswich Biosecurity Plan This is a report concerning the City of Ipswich Biosecurity Plan Review, undertaken to revise the expiring Biosecurity Plan endorsed in 2018. |
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RECOMMENDATION Moved by Councillor Andrew Fechner: Seconded by Councillor Kate Kunzelmann: That the City of Ipswich Biosecurity Plan be adopted.
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AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE Councillors: Councillors: Milligan Nil Fechner Harding Kunzelmann
The motion was put and carried. |
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3. Offsite Stormwater Quality Improvement Program Annual Report This is a report concerning the Offsite Stormwater Quality Improvement Program (Formerly called the Stormwater Quality Offset Program) status from commencement until June 2023. The Annual Report provides an overview of the program, an assessment of the financial contributions received, project expenditures and the offsite water quality improvement projects delivered. The report specifically highlights progress in the last financial year, including the completion of three creek stabilisation projects and the near completion of a bioretention basin. The report also highlights some of the improvements to the program that are currently underway, including new policies and procedures, guidelines, developer fee review and preparation of an offsite delivery plan. |
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RECOMMENDATION Moved by Councillor Andrew Fechner: Seconded by Councillor Kate Kunzelmann: That the Ipswich City Council Offsite Stormwater Quality Improvement Program Annual update report be received, and the contents noted.
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AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE Councillors: Councillors: Milligan Nil Fechner Harding Kunzelmann
The motion was put and carried. |
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NOTICES OF MOTION
Nil |
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MATTERS ARISING
Nil |
PROCEDURAL MOTIONS AND FORMAL MATTERS
The meeting commenced at 1.46 pm.
The meeting closed at 2.36 pm.
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Environment and Sustainability Committee Meeting Agenda |
1 February 2024 |
ITEM: 2
SUBJECT: Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust Program of Works 2023 - 2024
AUTHOR: Manager, Natural Environment
DATE: 22 November 2023
This is a report concerning the proposed annual works program and plan for the Ipswich Rivers Improvements Trust for 2023 -2024 as funded by the Precept from Council issued under the Rivers Improvement Act 1940.
That the report be received and the contents noted.
RELATED PARTIES
Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust.
ifuture Theme
Natural and Sustainable
Purpose of Report/Background
This report provides the annual works plan as provided by the Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust. The annual works plan sets out the proposed works to be undertaken by the Trust, including projects on rivers and waterways that are on both public and private lands.
Under the Rivers Improvement Trust Act, a Trust is to prepare an annual works program in order to inform the annual precept amount it will seek from the relevant Local Authority in which the Trust operates.
Table 1: Ipswich River Improvement Trust 2023-24 Environmental Works Program
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CREEK |
WORKS |
ESTIMATED COST |
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Woogaroo Creek |
Vine Removal |
$30,000 |
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Bundamba Creek |
Bank Stabilisation Investigations, design and works |
$120,000 |
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Bundamba Creek |
Revegetation |
$40,000 |
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Bundamba Creek |
Week removal – follow up |
$5,000 |
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Ironpot Creek |
Revegetation of recent weed removal area |
$20,000 |
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Ironpot Creek |
Weed removal – follow up |
$20,000 |
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Ironpot Creek |
Weed removal – follow up (new) |
$5,000 |
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Ironpot Creek |
Weed removal – continuing (new) |
$20,000 |
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Western Creek |
Priority work – designs |
$40,000 |
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Total |
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$300,000 |
Legal IMPLICATIONS
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Rivers Improvement Act 1940
policy implications
Nil
RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
Council is required to comply with the Rivers Improvement Trust Act 1940 in the payment of the Precept.
Council works closely with the Trust in the development of their annual works program to provide the best value for the community and look to value add rather than duplicate or work individually without cooperative efficiency.
Council has in the past received direct enquiries about the work of the Trust through the customer call centre, as such a script is developed and reviewed, and this will be updated to reflect the current planned works and locations.
Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
The annual Precept required from the Trust for 2023-2024 is $300,000. This amount has been included in the Natural Environment budget. There are no further financial or resource implications in payment of this precept.
COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION
No community consultation is required in Council received the annual works program from the Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust.
Conclusion
The 2023-2024 Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust Annual Works program will focus on investment in weed control and riparian revegetation in the Bundamba and Ironpot Creek catchments.
The plan was worked through with Council officers in order to add value to ongoing programs and initiatives.
HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS
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HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS |
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RECEIVE AND NOTE REPORT |
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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.
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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”
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Environment and Sustainability Committee Meeting Agenda |
1 February 2024 |
ITEM: 3
SUBJECT: Overview of Disaster Management Training & Exercises
AUTHOR: Emergency Management Officer
DATE: 10 January 2024
Executive Summary
Recommendation
That the report be received and the contents noted.
RELATED PARTIES
There are no known conflicts of interest to declare
ifuture Theme
Safe, Inclusive and Creative
Purpose of Report/Background
The Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG), Local Recovery and Resilience Group (LRRG) and Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) play pivotal roles in disaster response and recovery management. To ensure their effectiveness, a series of training lessons, meetings, masterclasses and exercises are conducted on a regular basis.
Training and exercising address the need to continually enhance the collective capabilities of the LDMG, LRRG and LDCC in handling diverse and compounding disaster scenarios. The approach to developing capability includes training sessions, masterclasses, interactive simulations, collaborative exercises, and robust feedback to create dynamic and effective learning environments.
Training
The LDCC Flood Intelligence Cell (FIC) provided a total of six training sessions throughout the year, which provided essential training in our flood forecasting and analysis system with the training provided by an external facilitator.
Several LDCC, LDMG and LRRG members attended masterclasses provided by Queensland Fire and Emergency Service including:
• Masterclass in Meteorology
• Masterclass in Community Recovery
• Masterclass – Leadership in Disaster Recovery
“Psychological First Aid” training was provided by the Australian Red Cross for the LDCC and evacuation centre personnel, where they learnt the latest internationally recognised evidence-based practice in psychological first aid. This assisted the reservists in maintaining their well-being as well as becoming a confident supporter during emergencies, disasters, or traumatic events.
Exercise / Simulations / Scenarios
Exercise “FUEGO I” - The City of Ipswich LRRG were able to practice and improve processes for receiving a handover from response/LDMG, impact and needs assessments, recovery strategies and event-specified recovery plan development.
Exercise “FUEGO II” - Building on the momentum and learnings from “FUEGO I” this exercise focused on the process of conducting needs assessments and development of recovery strategies and plans.
Exercise “Flame Tree” focused on enhancing the capability of the LDCC and integration with the LDMG by enabling the LDCC personnel to practice working within the Disaster Coordination Centre. Testing the establishment of the LDCC from a functional, collaborating logistical and ICT point of view. The Ipswich City Council would like to acknowledge Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and the State Emergency Services for providing an Inspector and Local Controller for participating in the exercise.
In December 2023, a mock establishment of the LDCC occurred to ensure our preparedness and capability were tested. This setup involved organising logistical resources, setting up the LDCC, audio-visuals and ICT (installation and testing), as well as providing training on incident management and systems refresher to LDCC personnel.
Continuous Improvement
The collective positive outcomes from the training and exercises contribute significantly to the overall preparedness and resilience of LDMG, LRRG and LDCC.
The activities provide an opportunity for reflection and examination of plans, processes, and support arrangements to ensure an ability to undertake disaster operations effectively and efficiently. These opportunities are then incorporated into scheduled reviews and amendments of plans and processes.
Participants from the LRRG praised the exercises for their contributions to local disaster recovery management and multi-agency collaboration, while the LDCC emphasised effective coordination during the disaster exercises. These successes highlight the effectiveness of our training efforts in stimulating disaster response capabilities and leadership skills within our organisation.
Legal IMPLICATIONS
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Disaster Management Act 2003
policy implications
There are no policy implications related to the adoption of this report
RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
There are no risk management implications related to the adoption of this report.
Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
These capability activities are largely funded through the Council’s operational budget. Some of the activities indicated are funded by State and Federal arrangements.
COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION
A training analysis is conducted on the current skills, lessons learnt and feedback from the LDCC, LDMG and LRRG to ensure a consultive and needs-based approach.
Conclusion
The LDMG, LRRG, LDCC and the Council more broadly, are committed to maintaining the ability to respond to disaster events efficiently and effectively through training and exercises involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.
HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS
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HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS |
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RECEIVE AND NOTE REPORT |
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This report is to 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 |
Luke Smith
Emergency Management Officer
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Kristie Mckenna
Senior Emergency Management Officer
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”
