2017-03-07 Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                     7 MARCH 2017


Although in early stages of the trial, the sprinkler system appears to be successful and it is
appropriate to expand the sprinkler system across other residential boundaries as per the
Ecosure Management Options Report. The subsidy program also has had a positive uptake by
neighbours and has improved relations between Council and residents. Subsidies include
cleaning of solar panels, free use of water pressure cleaners, air fresheners, car covers and
clothes line covers
Based on the ongoing need for monitoring and management of the aforementioned strategies
and community feedback, it is recommended that the Flying-Fox Management Officer's position
be continued for another 6 months to 4 October 2017. This will support the delivery of the
sprinkler system and continue to provide subsidies for residents.
In addition, the Flying-Fox Management Officer would be expected to:
       respond to customer requests and complaints;
       draft media releases
       monitor the location, numbers and behaviour of Flying-foxes, particularly in high conflict
         sites such as Wallace Park
       work with fauna care volunteers to deal with sick, injured orphaned and dead bats
       participate in the sprinkler system trial and monitor its effectiveness as guided by the
         Flying-fox management plan and permit
       work with Environment Health Officers with the aerial mosquito treatment program around
         Goat Island to ensure that bats are not dispersed to residential areas
       participate in educational events such as National Bat Night
       design interpretive material such as fact sheets, signs and displays.
If time permits the Flying Fox Management Officer could also assist with responses to other
wildlife matters such as bird attacks (magpies and pee-wees), marine animal strandings (turtles,
whales, dolphins), reptile issues in public areas (snakes) and wildlife mass mortality events
(sooty shearwaters, bats and heat stress events) and implementation of Koala Conservation Plan
actions
Costs for Level 5 position:
To end of financial year 16/17:       $23,299 (to be considered in Budget Review 3)
Next financial year 17/18:            $23,299 (to be considered in 2017/18 budget process)
Total:                                $46,598




Previous Council Consideration
Ordinary Meeting, 17 November 2016, Item 5, Page 6
That Council note the report by the Flying Fox Management Officer to the Planning &
Environment Committee Meeting dated 8 November, 2016 and implement a Subsidised Services
Initiative to provide covers for cars and clotheslines, automatic air fresheners, professional
cleaning of solar panels and access to high pressure water cleaners at a total cost of $10,000
based on predicted subscription.




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